2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The issues with the Eclipse have always been power and price. The 4-cylinder options have always been underpowered – except when fitted with a turbo – and the V6 options have always bumped the price into Mustang territory. For that money you’d get more power and rear-wheel drive (RWD) with the Mustang, two options that actual sports-car enthusiasts seem to prefer for some reason. It's a shame Mitsubishi never figured that out. Citing poor sales and shifted focus, Mitsubishi has decided to cancel its hefty little front-wheel-drive (FWD) sports coupe, and for its last year of production, things are little different.
To inaugurate the Eclipse’s demise, Mitsubishi planned… not much, actually. It planned to offer a Special Edition that wasn't all that special, but Mitsubishi decided not to produce it at the last second without telling anyone. So the Eclipse coasts into the classifieds with little pomp or circumstance. With GS, GS Sport and GT trims, the Eclipse even tries to sound sporty and fast, but mostly fails to deliver. The GS trims get a 162-hp 4-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual or an archaic 4-speed automatic that kills the little engine’s already lacking acceleration. Around town, things are fine, but at speed you’ll be left wanting with anything but liberal input via the accelerator, which will make it hard to achieve the 20 mpg city/27 highway rating the 4-speed claims. The manual offers better control of the engine’s meager power as well as an additional mpg on the highway, but will require frequent gear changes to keep up. No shocker there, as the 162 lb-ft of torque offered don’t arrive until 4,000 rpm.
However the GT gets a 5-speed automatic and a V6 engine with 100 extra lb-ft and 103 extra hp, and it suffers from no such power or operational penalties, short of the drop in mileage to 16/24. It’s eager and capable off the line and at speed, but doesn’t offer a manual transmission as an option. More significantly, the price for the GT starts at just shy of $30,000. For that money, you could have a V8 Mustang with RWD and your choice of 6-speed transmissions. That’ll get you 412 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque and still deliver 17/26 mpg. For an apples to apples comparison, the V6 Mustang will give you 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, plus it’ll top 30 mpg on the highway and costs only $23,000. No wonder the Eclipse is bowing out.
A special edition SE trim was supposed to mark the end of the Eclipse line with SE stripes along the rocker panels, as well as black mirrors and 18-inch wheels in dark gray. There were tech options inside, like a 650-Watt Rockford Fosgate stereo and heated leather seats, but it was only to be made available with the 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic for some reason. Perhaps Mitsubishi realized just how far from special this all seemed. At any rate, even this paltry offering failed to manifest.
Some fizzle, some fade, and some just end. The Mitsubishi Eclipse has tried to win our hearts over the last 20+ years whether as a coupe, convertible or movie star, but it never really landed on solid ground. Its cancellation in 2012 comes with little fanfare and less protest, doomed to nestle into the corners of the classifieds reserved for those rare beasts that leave the majority of the car culture crowd asking, “Why?”
User reviews for 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Write a review2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 140 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: two tone · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 140 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.21
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: two tone · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.21
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: two tone · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.21
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: two tone · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: two tone · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
