The Mitsubishi Eclipse is one of the most recognizable cars in the world. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a collector, or simply love cars, you must have come across this legend. Originating from a collaboration between the companies Mitsubishi and Chrysler, the Eclipse was built at the Mitsubishi/Chrysler plant in Normal, Illinois, and was sold by Chrysler dealers.
The Eclipse was part of the Diamond-Star coupe which also included its siblings, the Plymouth Laser and the Eagle Talon. So here we take a look at how the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse became such an iconic car.
The First Generation
Introduced in 1989 through a partnership with Chrysler, the Mitsubishi Eclipse quickly gained popularity for its sporty appeal and turbocharged engine options. The joint venture of two big players in the automotive industry also resulted in multiple brand variants, including the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser.
One of the main reasons behind the Eclipse’s claim to fame was its striking and aerodynamic design, featuring pop-up headlights, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive rear spoiler.
With a legacy that lasted for over four generations, the first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse established itself as a compact hatchback that offered a convertible body style at an affordable price point. Moreover, the customization potential of the Eclipse is what made the car a big hit among the tuning community.
Powerful Performance
At first glance, you may see this tiny car as a daily driver, but when it comes to performance, the Eclipse leaves no stone unturned. This could be credited to the heart of the 1990 Eclipse, a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine mated with a manual transmission that unleashed a potent 195 horsepower, a remarkable feat for its time.
Moreover, this engine provided exhilarating acceleration, propelling the Eclipse from 0 to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds, making it a popular choice for burning rubber on a drag strip.
Its precisely tuned suspension and responsive steering allowed for nimble cornering and an exceptional road feel, making it the perfect sports car. Whether you were carving through twisty mountain roads or dominating the track, the Eclipse delivered a dynamic driving experience that would be hard to forget.
Additionally, the Eclipse’s potential for modification allowed owners to extract even more performance and individuality from the Eclipse. The aftermarket industry embraced the Eclipse, offering a plethora of upgrades and customizations that elevated its performance even higher.
An Exclusive Car
The 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse succeeded the 1989 model, which marked the beginning of the Eclipse’s legacy, which lasted for four generations. While the first Eclipse made a big splash upon its introduction, the same could not be said for its further years in the market.
By the time the Eclipse turned four, it was getting outperformed by its competitors left, right, and center. Despite Mistusbishi’s attempt to push the car toward younger drivers by including all-wheel drive and a facelift, the car simply failed to resonate with the needs of the market.
This early demise meant limited availability of the first-gen Mitsubishi Eclipse and even fewer 1990 Eclipses. Not to mention its limited availability in markets, as Mitsubishi only sold them in countries like Japan, North America, the Middle East, South Korea, the Philippines, Brazil, and China, which made the car even tougher to acquire as it saw a lot of interest from enthusiasts from countries where it was unavailable.
A Tuners Delight
The Mitsubishi Eclipse of all things is a true tuner’s dream. The Eclipse’s turbocharged 1.8-liter engine became the perfect car to experiment with and paint their high-performance dreams on. Thanks to its solid chassis and adaptable suspension, tuners could push the car to its limits. Custom suspension setups, performance brakes, and precision steering enhancements further enhanced the Eclipse’s performance.
Beyond pure performance, the Eclipse’s sleek lines and sporty demeanor were a tuner’s delight. Body kits, spoilers, and custom paint jobs transformed it into a head-turning masterpiece. Wheel choices and interior modifications allowed enthusiasts to create personalized works of automotive art.
The car has become such a legend in the tuning community that to this day you will find enthusiast forums, gatherings, and clubs united by like-minded individuals who share a passion for extracting the utmost from this compact sports car.
Conclusion
Overall, the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a fine car from an era of automotive history that was known for pushing the boundaries. This compact sports car, crafted through a collaboration between Mitsubishi and Chrysler, became an iconic sports car that is sought-after to this date. Whether it was its performance, compact design, or potential for tuning, the Eclipse became a rightful success amongst young drivers and enthusiasts who wanted a compact sports car at an affordable price point.
