Looking for a sleek ride that’s got plenty of get-up for not much coin? Consider the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. A long-standing favorite of the “Fast and the Furious” crowd, this two-door coupe offers stylish looks and impressive performance.
What’s there to know about the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT trim?
The GT trim brings 6-cylinder power to the table in the form of the 3.8L V6. You’ll get 263 hp and 260 lb-ft. over the base GS trim’s 162 hp and 162 lb-ft.
Strap yourself in for our deep dive into the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. We’ll focus on what makes the GT trim stand out from the lesser GS. Oh, and don’t mistake it for the Eclipse Cross – that’s an entirely different beast.
Overview of the 2006 Eclipse
It’s no secret that the Mitsubishi Eclipse is a big name among tuners. From its humble beginnings in 1989, the sport compact evolved into a darling of the tuner community and something of a celebrity.
The second-generation model is the most well-known with a seemingly endless array of mods available.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is part of the fourth generation, which takes a softer, more refined approach to being a sports car. Instead of turbochargers or all-wheel drive, you’ll find a standard 2.4L 4-cylinder engine in the base GS trim – good for 162 hp and 162 lb-ft.
The GS trim lets you row your own gears with a five-speed manual transmission unless you opt for the optional four-speed automatic. The automatic gearbox comes with Mitsubishi’s Sportronic manual mode if you’re feeling frisky.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes well-equipped even in its base trim. You’ll get keyless entry, an FM/AM stereo with CD player, power windows and door locks. and optional steering wheel controls. Safety features include head curtain and side-impact airbags.
A Close Look at the GT Trim
The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT dispenses with the 2.4L engine in favor of a silky-smooth 3.8L V6. The end result is a small car that feels gutsy from the stoplight and on the straights. Unfortunately, you’ll pay for it at the pump with a 19/28 mpg rating.
The GT trim also adds an extra cog to the transmission options. Now you have a six-speed manual as standard and an optional five-speed automatic with the same Sportronic capability. You’ll also get traction control just in case you can’t contain the GT’s added power and torque.
If the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT feels a bit weighty, you’re not imagining things. Its petite design hides a portly bulk of 3,611 lbs., depending on how it’s equipped. At least 62 percent of that weight bears down on the front wheels, making handling somewhat sluggish, but predictable.
Inside, the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is a lot more refined than you’d expect. There’s still some funky styling, but the switchgear is of reasonably high quality. The GT trim adds a compass display, plus an optional power moonroof and leather seating.
Get the Scoop on Your Next Ride
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to buying a new car. A Vehicle History report will give you plenty of insider information about your 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. Discover basic stats, browse for recall information and learn what other owners think about their Eclipse.
