The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits squarely in the sport-compact era, when sharp styling, front-wheel-drive performance, and turbocharged all-wheel-drive variants helped define the import performance market. Buyers looking at this generation often care just as much about stance and road manners as they do about keeping the car visually true to its period. Tire fitment on the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is entirely radial, but the exact size changes by sub-model and wheel diameter, ranging from 14-inch applications such as 185/70R14 and 195/70R14 to 16-inch fitments including 205/55R16 and 215/55R16. That makes sub-model identification and wheel confirmation the first step before comparing brands, sidewall styles, and tire series.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and whether the car has a 14-inch or 16-inch wheel. Some versions share the same size, while others differ enough that confirming the sub-model and actual wheel diameter should come before comparing tread styles, sidewall treatments, or brand choices.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 is the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this size serves a 14-inch-wheel application and keeps the car in a fully radial fitment. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall presentations from brands such as BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across series like Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size is worth evaluating carefully when the goal is matching a 14-inch setup while still choosing between traditional and more performance-oriented tire character.
Fit(s): GS, GST, GSX (Automatic), Spyder GS, and Spyder GST
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a metric radial size that indicates a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, it is one of the most widely used 16-inch fitments and appears across several sub-models, making it a common starting point once the car's configuration is confirmed. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall options from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic, with series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, Michelin SX MXX3 N2, and American Classic Radial. It is the right size to compare when the car wears 16-inch wheels and the decision shifts toward appearance, road feel, and rim-width compatibility.
215/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and a 16-inch wheel diameter. On the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this size is tied to a specific 16-inch application rather than the full model range, so it should be chosen only after confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup. Available products include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall designs from BFGoodrich and American Classic, including g-Force Sport Comp 2 and Asymmetrical Tread offerings. This size deserves close attention when preserving the intended 16-inch fitment while also choosing a sidewall style that suits either a sport-compact look or a more customized presentation.
195/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 195 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 14 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this is a 14-inch-wheel fitment used on selected sub-models rather than across the full lineup. The available product selection centers on a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic, so the decision is less about visual variation and more about confirming that this is the correct 14-inch size for the car. It is the size to focus on when wheel diameter and sub-model point to this application and originality of fitment matters more than cosmetic variety.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse because tire size changes across the range, and some versions also switch between 14-inch and 16-inch wheels. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact trim and inspect the wheels actually on the car, especially on vehicles that may have been modified over time.
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1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Base
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Base uses a 14-inch radial fitment centered on 185/70R14. Tire selection here is mainly about confirming the stock wheel diameter, then choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall styling or a more traditional touring-oriented series.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS uses a 16-inch radial fitment with 205/55R16. Once that size is confirmed, the choice shifts toward blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, performance-focused series, and matching the tire to the car's current wheel width.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST uses 205/55R16 on a 16-inch radial setup. That makes selection more about comparing the available blackwall and wide whitewall options, along with choosing a tire series that suits how the car is driven and presented.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX (Automatic) uses 205/55R16 as its radial tire size. Buyers should confirm that the car still carries the correct 16-inch wheels, then compare available series and sidewall treatments instead of assuming every GSX uses the same size.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX (Manual) uses 215/55R16, which separates it from other Eclipse variants that also run 16-inch wheels. Tire choice starts with that exact size confirmation, then moves to selecting between blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options depending on the car's intended look.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS uses 195/70R14 in a radial construction on a 14-inch wheel. Since product variety is narrower in this size, the main priority is confirming the wheel and keeping the fitment aligned with the car's actual sub-model setup.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS can use either a 14-inch or 16-inch radial fitment, so wheel diameter must be checked before selecting a tire. This is a version where looking only at the model name is not enough, because the car may require either a 195/70R14 or a 205/55R16 depending on its setup.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST uses 205/55R16 on a 16-inch radial application. Selection is straightforward once that size is confirmed, with the real choice coming down to brand, tire series, sidewall appearance, and compatibility with the wheel width already on the car.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Tires for Sale
Available 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire choices span BFGoodrich, Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, Vredestein, and American Classic across 14-inch and 16-inch radial sizes. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewalls along with series ranging from Sport Classic and Michelin XAS to g-Force and American Classic Radial.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These FAQs focus on exact 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire size fitment, 14-inch versus 16-inch wheel applications, sub-model differences, available radial choices, appearance options, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse can use 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 205/55R16, or 215/55R16, depending on the exact sub-model. All of these are radial sizes, and the fitment changes across the Eclipse range rather than staying the same from one version to the next.
The key step is identifying the exact trim and confirming whether the car has a 14-inch or 16-inch wheel. Many Eclipse models have been modified over the years, so the tire choice should follow the actual wheel diameter and the correct sub-model application instead of relying on appearance alone.
What size rim does a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse use?
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses either a 14-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 185/70R14 and 195/70R14 fitments are tied to 14-inch wheels, while 205/55R16 and 215/55R16 are used on 16-inch wheels.
Rim diameter should be checked before anything else because a 14-inch tire and a 16-inch tire are not interchangeable. It is also smart to inspect the wheel itself for width markings or prior replacement, especially on sport compact cars that may have seen aftermarket wheel changes over time.
Why does the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse have more than one tire size?
The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel and tire combinations. Some trims stay with 14-inch sizes, others use 16-inch sizes, and the GSX manual application also differs from the automatic version.
That means the right tire is not chosen by year and model alone. The exact trim, transmission where applicable, and the wheels currently on the car all matter, particularly on used examples that may have received replacement wheels, suspension changes, or tire substitutions at some point.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/55R16 tire for a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A 205/55R16 tire for a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should first match the sub-model and wheel diameter, since this size is used on several but not all versions. From there, the choice comes down to radial tire series, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire's rim-width range suits the wheels on the car.
This size is available in blackwall and wide whitewall designs from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic, so the visual result can vary as much as the tire character. Comparing rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and the type of driving the car actually sees will narrow the choice more effectively than brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires?
Sidewall choices for 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires include blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline, although the available style depends on the exact tire size. Blackwall is the most common presentation across the size range, while whitewall and redline options appear in selected 14-inch and 16-inch applications.
That makes sidewall style a secondary decision after confirming the correct size for the car. A blackwall usually keeps the appearance closest to a sport-compact look, while whitewall or redline tires move the car toward a more custom or restoration-themed presentation without changing the underlying wheel diameter requirement.
What brands offer tires for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Tires for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, Vredestein, and American Classic, depending on the size. Brand availability changes with the fitment, so a 14-inch Eclipse application and a 16-inch Eclipse application will not always have the same mix of choices.
The practical approach is to start with the correct size, then compare the brands that exist within that fitment by series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. That matters more than chasing a brand first, because some Eclipse sizes offer broad choice while others are naturally more limited.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A period-style tire choice for a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model, since the car used multiple radial fitments across 14-inch and 16-inch wheels. Once the fitment is correct, the visual direction can range from blackwall sport-compact styling to wide whitewall or redline options in certain sizes.
The best match depends on whether the goal is preserving a 1990s performance-car look or giving the car a more customized presentation. Exact originality claims should be checked against vehicle-specific references, but keeping the proper size, wheel diameter, and overall stance is the most important starting point for a restoration-minded Eclipse.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Tire construction is straightforward on a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse because all primary fitments are radial. The visual differences come less from bias-ply versus radial choice and more from the correct size, overall proportions on the wheel, and whether the tire uses a blackwall, wide whitewall, or redline sidewall treatment.
A restored Eclipse tends to look most convincing when the tire fills the wheel opening in the proper size and matches the intended character of the car. On this model, choosing the wrong diameter or profile is usually more noticeable than the brand itself, so size accuracy should lead the appearance decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, different wheel widths, and body changes can all influence whether a tire size that is correct for a stock sub-model still has the right clearance and wheel compatibility on the car as it sits now.
That is especially important on an Eclipse because the original range already spans both 14-inch and 16-inch applications. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space before choosing tires will prevent confusion between a correct factory-size application and a setup that has already been changed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires?
Before driving a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter matches the intended tire size, and make sure the tires are properly inflated. It is also smart to check suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how a newly installed tire feels and wears.
A quick road-use check should include looking for rubbing at full steering lock, verifying even clearance around the fenders, and rechecking pressure after the first few drives. On a car from this era, alignment condition matters just as much as the tire itself, especially if the vehicle has been sitting or recently recommissioned.
How often should tires on a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse be inspected?
Tires on a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven only occasionally or stored for long periods. Along with normal tread wear, pay attention to sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and slow air loss, since age can become as important as mileage on an older vehicle.
A brief inspection before longer drives is a smart habit, and collector-use cars deserve extra attention because problems can develop while the car is parked. Pressure should be checked periodically on all four tires, and any change in vibration, pull, or steering response should prompt a closer look at both tire condition and alignment.
