Hyundai
Tiburon
Mitsubishi
Eclipse
Hyundai Tiburon vs Mitsubishi Eclipse: 2009 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mitsubishi Eclipse comes out ahead of the Hyundai Tiburon 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
Tiburon
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on ownership expectations and maintenance history. Long-term owners frequently report high reliability and durability, with many vehicles reaching 150,000 to 230,000 miles with minimal major issues, describing them as running "like a dream" or being "rock solid." The vehicle is consistently praised for being a fun, affordable, and practical entry-level sports coupe, offering decent power, fun handling, and a unique look. However, a significant portion of feedback highlights a pattern of specific mechanical and electrical failures, including premature clutch wear, timing belt/water pump service as a critical failure point, and various electrical gremlins.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The GT trim with the V6 engine is mentioned, and the 6-speed manual transmission is noted as a desirable configuration.
Known issues
- ⚠Timing belt failure: The timing belt and water pump require service every 5 years/60,000 miles as a critical maintenance item; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical issues: Random failures including window motors, battery cable/connector failures at the fuse box leading to no-start conditions, and other unspecified electrical gremlins. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Premature clutch wear: Stock clutch rated for insufficient torque, leading to wear in under 12,000 miles on the V6 GT model. Frequency: isolated.
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 stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Hyundai Tiburon, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mitsubishi Eclipse are a dealbreaker, the Hyundai Tiburon is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Tiburon or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mitsubishi Eclipse than the Hyundai Tiburon. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Hyundai Tiburon or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Hyundai Tiburon 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 Hyundai Tiburon or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Tiburon or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Hyundai Tiburon than the Mitsubishi Eclipse. See the known issues comparison above.