The 1996-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (2nd Gen) was a significant model for Mitsubishi, offering both sporty coupe and convertible variants with a focus on performance and styling. It competed in the compact sports coupe segment against rivals like the Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, and Nissan 240SX.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6
Key Features
Vehicle Strengths:
Available turbocharged engines (GT/GTS trims), All-Wheel Drive option, distinctive styling, good handling dynamics.
Manual Value Proposition:
This comprehensive manual provides owners and technicians with the detailed information required to maintain, diagnose, and repair all aspects of the 1996-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Available with turbocharged engines (GT/GTS) and 5-speed manual transmission.
Fluid Specs
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA-3 (MITSUBISHI Genuine ATF SP-II or SP-III equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Coupe:
103.7 inches (2634 mm)
Wheelbase Convertible:
100.8 inches (2560 mm)
Length Coupe:
178.3 inches (4529 mm)
Length Convertible:
174.2 inches (4425 mm)
Width:
69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
52.0 inches (1321 mm)
Cargo
Trunk Capacity Coupe:
Approx. 11.2 cu ft (0.317 m³)
Weights
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 2900 lbs (1315 kg)
Curb Weight Turbo AWD:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1996 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1996 models)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on higher trims (GTS, GT), optional on others.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System).
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts (coupe) or three-point rear seat belts (convertible).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD changer. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Connectivity
OBD Standard:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant from 1996 onwards.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions). Refer to manual for specific engine.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years for 4G63T engines. For 4G64, check manual (often similar or belt-driven, check specific procedure).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity 4G64:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 4G63T:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for temperature ranges)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Issues Turbo:
Turbocharger failure (oil starvation, cracked turbine housing), blown head gaskets (especially on modified engines), oil leaks, differential failures in AWD models.
Driver's seat bolster wear, dashboard plastic cracking from UV exposure.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, has a long history of producing diverse vehicles, including performance-oriented models.
Model Evolution
Eclipse 2Nd Gen Launch:
The second generation Eclipse was introduced for the 1995 model year, representing a significant redesign from its predecessor, and continued through 1999. The 1996-1998 period represents the mid-cycle of this popular generation.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Built by Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) in Normal, Illinois, USA, as a joint venture with Chrysler.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Eclipse GSX (turbo AWD model) was a Car and Driver 10 Best list recipient for 1996, highlighting its performance value.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer reports generally rated the second-generation Eclipse as average to below average for reliability, particularly concerning the turbocharged engines and AWD system, but praised its performance and styling.
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