2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Photo Gallery

Looking at the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is like watching a 45-year-old dad proudly strut around in his high school letter jacket – hoping that, by slipping into that youthful skin, the good old days under the limelight will suddenly reappear.

So, if the new Eclipse conjures up memories of the 1995-2001 model, that’s pretty much the intention. Back in the day, Mitsu’s sport hatch exhibited unique, fluid styling, grippy all-wheel-drive handling, and a potent turbo engine. Then came the last generation Eclipse, with Pontiac-inspired bodyside cladding, take-it-or-leave-it front-wheel drive, and a rather uninspired four-cylinder engine, with the option of a more mature and refined (a.k.a. less fun) V6. All of those legions of Mitsubishi Eclipse fans? Rolling on dubs to greener, more appealing pastures. Taking a few steps back in time, the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse offers a new take on what was once a sought-after design. Smooth body lines, a unique silhouette, and up to 263 horsepower are just a few of the reasons Mitsubishi expects its updated sun blocker to draw new and old customers into quiet showrooms. Add in a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and an entry price just below $20 grand, and Mitsubishi salespeople may soon hear something other than, “Do you have any Evos?”

Engines

Power for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes from either a four- or six-cylinder engine. GS models are equipped with a 2.4-liter, single overhead cam, 16-valve four banger with an iron block and aluminum heads. Horsepower reaches 162 at 6,000 rpm, and torque peaks at 162 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm. This engine runs fine on low-octane fuel, and is rated as ultra low emissions in California. GT models feature a 3.8-liter, single overhead cam, 24-valve V6, also with an iron block and aluminum heads. Available at 5,750 rpm are 263 horses, and 260 lb.-ft. of torque shows up at 4,500 rpm. Premium fuel is required. Regardless of which model is chosen, a manual transmission is standard fare. However, the GT adds an extra cog to the GS’s five-speed gearbox. A Sportronic automatic transmission is optional (four-speed on GS; five-speed on GT).

MacPherson Struts

Behind the scenes, Mitsubishi engineers added a performance-tuned suspension to match the more capable engines offered for 2006. In front are MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar; out back is a multi-link setup, also with a stabilizer bar. Tied to the new suspension is an updated braking system. Every model features ventilated discs up front and ABS on all four corners. However, rear brakes vary – the GS offers solid discs, whereas the GT provides discs that are larger and ventilated.

Multi-link Suspension

Behind the scenes, Mitsubishi engineers added a performance-tuned suspension to match the more capable engines offered for 2006. In front are MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar; out back is a multi-link setup, also with a stabilizer bar. Tied to the new suspension is an updated braking system. Every model features ventilated discs up front and ABS on all four corners. However, rear brakes vary – the GS offers solid discs, whereas the GT provides discs that are larger and ventilated.

Brakes

Behind the scenes, Mitsubishi engineers added a performance-tuned suspension to match the more capable engines offered for 2006. In front are MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar; out back is a multi-link setup, also with a stabilizer bar. Tied to the new suspension is an updated braking system. Every model features ventilated discs up front and ABS on all four corners. However, rear brakes vary – the GS offers solid discs, whereas the GT provides discs that are larger and ventilated.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS starts at $19,994 (including a $595 destination charge) and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear wiper, rear spoiler, split folding rear seat, a 140-watt sound system with six speakers and a CD/MP3 player, and all of the routine power options. At $24,294, the Eclipse GT adds front foglights, traction control, outside temperature gauge, compass, front strut tower brace, and the 263-horsepower V6.

GS Features

Pricing for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS starts at $19,994 (including a $595 destination charge) and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear wiper, rear spoiler, split folding rear seat, a 140-watt sound system with six speakers and a CD/MP3 player, and all of the routine power options. At $24,294, the Eclipse GT adds front foglights, traction control, outside temperature gauge, compass, front strut tower brace, and the 263-horsepower V6.

GT Features

Pricing for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS starts at $19,994 (including a $595 destination charge) and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear wiper, rear spoiler, split folding rear seat, a 140-watt sound system with six speakers and a CD/MP3 player, and all of the routine power options. At $24,294, the Eclipse GT adds front foglights, traction control, outside temperature gauge, compass, front strut tower brace, and the 263-horsepower V6.

Options

Since the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes well equipped, the list of options is relatively short. Among those limited offerings is the GS Sun and Sound Package, which includes a power sunroof; a Rockford Fosgate 650-watt sound system with nine speakers, a subwoofer, six-disc CD/MP3 changer, and steering wheel audio controls; outside temperature gauge; and a compass. Available on the GT is the Premium Sport Package, comprised of leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, alloy pedals, power driver’s seat, heated seats, and heated mirrors.

Packages

Since the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes well equipped, the list of options is relatively short. Among those limited offerings is the GS Sun and Sound Package, which includes a power sunroof; a Rockford Fosgate 650-watt sound system with nine speakers, a subwoofer, six-disc CD/MP3 changer, and steering wheel audio controls; outside temperature gauge; and a compass. Available on the GT is the Premium Sport Package, comprised of leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, alloy pedals, power driver’s seat, heated seats, and heated mirrors.

Airbags

Lest shoppers think this hatch is all about style and power, Mitsubishi has added a number of safety features to the 2006 Eclipse. Standard on all models are front dual airbags, front dual side airbags, curtain airbags, and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes.