2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe review

The new 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe

Available in three distinct trim levels - the GS, GS Sport and the more powerful GT model,- as well as a special edition SE model for the 2012 model year before production ceases on this truly iconic Japanese sports car. With its signature exterior styling and robust performance, the Eclipse has long held a special place in the heart of automotive enthusiasts who appreciated its reputation as an “attainable exotic.”

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse photo

The curvaceously styled Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe features a precision-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension, a chassis with excellent structural rigidity and the convenience of a 2+2 seating arrangement with 50:50 split-folding rear seat backs for enhanced cargo capability, making it an ideal sports car for everyday use in the real world.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse photo

Both the GS (starting MSRP $19,499) and the GS Sport (starting MSRP $24,699) models are powered by the 2.4-liter SOHC MIVEC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine that produces a very eager 162 horsepower. The base GS model is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission with an optional 4-speed automatic ($1000) while the GS Sport comes exclusively with the 4-speed automatic unit. The richly-appointed and more powerful Eclipse GT (starting MSRP $29,089) features a potent 265 horsepower, 3.8-liter SOHC MIVEC 24-valve V-6 that is paired with a silky smooth 5-speed automatic transmission that features Mitsubishi’s Sportronic® transmission technology, allowing the driver the thrill of manual gearshift control when desired.

The base model GS includes a number of plentiful array of standard accessories including a 6 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playing capability and auxiliary audio input jack; air conditioning; automatic shut off headlamps; 18-inch alloy wheels; power windows/locks/mirrors; leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control; anti-theft system; keyless entry with remote tailgate and panic alarm feature and dual exhaust outlets with exhaust finishers.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse photo

Additional major standard features included on the GS Sport version are high-tech HID headlamps; leather seating surfaces; handy steering wheel-mounted audio controls; heated front seats and side mirrors; a power driver’s seat; power sliding glass sunroof with sunshade; a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system; rearview camera and a powerful 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio system with 9 speakers (including a 10-in. subwoofer) and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse photo

Based on the GS Sport, the new SE special edition model displays extraordinary styling with eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels with dark argent finish, black side view mirrors, and an exclusive SE exterior side decal.

The top-of-the-line Eclipse GT model includes all of the key features from the GS Sport (dual heated power side view mirrors, a front strut tower bar, aluminum scuff plates and a 6-way heated power driver’s seat with a single height and lumber support adjuster) but also adds automatic climate control.

Standard safety features included in all Mitsubishi Eclipse models are 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); and an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS), side air bags and side curtain air bags.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse photo

Key Specifications

Wheelbase: 104.1 in.
Length: 180.4 in.
Height: 53.8 in.
Width: 72.2 in.
Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,272 lbs. / GT, 5-speed auto - 3,609 lbs.

Major Standard Features

Black painted roof
140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers
18-in. alloy wheels
50:50 split fold-down rear seat backs
Air conditioning
Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
Front seat side curtain air bags
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Active Stability Control (ASC)
Cruise control
Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
Keyless entry
Power windows, locks and mirrors
Tilt steering wheel
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tires
Front strut tower bar
Dual exhaust system
Electronic traction control

Eclipse GS Sport adds:

Leather seating surfaces
Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio
SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription
HID projector-type headlamps
Bluetooth® hands-free system
Power glass sunroof
Rearview camera
Heated front seats and side view mirrors
Power driver’s seat
Steering wheel audio controls
Aluminum pedals
Fog lights
Clear lip spoiler
Center display with outside temperature and compass
High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
Fog lamps

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse photo

Eclipse SE adds:

18” alloy wheels w/ dark argent finish
Black side view mirrors
SE side decal (exterior)

Eclipse GT adds:

265 bhp 3.8-liter V-6 engine
5-speed Sportronic automatic transmission
Automatic climate control
Dual exhaust system
Larger ventilated rear disc brakes