Is a Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable car?

Short Answer: Depends on the Mileage and how well it has been maintained by the previous owner/s.

It could be a Diamond or it could be a Lump of Coal. Ask for the Maint Records and have a reputable Mechanic take a look at it.

All cars are quite reliable when new and there's not a statistical difference between those years. The reliability decreases with usage and the main factor is how hard they have been driven and how well they have maintained. If you are unable to determine that, any 10- 12year old vehicle could be a gamble. Since you're apparently clueless as to assessing the condition of a vehicle, pay a professional mechanic to test drive and evaluate it before you agree to buy any used car. That costs money but is just plain common sense. If a seller won't let you take it to a shop for a pre-buy inspection, walk away. If a dealer has their own shop, don't trust them. Take it to a different one.. 

Not nearly as reliable as their JAP ZERO AIRPLANES used to kill thousands of Allied soldiers and sailors . . . . .hang the filthy murderers by their toes !!!!!!!!!!!