The Eclipse has been offered with both manual and automatic transmissions across its production run, typically a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic with a manual shift mode; there was never a factory CVT.
From 1989 to 2011, the Eclipse spanned four generations and multiple trims, with transmission choices varying by year, engine, and market. This article outlines the transmission options by generation and what buyers should expect when evaluating a used Eclipse today.
First generation (1989–1994)
In the earliest Eclipse models, buyers could choose between a traditional manual gearbox or a conventional automatic transmission.
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic
Before you dive into the details, note that this generation offered two primary options:
Across the first generation, the transmission choice was straightforward: either a manual stick shift or a four-speed automatic, with no CVT offered.
Second generation (1995–1999)
The 2nd generation refined ergonomics and powertrain options, but transmission choices remained aligned with earlier practice.
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic (often with a manual shift mode)
For this generation, buyers commonly encountered:
In summary, the 1995–1999 Eclipse could be ordered with either a manual gearbox or an automatic, the latter usually featuring a manual shift option for sportier driving.
Third generation (2000–2005)
As performance options diversified, the Eclipse continued to offer both primary transmissions, with emphasis on sport-oriented automatic modes.
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic (with manual shift capability)
Transmission choices for this period typically included:
Trims equipped with the V6 powerplant commonly paired with one of these two transmissions, preserving the familiar manual or automatic options.
Fourth generation (2006–2011)
The final generation maintained the established transmission lineup, while introducing modern refinements for both manual enthusiasts and automatic shoppers.
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic (with manual shift mode)
Standard options in this generation were:
Even as horsepower rose in some trims, the Eclipse did not offer a CVT, sticking with the traditional manual or automatic configurations.
Was there a CVT option?
No. Across all four generations (1989–2011), Mitsubishi did not offer a factory CVT for the Eclipse. The lineup consisted of manual transmissions (typically 5-speed) and automatic transmissions (typically 4 speeds) with a manual shift mode in many trims.
Summary
Across its four generations, the Mitsubishi Eclipse provided both manual and automatic transmissions. The standard pairing across most trims was a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode, and there was no factory CVT offered. When shopping for a used Eclipse, confirm the transmission type on the specific model year and trim, as options varied by year.