1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.8

Summary:

The drive train just wouldn't die, but the computer would go if you looked at it wrong

Faults:

A/C was out when I bought it.

Needed a new clutch.

Computers tend to blow.

It smokes.

General Comments:

Considering the mileage and the abuse that had been laid on it, it was a good car.

The A/C goes out on everything and anything. Come to think of it, I've never had any A/C, ever.

The clutch is a wear item, you've got to expect that.

The computers (ECM) usually go out around 100,000 miles. If you replace it with a used computer, then expect it to go out at anytime. Either replace it with a new computer ($900) or a rebuilt computer ($350).

Mitsu's also tend to smoke.

I paid $500 for the car with a bad clutch, so it was well worth the money for the years I had it. When I sold it, it had popped the used computer I had put in it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2001

5th Sep 2001, 11:29

The problem with the computer (ECU) is the capacitors tend to leak after about 7 years. This isn't rare for any electronic part and can be fixed for under $50 by having the capacitors replaced. If you know what you're doing you can even do it for the cost of the parts, about $5. --Bottom line. If you own a DSM, then get the capacitors checked for leakage and replace them if your car is more than 5-7 years old. This is probably true for ANY car.

20th Dec 2001, 16:19

My '90 Eagle Talon 2WD starts without incident sometimes, then has problems other times. The dealer said the idle speed motor went bad and took out the ECM. Does this sound reasonable? Can I seek the rebuilt part(s)?

1st May 2005, 12:27

I bought my 90 Eclipse GS 2.0 3 years ago with a bad exhaust valve. The engine still started every time with ease, ran good for the fact it was running on three cylinders at the time. The engine just wouldn't die. I haven't had any other problems with the engine. I've had other minor problems with the car, but for the fact there's 167k miles on the car it's been a good car.

1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.0 DOHC 16v Non-turbo

Summary:

If you want speed, although non-turbo, this is the way to go

Faults:

All went bad when first purchased.

EGR Valve needed to be replaced.

Throttle body had massive amounts of carbon built up on the butterfly.

General Comments:

The car was built for speed, so that's what I've done to it.

I've upgraded the engine, ECU, exhaust, intake, and a few others.

Car is quick, and runs smooth.

If you treat your car well, it will treat you well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2001

21st Aug 2001, 22:23

You have only put that few of miles on the car? How do you know anything about it, if that's all you've driven it? And in 2 years? I think there is a typo? I've had my Eclipse for 4 days, and already put a 1,000 miles on it.

24th Mar 2004, 12:23

" I have had my 90 Eclipse gs 2.0 turbo for two weeks. There is always something to upgrade like toys, I race it, I am 10 for 10"

1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 1.8

Summary:

Absolute crap!

Faults:

The clutch went at 99000, normal.

Replaced the rack and pinion.

Replaced entire brake set-up.

Sun roof broke.

Both front end tie rods.

Computer blew at 100,000.

CV joints went.

Replaced power steering.

Engine leaks terribly, even after replacing the valve cover gasket.

O2 sensor.

Had to get a new exhaust system.

General Comments:

About the only good thing I have to say about this car was that it looked good.

I had constant problems with it, and at the end when I sold it the car was having problems at high end rpms.

Woe be it to any poor soul who buys a Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th February, 2001

5th Sep 2001, 11:33

I would never buy a 1.8 liter or even a non-turbo eclipse, talon or laser. Stick to turbo or turbo AWD which is the platform they were made for. Then you'll find the problems are well worth it (although yours are rather harsh and out of the ordinary).

14th Oct 2001, 20:55

It's also an eleven year old car. I would be mad as a hornet too if I had those problems with my car, but all that notwithstanding - the fact still remains that it's getting on in years.

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