Against 323 other 4-cyl cars rated 2010–2012, the Eclipse trails their 26.2 mpg average by 4.7 mpg, about $320 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1990, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1990–1994), does 24 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.8L 6-cyl (2006–2012), 19.7: $349 a year apart.
Every Mitsubishi Eclipse engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21 / 29 | 1990–1994 | $1,600 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 20.6 / 29.4 | 1995–1999 | $1,627 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 20.1 / 27.9 | 2000–2012 | $1,662 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 25.5 | 2000–2005 | $1,829 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16.7 / 25 | 2006–2012 | $1,949 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Sentra gets 30.3 mpg, the Volkswagen Beetle 26.8 mpg and the Hyundai Genesis 20.7 mpg, next to 21.5 mpg for the 2012 Eclipse.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.149 |
| Fuel per year | $1,786 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,930 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2010–2012 | +$320 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,118 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse gives up 8 mpg in town: 26.5 on the highway against 18.5 in the city, $627 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 18.5 mpg | $2,076 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26.5 mpg | $1,449 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (43%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Eclipse changed over the years
The Eclipse peaked in 1997 at 24 mpg (21 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 21 — 3 mpg apart, or $229 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2012 car does 21.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 18.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2011 | 18.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2007 | 18.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2006 | 18.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2003 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2002 | 19 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2000 | 19 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1999 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1998 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1997 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1996 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1995 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1994 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1993 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1992 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1991 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1990 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 36 EPA ratings of the Mitsubishi Eclipse — 5 engines across 1990–2012. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,118. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
21.5 mpg combined, 18.5 city and 26.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 23. Across every year since 1990 the Eclipse has averaged 22.3 mpg.
Is the 2012 Eclipse more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 21.5 against 21.5 mpg combined.
Which Eclipse year has the best gas mileage?
The 1997, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 29 highway).
Does the Eclipse get better gas mileage than the Nissan Sentra?
No: 21.5 mpg for the 2012 Eclipse against 30.3 for the 2013 Nissan Sentra, about $519 a year more to run.
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