The last Mitsubishi Eclipse was produced in 2012, ending the traditional sport coupe lineage after four generations. Since then, Mitsubishi has not built a new conventional Eclipse, though the name resurfaced later on a different body style with the Eclipse Cross in 2017.
Overview of the Eclipse lineage
The Mitsubishi Eclipse began as a compact two-door sport coupe in 1990 and evolved through four generations, preserving a niche appeal among enthusiasts even as overall sales shifted toward crossover and SUV models.
Last generation and the end of production
The fourth-generation Eclipse, produced for the 2006–2012 period, marked the final chapter of the traditional Eclipse two-door coupe. Production for the model year 2012 represented the last new Eclipses built, as Mitsubishi redirected its focus to crossovers and SUVs in a changing market. The Eclipse name then lay dormant in the traditional form until a revival in a different genre several years later.
Key generations of the Eclipse
Below is a concise timeline of the four generations and their approximate production spans.
- First generation: 1990–1994
- Second generation: 1995–1999
- Third generation: 2000–2005
- Fourth generation: 2006–2012
The four generations show the model's evolution, culminating in the 2012 end of traditional Eclipse production and setting the stage for a badge revival in a different form later on.
The Eclipse name reappears in a new form
In 2017, Mitsubishi revived the Eclipse badge as the Eclipse Cross, a compact crossover—not a direct continuation of the original sport coupe. The move reflected a broader shift in the automotive market toward utility vehicles while preserving the brand’s naming heritage for a new audience.
What this means for enthusiasts and collectors
For fans and collectors, the 2012 Eclipse stands as the final chapter of the traditional line. Condition, provenance, and originality influence value, with the model's rarity and cultural significance often cited in collector markets.
Summary: The last traditional Mitsubishi Eclipse was produced in 2012, ending the sport coupe lineage after four generations. The name reappeared in 2017 on the Eclipse Cross, a different vehicle class, signaling a shift in Mitsubishi's product strategy while preserving the Eclipse legacy in a new form.