The first two generations share the automobile platform and parts with the rebadged Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser captive imports.

In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza.

According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Eclipse was named after an unbeaten 18th-century English racehorse that won 18 races in a row and then retired.

[6] The first-generation Eclipse underwent minor styling changes during its production; the car received updated, more ovoid sheet metal for 1992.

In the European market, only a single trim was available (sold either as plain "Eclipse", or with GS or GSi badging depending on the importer), fitted with the 2-liter DOHC engine producing 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp).

The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) has a lower compression ratio of 7.8:1 and oil squirters under the pistons for better cooling from extra heat created by forced induction.

A convertible model, named the Eclipse Spyder, was introduced in 1996 and offered in two trim levels; the GS and the GS-T.

This model exceeded Japanese government's compact car regulations regarding exterior dimensions (maximum width of 1,700 mm (66.9 in)), therefore incurred a more expensive annual road tax obligation.

It also included the leather interior package, accented exhaust exit, “silver” gauges, mud flaps, and higher-profile spoiler that were available as standard equipment on GS-T coupe and GSX models.

It used a naturally-aspirated Mitsubishi 4G63 motor, similar to what was available in the 1G, unique side-view mirrors, and amber rear turn signals.

[13] A black leather interior option was only available in 1999; the package included all seats (with the 'Mitsubishi' logo embroidered on both of the fronts), door inserts, and a center console armrest.

In addition, optional equipment was also available such as a trunk-mounted CD player, leather interior on the GS and GS-T [Note 4] and HomeLink and other items such as floormats and wheel locks.

The second-generation Eclipse received numerous Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) affecting a variety of issues with the car however there was one notable powertrain recall.

All 2G Eclipses came standard with driver and front-passenger airbags, side-guard door beams, front and rear body structure crumple zones, 5 mph energy-absorbing bumpers, safety-cage body construction, 4-wheel disc brakes (except RS), three-point ELR/ALR lap/shoulder safety belts (ELR only for the driver) and height-adjustable front shoulder belts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings of the 2G Eclipse:[9] 1995 and 1996 "Driver's Choice Award" - MotorWeek[15] The Eclipse underwent a change into its third generation in 1999, closely applying the Mitsubishi SST design study which debuted at the 1998 North American International Auto Show.

This vehicle included an engine with a 10:1 compression ratio, revised camshaft profile, and an improved Mitsubishi Variable Induction Management (MVIM) air intake system that gave the car an extra 10 hp (7.5 kW) and a slightly improved power curve.

With the introduction of the 2003 GTS model, the Eclipse saw minor changes including a redesigned front bumper with slotted fog lights, as well as a recoloring of the taillights.

In 2003, the 3.0 L V6 was improved for the GTS and GT/GTS Spyder, using a revised camshaft profile, raised compression ratio of 10:1 and variable-length MVIM intake manifold.

The GS has a 162 hp (121 kW) 2.4 L MIVEC four-cylinder engine, both derived from the Mitsubishi PS platform family, with which the Eclipse shares many mechanical components.

The fourth-generation Spyder (convertible) Eclipse was released for the 2007 model year at the North American International Auto Show.

Options Include- Premium Sport Package with 18 in (460 mm) seven-spoke alloy wheels, leather front seating surfaces, a power sunroof, an eight-way-adjustable (six power) driver's seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, air conditioning, and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers that included a 10-in (254 mm) trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD/MP3-compatible in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was given a minor facelift for the 2009 model year, the front fascia changed the fog lights and deleted the triangle housing the "three diamond" logo used to sit on in the grille; the rear fascia changed the "Eclipse" insignia from an indent to raised silver letters.

The V6 engine now rated at 265 hp (198 kW) and 262 lb⋅ft (355 N⋅m) of torque in part due to the more open front fascia as well as a new stock dual exhaust system.

[27] For the 2012 model year, the Eclipse received three slight changes: brake override logic, a clear lip spoiler on the GT trim, and one new exterior color.

According to a review and rating by Motor Trend, the fourth-generation Eclipse was described as "dated" - but its "exterior design still stands out among sporty coupes currently available.

This was the only Eclipse equipped with both the 3.8L/265 hp V6 engine and the commemorative SE package, as well as special 18-inch Dark Argent alloy wheels and one-of-a-kind graphics.

It is also built with a sunroof, leather interior, 650W Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system with Sirius XM, hands-free Bluetooth phone interface, rear-view camera, and HID headlights.

[41] In 2004 and 2005, Greg Collier won the NASA Super Unlimited class national title in a Plymouth Laser RS Turbo.

[43] In 2012, a heavily built and tuned Mitsubishi Eclipse piloted by Mark Rybníček won the Czech Hill Climb championship.

Brent Rau has won three world drag racing championships using an Eclipse; IDRC, NDRA, and NHRA.