2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
Price Estimate: $4,060 - $5,817





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable front seats
- relatively roomy cargo area.
Cons
- High price
- convertible's poor outward visibility
- sluggish acceleration with GS models
- torque steer with GT
- small backseat
- no telescoping wheel
- lackluster interior quality.
What’s new
For 2012, a new special-edition Mitsubishi Eclipse "SE" model debuts with a number of appearance upgrades.
Edmunds says
Outdated in just about every aspect, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse just can't keep up with the latest sport coupes and convertibles.
For sale nearby
17 listings
- $8,500fair price$56 below market
- 91,283 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Scott Family Motors (408 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
Close
Located in Springville, IA
WARRANTY INCLUDED IN PRICE!!!!! AMAZING 28 MILE per gallon four cylinder. Serviced and NEW tires. ONE OWNER!!!!!! LOW MILEAGE!!!!! Factory equipped wi...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4A31K5DF9CE002263
Stock: 002263
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-21-2025 - 148,860 miles
- 2 accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Titletown Auto Sales (475 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
Close
Located in Green Bay, WI
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4A31K5DF4CE005488
Stock: bm5488
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Every once in a while a car's name takes on a second and entirely unintended meaning. Such is the case with the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Eclipse coupe and Spyder convertible, both in their last year of production, were once darlings of the sport compact scene. In the last few years, however, a new breed of inexpensive, fun-to-drive coupes and convertibles have literally eclipsed the old favorite.
The problems start under the hood. Even when this latest-generation Eclipse was new, its base four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic were pretty mediocre. Today, that combination lags in both performance and fuel economy. The 265-horsepower V6 powering the Eclipse GT is a better fit for the car's avant-garde styling, but again it's outclassed. Most current V6 sport coupes and convertibles boast at least 300 hp and better fuel economy.
Other downsides include a small backseat, lackluster interior quality and a high price. The latter might not be much of an issue, as dealers will likely have plenty of cash incentives to wave around. Even so, we'd recommend shoppers try the Chevrolet Camaro V6, Ford Mustang V6 and Hyundai Genesis Coupe. All are better choices. If you're only looking for a sexy shape and good fuel economy, put the Kia Forte Koup and Scion tC on your test-drive list.
Performance & mpg
Power for the front-wheel-drive 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder comes from one of two engines. GS, GS Sport and SE models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The GS comes standard with a five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic is an option. The auto comes standard on the GS Sport and SE. EPA estimated fuel economy with either transmission is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
The Eclipse GT gets a 3.6-liter V6 good for 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. This engine requires premium fuel and its estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder's standard safety features include four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control and front seat side-impact airbags. Coupe models also get front side curtain airbags, while the Spyder gets taller side airbags that cover occupants' heads. The rear seats lack head restraints. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Eclipse Spyder earned a top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side crash tests.
Driving
Behind the wheel, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse underwhelms. The four-cylinder engine can barely propel the hefty car with any authority. The more powerful V6 is better suited to this application, though hard acceleration usually results in spinning tires and heavy doses of torque steer.
Handling is competent, though the large turning circle hampers slow-speed maneuverability. The Spyder exhibits noticeable chassis flex over rough pavement, but not enough to detract from the joys of al fresco motoring.
Interior
Both the Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder offer attractive interiors, though the overall impression is cheapened somewhat by the use of low-quality plastics. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel means some drivers may struggle to find an ideal driving position.
Rear seatbacks are too upright to be comfortable for more than a short trip, and taller passengers will also crave more headroom here. Those seatbacks split 50/50, however, and folding down both sections creates a healthy 15.7 cubic feet of cargo room.
The most notable difference in the Spyder's passenger cabin is that the three-layer cloth convertible top makes for limited visibility out the back. The power-operated top can be lowered in about 20 seconds, but doing so cuts cargo capacity to a meager 5.2 cubic feet.
2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse models
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is offered in both four-passenger coupe and convertible (Spyder) body styles. Coupe models are offered in four trim levels -- GS, GS Sport, SE and GT -- while the Eclipse Spyder comes in just those last three flavors.
The entry-level GS model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, air-conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, 50/50 split-folding rear seatbacks and a six-speaker CD sound system with an auxiliary audio input jack.
The GS Sport adds xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, heated power mirrors, a rear wiper, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and steering wheel controls. The Spyder GS Sport includes a power convertible roof. The new SE model gets all that, plus special styling details that include distinctive dark gray alloy wheels, matching rocker panel graphics and black mirrors.
The GT adds a standard V6 engine, bigger rear brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and automatic climate control. There are no significant factory options to speak of, but there are a number of dealer-installed accessories including an iPod adapter.

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Compare 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$167/mo for Eclipse GS
Eclipse GS
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#17 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$325/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
1.14x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
11.3%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Mitsubishi Eclipse Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
I love my car
5 out of 5 starsken, 09/20/2008
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Great car. Handles like a much more expensive sports car with sporty styling. Great acceleration for a 4 cylinder and truly a fun drive. It is a 2 door hatchback that makes you excited to go anywhere. I couldn't be happier with it.
Love this car
4.88 out of 5 starsChas, 01/30/2010
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 2dr Hatchback (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
This car is the best performance and style value on the market. I looked at many others before deciding on the Eclipse GT Spyder. This car is hands down the most fun to drive for the money you can buy. Why this car doesn't get more respect from the "Professional Reviewers" is beyond me. Buy one, you will love it!
Love at first sight!
4.75 out of 5 starsRob, 03/26/2010
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
This car is awesome. The price was great! Especially for a car of this year and miles it came with. Before deciding to go for the Eclipse I looked at the Mustang and the Honda Accord Coupe but both these car lose in looks and Warranty. I'm thankful I bought this car even though its the GS model it comes with many standard features. It drives like a dream very fast and peppy for a 4cyl … engine. Miles per gallon are okay considering the weight of this vehicle and the safety features. Great car for the money!
Fun little car
4 out of 5 starsChriss, 01/21/2018
2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Actually my daughter purchased this car back in November, and I love it. The 4 cylinder motor isn't the fastest car on the road but it is really fun to drive. The sound system rocks and the heated seats are nice to have this winter. With a 10 inch bass cannon behind the back seat, the neighbors here us when we come and go. Lots of nice features with this car. Cannot comment on long term … dependability since our 2012 has only 35,000 miles, but we love it so far.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse, so we've included reviews for other years of the Eclipse since its last redesign.
2012 Eclipse Highlights
GS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,499 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $167/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Eclipse include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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