DecodedCars2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Gs 2dr Coupe, GT-P 2dr Coupe, Spyder 2dr Conv Gs, Spyder 2dr Conv GT-P
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274–3,671 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,274 lb (Gs 2dr Coupe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 9% better than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
- Lightest version 198 lb lighter
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Eclipse →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gs 2dr Coupe | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.7 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,274 lb | 59/41 |
| GT-P 2dr Coupe | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.7 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,472 lb | 59/41 |
| Spyder 2dr Conv Gs | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.3 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,472 lb | 59/41 |
| Spyder 2dr Conv GT-P | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.7 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,671 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +9% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Eclipse Spyder | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +9% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Eclipse Spyder | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +9% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Eclipse | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +4% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Eclipse | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Eclipse Spyder | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Eclipse Spyder | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Eclipse | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Jun 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V337000 · 74,836 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system (ABS) unit, one or more of the internal valves may seize. In a braking event that uses the ABS, a seized valve would increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability.
- Risk
- A sudden reduction of braking performance may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, flush and clean the ABS hydraulic unit using high grade brake fluid, free of charge. If the inspection shows that the valves may seize, the ABS unit will be replaced. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-004.
Not every 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 49 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Eclipse years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2011 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 43 |
| 2007 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 96 |
| 2006 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 52 |
| 2005 Eclipse | 23 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →