2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
Price Estimate: $2,983 - $4,665
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Appraise My Mitsubishi EclipseEdmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Distinctive styling, plenty of standard equipment, V6 power in GT trim.
Cons
- Doesn't provide much driving excitement, uninspired interior design, antilock brakes are available only as part of an expensive package.
What’s new
Only trivial changes are in store for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Two new exterior colors (Titanium and Flash Blue) are added, as well as a Mitsubishi triple-diamond chrome badge. GS and GT models get illuminated vanity mirrors and a glovebox lamp as standard equipment.
Edmunds says
The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is more of a comfortable cruiser than an apex-strafing sport coupe.
For sale near Columbus, OH
Vehicle overview
Last redesigned in 2000, the Mitsubishi Eclipse stakes its claim on edgy styling and quick performance at an affordable price. While Mitsubishi's sport coupe is a popular seller, 2002 brings on a host of new or revised competitors, and many of them are superior choices in our opinion.
The Eclipse is offered in three trim levels: RS, GS and GT. All three models can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, with GS and GT automatics featuring a sequential-shift Sportronic mode. The base four-cylinder engine found in the RS and GS models displaces 2.4 liters and produces 147 horsepower (140 hp with the automatic). The GT model comes equipped with a responsive 3.0-liter V6 engine making 200 horsepower.
Standard equipment on every 2002 includes power windows and door locks, an engine immobilizer and anti-theft system, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a CD player, auto-off headlights and alloy wheels. The mid-level GS gets 16-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, cruise control, remote keyless entry, lumbar support and a split-folding rear seat.
For the most toys, pick the GT. This nets the 17-inch wheels and four-wheel disc brakes, as well as opening up access to the swank option packages. The Premium package adds items like a premium audio system with an in-dash four-disc CD changer, power leather seats, a power sunroof, antilock brakes and front side airbags. Traction control is also part of this package, but only if the automatic transmission is ordered.
Mitsubishi calls the Eclipse's styling "geo-mechanical." Our editors are split on the overall look, but the coupe-like roofline, arched fenders and ribbed doors certainly give the Eclipse an edge in distinctiveness.
Less successful is the interior design of the car. Featuring a symmetrical cockpit, it is lackluster in appearance and heavy on low-grade interior materials. The Eclipse does have a unique top-mounted display for the audio system, with the idea being that this keeps the driver's eyes on the road. In our experience, we still have to look down to fiddle with the buttons on the stereo, so what's the point?
The front seats are softly padded, a nice attribute for long commutes. More aggressive drivers will be begging for additional side support, and rear passengers will want more of just about everything, including headroom, legroom and thigh support.
Eclipses are generally pleasant to drive. Power from the four-cylinder is certainly adequate, and the V6 provides ample torque throughout the rpm range. Dynamically, the car is better suited for cruising rather than hard driving. The suspension is softly tuned, and driver involvement is minimal.
While the Eclipse is a decent car, buyers looking for more excitement should check out the Acura RSX, Toyota Celica or Ford Mustang. And if you want a quality interior and a refined image, European-designed two-doors, such as the Volkswagen GTI or the upcoming Mini Cooper, are superior.
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners of the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse genuinely appreciate its fun-to-drive nature and distinctive style. Many drivers mention the car's striking appearance, often noting how it catches the attention of others on the road. The Eclipse's handling, especially in manual transmission models, is frequently highlighted for providing an engaging driving experience. Owners enjoy the zippy performance, particularly with the V6 engine, which offers satisfying acceleration and can outperform newer or comparable models like the Honda Civic Si on the track. Its reliability over the years has been a strong point for many, with several mentioning minimal mechanical issues when regular maintenance routines are followed. The Eclipse also stands out for its comfortable ride, with some noting the surprisingly good quality of the stock stereo system and the comfort of the seating, which enhances the driving pleasure on long commutes. For those who maintained their vehicles well, this car has proven itself as a dependable companion through the years.
Common Issues
The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is notorious for several recurring issues that frustrate owners. One of the most commonly reported problems is the poor durability of the interior materials, with many experiencing cracked dashboards and deteriorating interior plastics. The air conditioning systems often fail, leaving drivers struggling with faulty compressors and condensers, which can be costly to repair. Transmission troubles are another headache, with both manual and automatic owners citing issues like noisy operation and complete transmission failure, particularly in high mileage situations. Additionally, the vehicle's exterior components, like factory rims, are prone to cracking, requiring premature replacement. Poor water sealing is also a frequent complaint, as some owners report leaks during rainstorms, which can lead to further electrical issues like malfunctioning radios. Finally, the sunroof mechanisms often underperform, with motors unable to fully operate the sunroof without manual assistance.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse offers drivers a mixed bag of experiences in terms of daily satisfaction and long-term reliability. Many owners find pleasure in the Eclipse's engaging driving dynamics, noting its sporty handling and lively acceleration as highlights of their daily commutes. However, daily usability can be hampered by the low ride height, which some drivers find cumbersome in getting in and out, especially in cramped parking situations. While routine maintenance seems to keep the car running smoothly for numerous drivers, others have encountered persistent mechanical issues as their vehicles age, such as transmission failures and constant maintenance needs. The interior, although initially attractive, tends to show wear and tear more quickly than expected, leading to complaints about aesthetics during everyday use. Yet, the vehicle's eye-catching design continues to turn heads and draw compliments, giving owners a sense of pride in ownership. These mixed experiences highlight the Eclipse's dual nature as both a source of driving enjoyment and a sometimes-unpredictable companion over the years.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$215/mo for Eclipse RS
Eclipse RS
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 15V338000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-15-005
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-12-17 to 1999-04-05
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 459618
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
- Recall Number:
- 06E060000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 87745
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Defect Consequence:
- LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
- Corrective Action:
- AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
- Recall Number:
- 06E026000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 61944
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Defect Consequence:
- WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Corrective Action:
- PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Recall Number:
- 04V428000
- Manufactured from:
- 1999-06-01 to 2003-09-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 100432
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Corrective Action:
- MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Mitsubishi Eclipse Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(61%)
4(26%)
3(8%)
2(4%)
1(1%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Hershers like GTs
5 out of 5 starsdoobesq, 06/12/2002
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
It took me about 3 months to settle on
my car, short by my standards. I've
never owned a Mitsubishi, so I was a
bit leery of trying them out. So far,
I'm very pleased. I change oil, but
thats about it. The car hums and
absolutely loves to run. It has great
mid-range power and acceptable low-end
torque thanks to the V6. This is a
great compromise between a … sports-car
and a daily driver.
Not a good car at all
3.75 out of 5 starsappared1992, 07/08/2010
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I have had this car for over a year and I have experienced problem after problem with it. 1. The shocks went out. 2. The transmission went out. 3. The car wouldn't shift correctly. 4. The air conditioner went out. 5. The "Service Engine" light is constantly on. 6. The rim to the wheel cracked. 7. The headlights barely light up anything, even in the darkest part of the night. 8. It always … leaks when it rains. I have spent over $12,000 fixing this car, and I'm about to spend another $1,000 to fix the air conditioner. I only recommend this car for people who like to spend money on their cars.
My NorthStar Pony (keeping the car until I die)
5 out of 5 starstopzy, 05/24/2011
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
When I was a junior in high school in 2002 I got this car to impress a girl. I guess it worked since we ended getting engaged (2 years ago we broke up though)
Anyways, this car is very reliable. Sure, after owning a car for 9 years it's bound to break down sometimes. Thankfully, my dear car has never left me stranded anywhere. What was wrong wit it? Usually after market things I had … installed (like the alarm).
She is pretty old and replacement parts have been needed. The things that hold the hatch stopped working, so I got them at a junk yard for like $5. The A/C juuuust broke down on me, lol, i used that thing all the time, even in the winter. Dash had to be replaced, thats all.
Great First Car
4 out of 5 starsZach, 02/16/2016
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Pretty damn good true first car. This is the first car i bought on my own. My sisters boyfriend is actually the reason i got one. He owned a 2007 Eclipse manually v6. I wanted one right away after driving his for awhile. I liked the look of the 3g Eclipse though and i bought mine before going to college with around 110k miles. Wanted to impress the girls so to say with the car. Love the … way the car looks and love that its manual. This is a great car to put aftermarket parts in and make that 4 banger run.
Pros:
Fun car to drive around in
Great handling can pull turns going 85mph with breeze
Very light car
Looks great
Fun car to put money into
Cons:
Interior is pretty cheap material
AC is shot don't work
Cruise control is shot doesn't work
Back seats uncomfortable
Overall not a bad car if you can find one with low miles as these models tend to have a lot of problems when getting up there in miles. Car will run way better if you invest money into the car and its performance.
2002 Eclipse Features & Specs
RS
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $18,087 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $215/month |
| Seating | 4 seats |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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