Mazda
MX-6
Owner report available
Mitsubishi
Eclipse
Owner report available
Mazda MX-6 vs Mitsubishi Eclipse
The short answer
The Mazda MX-6 offers fuel economy, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse excels at power instead. Choose the Mazda MX-6 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mitsubishi Eclipse if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
MX-6
Overall
Sentiment is positive among long-term owners and enthusiasts, who praise the car for its engaging driving dynamics, lightweight feel, and classic styling. The vehicle is consistently described as fun, nimble, and possessing a "raw" or "mechanical" driving feel that is appreciated in contrast to modern vehicles. Specific praise is directed at the 2.5L V6 engine for its smoothness and pleasant sound, and the manual transmission for its positive feel.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or model year. However, the 2.5L V6 engine (KL series) is frequently singled out for praise over the 2.0L 4-cylinder and 2.2L Turbo 4-cylinder, noted for being smoother, more powerful, and having a nicer engine note.
Known issues
- Structural and body rust: pervasive issue, specifically in rear wheel arches, sills, and rocker panels; critical to inspect thoroughly. Frequency: very frequent.
- General age-related maintenance and parts availability: increasing difficulty sourcing parts (e.g., windshields), high mileage wear on all components (transmission, differential, A/C), high cost to maintain. Frequency: very frequent.
- Automatic transmission reliability (4-cylinder models): known to have problems. Frequency: recurrent.
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 Mazda MX-6, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mitsubishi Eclipse are a dealbreaker, the Mazda MX-6 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mazda MX-6 or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mitsubishi Eclipse than the Mazda MX-6. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Mazda MX-6 or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Mazda MX-6 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 Mazda MX-6 or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The EPA rates the 1997 Mazda MX-6 at 20–26 mpg combined and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse at 25–26 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda MX-6 or the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mazda MX-6 than the Mitsubishi Eclipse. See the known issues comparison above.