Ford
Probe
Owner report available
Mitsubishi
Eclipse
Owner report available
Ford Probe vs Mitsubishi Eclipse
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mitsubishi Eclipse comes out ahead of the Ford Probe on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Probe
Overall
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards positive among dedicated enthusiasts, but with a clear acknowledgment of the vehicle's age and specific challenges. The car is frequently described as a fun, unique, and engaging driver's car, particularly in manual GT trim with the Mazda-sourced V6 engine. Long-term owners express strong affection for its handling and character.
Best version to buy
The second-generation (1993-1997) Probe GT with the manual transmission. This model is equipped with the 2.5L KL-series V6 engine, which is consistently praised for its smoothness and performance relative to the base four-cylinder.
Known issues
- Diagnostic difficulty: Electrical and mechanical problems often have esoteric or non-obvious root causes, requiring specific knowledge to troubleshoot. Frequency: recurrent.
- Manual transmission reliability: Reports of premature failure requiring replacement, cited as a reason for purchasing extended warranties. Frequency: recurrent.
- Clutch characteristics: The clutch pedal on the second-generation GT is described as "heavy," rated approximately 6.5/10 for difficulty to learn on (where 10 is hardest).
Eclipse
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model type. Feedback on the classic sport coupe models (primarily 2nd generation, 1995-1999) is overwhelmingly positive from enthusiasts, praising its turbocharged performance, all-wheel-drive capability, and tuner-friendly nature. In stark contrast, the modern Eclipse Cross SUV (2018+) receives mixed to negative sentiment, widely criticized for the controversial reuse of the Eclipse name on a crossover, perceived sluggish performance, and underwhelming driving dynamics.
Best version to buy
1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX: This turbocharged, all-wheel-drive version is consistently highlighted as the peak of the Eclipse lineage. It is celebrated for its potent performance, tunability, and iconic status within the enthusiast community.
Known issues
- **Classic Models (2nd Gen):** * Excessive turbo lag: noted as a significant drawback affecting drivability. Frequency: isolated. * Uncomfortable seats: mentioned as a negative point. Frequency: isolated.
- **Eclipse Cross (2018+):** * Perceived dangerously slow acceleration / sluggish throttle response: frequently cited, especially in reviews and for FWD models. Frequency: recurrent.
- **3rd/4th Gen Coupes (Isolated):** * Engine entering "limp mode" unpredictably: stranding owner. Frequency: isolated. * Chronic overheating in traffic: related to cooling system failure. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Ford Probe, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Ford Probe is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ford Probe or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ford Probe and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ford Probe or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ford Probe is classed as a Coupe, the Mitsubishi Eclipse as a Cabriolet, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ford Probe or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The EPA rates the 1997 Ford Probe at 20–25 mpg combined and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse at 25–26 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Probe or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.