Mitsubishi Eclipse

• Japan received three generations: the first from February 1990, the second from June 1995 and the third, as the Spyder only, from October 2004.
• The sources describe every Japanese Eclipse generation as a left-hand-drive import from the United States.
• D22A is the first-generation GS and D27A the GSR-4. D32A is the second-generation coupe, D38A its Spyder, and D53A the third-generation Spyder.
• In the catalogues used here only the first-generation GSR-4 had four-wheel drive. The second generation was a front-wheel-drive turbo; the third, a V6.
• US trim names such as GS-T and GSX do not appear in the Japanese catalogue entries used here.

• Built in the United States and imported to Japan by Mitsubishi as left-hand-drive cars
• Three Japanese generations: February 1990, June 1995 and, as the Spyder only, October 2004
• First generation: naturally aspirated GS (D22A) and turbo four-wheel-drive GSR-4 (D27A)
• Second generation: front-wheel-drive intercooled-turbo 4G63 coupe (D32A) and Spyder (D38A)
• Third generation: naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 Spyder GTS (D53A) with a four-speed automatic

Dates are Mitsubishi's Japanese sale starts. Each generation page has its own tables, recalls and checklist.

Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Mitsubishi Eclipse guide data.

First generation — D22A (1990–1995)

Chassis codes: D22A and D27A

Second generation — D32A (Japan; end date not established)

Chassis codes: D32A and D38A

Third generation — D53A (2004–2006)

Chassis code: D53A

Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.

The Japanese Eclipses came from the same US plant, but their grades and codes differ from US names. US trim names such as GS-T and GSX do not appear in the Japanese catalogue entries used here, so US figures do not carry over to a Japanese chassis.

Figures are Japanese catalogue ratings in PS, labelled with their generation and catalogue date.

Engine options

Grades are shown with the catalogue entry that identifies them.

Which Eclipse generations did Japan get?

Three, all imported from the United States: the first generation from February 1990, the second from June 1995 with the Spyder from May 1996, and the third as the Spyder only from October 2004. A Motor Fan retrospective says the fourth generation was not sold in Japan.

Was the Japanese Eclipse right-hand drive?

The sources describe left-hand drive in every generation: Mitsubishi for the first, CarSensor for the second and its predecessor, and Response for the third-generation Spyder. A goo-net database field shows right-hand drive for the first generation, which contradicts those descriptions.

Did Japan get a turbo or four-wheel-drive Eclipse?

Yes, in the first generation: the GSR-4 (E-D27A) was an intercooled turbo with full-time four-wheel drive. The second generation was a front-wheel-drive turbo because Mitsubishi did not import the US four-wheel-drive car. The third-generation Spyder was a naturally aspirated V6.

Are Japanese Eclipses the same as US cars?

They came from the same US plant but the Japanese grades and codes differ. US trim names such as GS-T and GSX do not appear in the Japanese catalogue entries used here, so do not use US figures for a Japanese chassis.

When can an Eclipse be imported to the US?

The US 25-year rule is judged on each car's own age, so use the manufacture date, not the model year or Japanese sale date. EPA's separate 21-year exemption requires original unmodified configuration. A replacement must match the original engine model or include the engine and aftertreatment from an EPA-certified vehicle no older than the imported car. Canada counts 15 years from month and year.