Hey guys! Let's dive into the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, a car that holds a special place in the hearts of many enthusiasts. We're going to break down all the juicy specs and performance details that made this car a memorable ride. Whether you're a current owner, a potential buyer, or just curious about this classic, you're in the right place. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Engine and Performance

The heart of the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is its engine. The GS trim typically came with a 2.0-liter 4G63 naturally aspirated engine. This engine was known for its reliability and decent performance, making it a popular choice for those who wanted a sporty but not overly aggressive ride. Horsepower figures usually hovered around 140 hp at 6,000 rpm, and torque was in the neighborhood of 130 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. While these numbers might not sound earth-shattering by today's standards, they were respectable for a sports coupe in the mid-90s.

The 4G63 engine is also known for its tunability. Many owners have explored aftermarket modifications to squeeze more power out of it. Simple bolt-ons like an aftermarket exhaust, intake, and ECU tuning can noticeably improve performance. Of course, more extensive modifications, such as forced induction (turbocharging or supercharging), can yield significant gains, but these come with increased complexity and cost.

The engine's performance characteristics made the Eclipse GS a fun car to drive. The engine was responsive, and the car was relatively lightweight, which contributed to its nimble handling. The GS was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The manual transmission was the preferred choice for enthusiasts, as it allowed for better control and a more engaging driving experience. The automatic transmission, while less sporty, offered a smoother and more relaxed ride.

The 0-60 mph time for the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS was around 8.5 to 9.0 seconds, which was competitive for its class. The car's top speed was approximately 130 mph. While these figures aren't blistering, they represent a good balance of performance and practicality for a daily driver. The engine's fuel economy was also reasonable, with EPA ratings of around 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Let's talk about how the power from that 4G63 engine gets to the wheels. The 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS primarily came with two transmission options: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. For those who love to be in control, the 5-speed manual was the way to go. It offered a more engaging driving experience, allowing you to really feel connected to the car. The gear ratios were well-suited to the engine's powerband, making it fun to row through the gears on a twisty road.

On the other hand, the 4-speed automatic transmission provided a more relaxed driving experience. While it might not have been as sporty, it was perfect for daily commuting and cruising around town. The automatic transmission shifted smoothly and made the car easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic.

The Eclipse GS was a front-wheel-drive car, which was typical for its class. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided good traction in most conditions and made the car predictable to drive. However, some enthusiasts prefer rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive for their sporty cars, as these configurations can offer different handling characteristics. Nonetheless, the front-wheel-drive setup of the Eclipse GS was well-suited to its overall mission as a fun and affordable sports coupe.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis and handling of the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS were designed to provide a balance of comfort and sportiness. The car's suspension consisted of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear. This combination offered a good compromise between ride quality and handling precision. The suspension was tuned to provide a comfortable ride on the street, while still allowing for confident handling in corners.

The Eclipse GS also featured power-assisted steering, which made it easy to maneuver at low speeds. The steering was relatively precise, providing good feedback to the driver. This allowed for accurate placement of the car on the road and contributed to the overall driving experience.

The car's brakes were another important aspect of its handling. The 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS came with disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. While disc brakes all around would have been preferable, the front disc brakes provided adequate stopping power for most driving situations. Some owners have upgraded to aftermarket brake systems for improved performance, particularly if they planned to track the car.

The Eclipse GS had a relatively low center of gravity, which helped to improve its handling. This, combined with its lightweight construction, made the car feel nimble and responsive. The car's handling characteristics made it a fun car to drive on twisty roads and in autocross events.

Exterior and Interior

Let's move on to the aesthetics! The exterior of the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS was sleek and sporty, with a design that still looks good today. The car had a low-slung profile, a sharply raked windshield, and a distinctive rear spoiler. The overall look was modern and aggressive, which helped to make the Eclipse a popular choice among young drivers.

The Eclipse GS came with alloy wheels, which added to its sporty appearance. The car was available in a variety of colors, including bright red, vibrant blue, and classic black. The paint quality was generally good, although some owners have reported issues with fading or peeling over time.

Moving inside, the interior of the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS was functional and well-designed. The seats were comfortable and supportive, providing good lateral support during spirited driving. The dashboard was logically laid out, with all of the controls within easy reach of the driver.

The Eclipse GS came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks. Some models also had optional features such as a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium sound system. The interior materials were of decent quality, although some owners have noted that the plastic trim can be prone to scratching.

The Eclipse GS had a surprisingly spacious interior for a sports coupe. There was ample headroom and legroom for both the driver and passenger. The rear seats were a bit cramped, but they were adequate for short trips. The trunk was also reasonably sized, providing enough space for groceries or luggage.

Reliability and Maintenance

When considering any used car, reliability and maintenance are key factors. The 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, with its 4G63 engine, is generally considered to be a reliable car. However, like any vehicle of this age, it's important to be aware of potential issues and to keep up with regular maintenance.

One of the most common issues with the Eclipse GS is rust. Cars in regions with harsh winters or salty roads are particularly susceptible to rust. It's important to inspect the car carefully for rust before purchasing it, paying close attention to areas such as the rocker panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage.

Another potential issue is oil leaks. The 4G63 engine is known to develop oil leaks over time, particularly from the valve cover gasket and the oil pan gasket. These leaks are usually relatively easy to fix, but they should be addressed promptly to prevent more serious problems.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep the Eclipse GS running smoothly. This includes regular oil changes, tune-ups, and inspections. It's also important to replace worn parts as needed, such as brake pads, tires, and belts.

Overall, the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is a relatively reliable car, but it requires regular maintenance and attention to potential issues. With proper care, it can provide years of enjoyable driving.

Market Value and Availability

So, what's the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS worth today, and how easy is it to find one for sale? The market value of the Eclipse GS can vary widely depending on its condition, mileage, and location. Generally, well-maintained examples with low mileage will command higher prices.

You can find these cars on online marketplaces, classic car auction sites, and sometimes even local classifieds. Be prepared to do some searching, as these cars are becoming increasingly rare. When you find one that interests you, be sure to inspect it thoroughly or have a mechanic inspect it before making an offer.

Conclusion

The 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is a cool car that offers a blend of style, performance, and affordability. Whether you're drawn to its sporty design, its rev-happy engine, or its fun-to-drive nature, the Eclipse GS has a lot to offer. Sure, it might require a bit of TLC to keep it running smoothly, but for many enthusiasts, the rewards are well worth the effort. If you're in the market for a classic sports coupe, the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is definitely worth considering. Just remember to do your homework, inspect the car carefully, and be prepared to enjoy the ride!