Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st Gen
A 90s Japanese sports coupe icon, the first-gen Eclipse is famous for its potent turbocharged 4G63 engine and advanced all-wheel drive in the top GSX trim. Once a tuner favorite, clean, unmodified examples are now becoming increasingly rare and sought-after.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st Gen ranges from $1,500 to $30,399, based on 205 sales tracked on Hypercars. 71 currently for sale.
The first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was the product of Diamond-Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture with Chrysler that also produced the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser. While base models offered economical fun, the lineup's stars were the turbocharged GS-T and all-wheel drive GSX. These cars featured the legendary 4G63T 2.0L inline-four, which produced 195 horsepower and became a favorite of the tuning community for its immense power potential.
Decades of affordable performance meant many Eclipses were heavily modified, raced, and wrecked, making clean, original examples incredibly scarce today. Collectors prize the GSX for its advanced-for-the-time all-wheel drive system and potent turbo engine, a combination that made it a formidable performance car. Its prominent role in 90s import culture and films like 'The Fast and the Furious' has cemented its iconic status.
The market for 1st-gen Eclipses is now clearly divided. Modified projects and base models remain affordable, but demand for low-mileage, unmodified GS-T and especially GSX models has pushed prices upward. With 26 recent sales averaging $11,897 and top examples hitting $26,000, the best cars are no longer cheap beaters but are being recognized as true Japanese classics.
Buying Tips
- Check 4G63T engines for signs of 'crank walk' by checking for excessive crankshaft end play. Earlier 6-bolt engines (1990-1992.5) are generally more durable than later 7-bolt versions.
- Inspect common rust areas like strut towers, rocker panels, wheel arches, and the floor pans, particularly on cars from wet climates.
- On all-wheel drive GSX models, look for leaks from the transfer case and listen for whining noises that can indicate differential issues.
- Prioritize unmodified examples. A stock car is a rare find and a much safer investment than one with a history of questionable modifications.
- For turbo models, check the turbocharger for shaft play and watch for blue smoke from the exhaust on acceleration, which indicates worn seals.
Based on 26 recent sales, prices range from $3,750 to $26,000, with an average sale price of $11,897.
205 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 71 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $8,484,575.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st Gen cost?
Based on 205 sales tracked on Hypercars, Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st Gen prices typically range from $1,500 to $30,399. There are 71 currently for sale.
How many Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 71 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.