1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

8 builds left the factory as a 1997 Eclipse, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN.

  • 5 main configurations
  • 260 vehicles built
  • 3 for sale right now

Which Eclipse is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your Eclipse

What actually differs

RS GS Spyder 4A3AX35G-V Spyder 4A3AX55F-V
Engine 2L 2L 2.4L 2L
Body Hatchback Hatchback Convertible Convertible
Doors 3-door 3-door 2-door 2-door
Vehicles built 56 53 53 51
Same on every 1997 Eclipse
  • Fuel Gasoline
  • For sale right now 2
Will it hold value?

A Eclipse typically keeps about 40% of its price over 5 years — a 5-year-old one runs about $11,950 today.

Eclipse depreciation by year →
Cost to run

18/28 mpg city/highway. Roughly $2,110/yr on fuel at 15,000 miles.

EPA estimate for the 1997 Eclipse

Safety, in plain English

What 4A3AK44Y-V means

4A3 AK44Y · V
4A3
the World Manufacturer Identifier Mitsubishi registered — assembled in the United States
AK44Y
together encode the Eclipse line — Hatchback, 2L — as Mitsubishi filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
V
in position 10 — model year 1997
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
3 rare configurations — mostly fleet, export or irregular VIN patterns. Fewer than 20 known vehicles each.

Already looking at a specific Eclipse?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.