The 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT marked a severe pivot for the nameplate, trading the aggressive, turbocharged all-wheel-drive layout of the DSM era for a larger, front-wheel-drive grand tourer. Arriving as the launch vehicle for the third generation, this coupe dropped forced induction in favor of a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6 engine. While purists mourned the death of the GSX, the GT aimed squarely at buyers wanting everyday comfort, sleek styling, and accessible six-cylinder power.
The Shift From DSM Roots to Third-Generation Grand Touring
For generations one and two, the Eclipse was co-developed with Chrysler and built in Normal, Illinois, earning legendary status through turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive traction. When the third generation debuted for the 2000 model year, Mitsubishi redesigned the car from the ground up. The platform grew longer, heavier, and softer.
The styling drew direct inspiration from the Mitsubishi SST concept car, featuring aggressive character lines, bulbous rear fenders, and a sweeping roofline. Underneath the fresh sheet metal, the layout changed completely. All-wheel drive vanished from the lineup, and the infamous 4G63 turbo four-cylinder was retired from the Eclipse. Instead, the lineup split between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder for the RS and GS models and the flagship 3.0-liter V6 for the GT.
Under the Hood: The 3.0L V6 Performance Breakdown
The heart of the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT was Mitsubishi's 6G72 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine. In federal specification trim, it pushed out 205 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 205 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm when paired with the five-speed manual transmission. Choosing the four-speed automatic with its Sportronic manual-shift gate dropped output slightly to 200 horsepower. As discussed in latest articles by Reuters, the implications are widespread.
Performance numbers reflected its grand touring ambitions rather than raw track dominance. Zero to sixty miles per hour took roughly 7.3 to 7.5 seconds for manual-equipped models, while automatics hovered closer to 8.3 seconds.
- Engine Layout: 3.0-liter V6 (6G72)
- Horsepower: 205 hp (Manual) / 200 hp (Automatic)
- Torque: 205 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic with Sportronic
Handling, Ride Quality, and Chassis Dynamics
Losing all-wheel drive meant the GT relied strictly on front-wheel traction. Mitsubishi equipped the GT with a sport-tuned independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and standard 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/50VR17 tires. Four-wheel disc brakes came standard on the GT, offering a notable stopping upgrade over the rear drum setups found on base RS models.
On the road, the car felt stable on long highway sweeps, but aggressive cornering exposed noticeable torque steer under hard acceleration. The chassis suffered from mild cowl shake in later Spyder variants and general cabin structural vibrations over rough pavement. Reviewers at the time noted that while it lacked the sharp, chuckable precision of lighter rivals like the Acura Integra, it excelled as a comfortable cruiser with a planted highway demeanor.
Interior Layout and Everyday Usability
Inside, the cabin leaned heavily into late-nineties styling cues, featuring a cockpit-style dashboard, round air vents, and available leather upholstery. Passenger space favored the front occupants. Legroom up front measured a generous 42.3 inches, making long trips comfortable for driver and passenger.
The rear seats, however, remained strictly punitive for adults, offering minimal legroom and tight headroom beneath the sloping glass hatch. Cargo utility remained one of the car's strong suits. The hatchback configuration opened up 16.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding significantly with the rear seatbacks folded flat. Buyers could also opt for the premium Infinity sound system and a power sunroof via the Sun and Sound package.
Common Mechanical Issues and Ownership Realities
Purchasing or maintaining a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT today requires understanding its common mechanical weak points.
- Automatic Transmission Shudder: Early automatic transmissions frequently suffered from thermal breakdown of the original SPII fluid, leading to severe shuddering and shifting delays. This requires a complete flush and refill using updated SPIII fluid.
- Lifter Tick: The 6G72 V6 engine is prone to noisy hydraulic lash adjusters, which produce a distinct ticking sound from the valvetrain. While often harmless, ignoring it can accelerate wear.
- Oil Leaks: Valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals frequently harden and leak oil into the spark plug wells, causing misfires.
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Wiring: Recall issues involving wire harnesses rubbing against protective shields can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly.
For deeper technical context on Mitsubishi's powertrain evolution during this era, consult the U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Economy Guide or reference historical archives maintained by Car and Driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT come with all-wheel drive?
No. Unlike the second-generation GSX, the third-generation Eclipse moved exclusively to a front-wheel-drive platform across all trim levels.
What is the difference in horsepower between the manual and automatic GT?
Manual transmission models were rated at 205 horsepower, while automatic variants equipped with the Sportronic shifter produced 200 horsepower.
Is the 3.0L V6 an interference engine?
Yes, the 6G72 V6 is an interference engine. Snapping the timing belt will cause the valves to strike the pistons, making timely replacement every 60,000 miles critical.
What fuel economy does the V6 GT achieve?
The EPA rated the manual V6 coupe at roughly 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, though real-world driving averages typically land closer to 21 combined mpg.
