The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits squarely in the late-1990s sport compact era, when styling, handling, and trim-specific performance differences played a major role in how each version was equipped. That matters here, because this exact model year uses several radial tire sizes depending on the Eclipse sub-model and wheel package. Sizes range from 14-inch fitments such as 185/70R14 and 195/70R14 to 16-inch 205/55R16 and 17-inch 215/50R17 combinations. Tire choice also varies by brand, series, and sidewall treatment, including both blackwall and whitewall options in certain sizes. The key first step is matching the tire to the exact Eclipse trim and wheel diameter already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. All of these fitments are radial, but they span 14-inch, 16-inch, and 17-inch rims, so confirming the exact trim and wheel setup comes first. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to choosing the right tire style, series, and sidewall presentation within the proper size.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this size serves a 14-inch wheel setup and keeps the selection focused on radial construction. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall designs from brands such as BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across several distinct tire series. This size is worth choosing when the car already uses the correct 14-inch wheel package and the goal is to stay with that original-size fitment approach.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter nominal width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is one of the most widely used sizes on the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse range, making it especially important to confirm whether the car has the proper 16-inch wheels before selecting a tire. Product choices include blackwall performance-oriented series and a wide whitewall alternative, with offerings from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. This size makes the most sense for Eclipse trims already equipped for 16-inch fitment and for owners comparing a mix of appearance and road-use priorities.
215/50R17 is a metric radial size where 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 17 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this size belongs to a 17-inch fitment and should be matched carefully to the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. Available tires in this size center on blackwall BFGoodrich options from the g-Force family, including several distinct series. This size is the right one to evaluate only when the Eclipse carries the correct 17-inch setup and enough clearance for that specific wheel-and-tire combination.
195/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, it applies only to certain sub-model situations, so it should not be treated as universal across the range. The available product choice in this size is a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic, which gives this fitment a narrower product spread than the other Eclipse sizes. This size deserves a closer look when the car uses the matching 14-inch wheel package and the owner wants to stay with that exact trim-specific fitment.
Tire fitment for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse varies by sub-model, and some versions share a size while others do not. Checking the exact trim matters because the Eclipse range spans multiple wheel diameters, including 14-inch, 16-inch, and 17-inch combinations.
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1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Base
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Base uses a 185/70R14 radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel setup. That keeps tire selection centered on choosing the right radial series and sidewall style while staying with the correct wheel diameter.
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS uses 205/55R16 radial tires. That places the decision around comparing available 16-inch radial choices by series, brand, and sidewall appearance rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST also uses 205/55R16 radial tires. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation straightforward and shifts attention to selecting the right blackwall or whitewall presentation within the proper 16-inch size.
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX uses 215/50R17 radial tires on a 17-inch wheel setup. Tire selection here starts with confirming the existing wheel diameter, then comparing the available blackwall performance-style series in the correct size.
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS can use either 195/70R14 or 205/55R16 radial tires, depending on the wheel setup on the car. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before choosing a tire, since the two sizes belong to different rim diameters.
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS uses either 195/70R14 or 205/55R16 radial tires. The first step is confirming whether the convertible currently carries 14-inch or 16-inch wheels, then choosing among the radial options available in that exact size.
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST uses 205/55R16 radial tires. That keeps the fitment choice fairly direct, with the main comparison points being tire series, brand, and whether a traditional whitewall appearance is part of the plan.
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 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Tires for Sale
Available 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires vary meaningfully by size, brand, and character, with BFGoodrich, Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, Vredestein, and American Classic represented. Depending on the fitment, buyers can compare blackwall and wide whitewall designs across touring, classic, and g-Force series radials.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Owners shopping for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires usually need to sort out trim-specific tire size, wheel diameter, and product style before anything else. These FAQs cover fitment, radial tire choices, sidewall options, maintenance, and what to verify on modified or low-use cars.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses four primary tire sizes: 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 205/55R16, and 215/50R17. All are radial fitments, but they do not apply across the full model range. The correct size depends on the exact Eclipse sub-model and the wheel diameter on the car.
That means the first step is not choosing a brand or sidewall style, but confirming the trim and the actual wheel size already installed. An RS or Spyder GS may use either a 14-inch or 16-inch setup, while other trims are more straightforward. Once the correct size is confirmed, tire selection becomes much easier and more accurate.
What size rim does a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse use?
A 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse can use 14-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch rims depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 185/70R14 and 195/70R14 sizes use 14-inch rims, 205/55R16 uses a 16-inch rim, and 215/50R17 uses a 17-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the most important fitment checkpoint on this car because the Eclipse range spans multiple wheel packages. A tire must match the wheel diameter exactly, so a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch or 17-inch wheel. It is also wise to verify wheel width and overall clearance if the car has aftermarket wheels or suspension changes.
Why does the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse have more than one tire size?
The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse was offered in several sub-models, and those trims did not all use the same wheel-and-tire combination. Some versions used 14-inch fitments, others used 16-inch tires, and the GSX moved to a 17-inch setup. That is why more than one primary size applies to this model year.
For tire selection, that means a simple year-make-model match is not always enough on its own. The exact trim matters, and on some cars the wheel setup matters just as much. A quick check of the sub-model badge, current tire sidewall, and actual wheel diameter will usually narrow the fitment down before comparing products.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire?
Start with the correct tire size for the exact 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse sub-model and wheel diameter, because this model year uses several different radial fitments. After that, compare the available tires by construction details, tire series, brand, sidewall style, and any load figures or rim-width ranges that matter for the intended setup.
A Base model on 185/70R14 asks for a different decision than a GSX on 215/50R17. Some sizes offer a broader mix of classic-style and performance-oriented choices, while others are narrower in scope. It helps to decide whether the car is being kept visually traditional, driven regularly, or matched to an existing wheel package before choosing among the available options.
What sidewall styles are available for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires?
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire options include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, though the exact choices depend on tire size. Blackwall options appear across all four Eclipse fitments, while wide whitewall selections are available in 185/70R14 and 205/55R16 through certain tire lines.
That gives the buyer a real appearance choice instead of a size-only decision. A blackwall keeps the presentation closer to a modern sport compact look, while a wide whitewall creates a more custom or specialty visual effect. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size is confirmed, since the available appearance treatments are not evenly offered in every Eclipse fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Tires for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, and American Classic, depending on the size. Brand availability changes by fitment, so a 205/55R16 Eclipse has a different product mix than a 195/70R14 or 215/50R17 car.
Brand choice should come after the size and wheel diameter are settled. Some Eclipse sizes open the door to a broader selection of series and sidewall treatments, while others are more limited. Comparing brands makes the most sense when the goal is clear, whether that means a sportier blackwall look, a classic-style radial, or a whitewall presentation in an exact size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A period-style 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire choice starts with the exact factory-size fitment for the sub-model, since the car used several different radial sizes. Once the correct size is established, the most appropriate direction usually comes down to whether the car should keep a blackwall sport compact look or move toward a more stylized specialty presentation.
Tire series can influence the visual tone of the car even when the size stays correct. For a restoration-minded owner, maintaining the proper diameter and profile matters more than chasing a tire that merely looks close. If exact historical appearance is important, compare the car against original sales material, period photos, or marque-specific references before finalizing the sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
On a restored 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, construction is simpler than on many older collector cars because the primary fitments are all radial. The appearance difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the actual size, profile, tire series, and sidewall treatment chosen within the correct radial fitment.
A blackwall 205/55R16 gives a very different visual impression than a wide whitewall tire in a size where that style is available. Keeping the right rim diameter and a suitable profile helps preserve the car’s stance and proportions. That is especially important on an Eclipse, where trim-level wheel packages contribute heavily to the finished look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse even when the tire size matches one of the original model-year fitments. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, changes in offset, lowering, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how much room the tire has during steering and suspension movement.
That matters most on a car like the Eclipse because several original wheel diameters were used, and modified examples are common. A tire that suits one wheel setup may not suit another with different dimensions. Before changing sizes or replacing tires on a modified car, verify wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, strut, and steering components.
What should I inspect before driving a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires?
Before driving a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s actual rim diameter, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also smart to look over valve stems, tread seating, and general suspension condition so the new tires start on a sound mechanical foundation.
Collector and low-use cars deserve extra attention because age-related issues can hide even when tread looks good. Sidewall cracking on older tires, uneven wear from alignment problems, and worn bushings can all affect how the car behaves after replacement. A short, careful test drive helps confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or air-loss issue after installation.
How should tires on a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse be maintained?
Tires on a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection for cuts or bulges, and close attention to tread wear patterns. Because the car may use 14-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch fitments depending on trim, keeping the correct size on the correct wheel is part of basic maintenance as well.
A car that is driven infrequently still needs inspection because age, storage conditions, and slow air loss can matter as much as mileage. It helps to keep the Eclipse away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and moisture during storage. Any sign of cracking, vibration, or uneven wear is a reason to inspect both the tires and the wheel-and-suspension setup.
