The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits squarely in the late-sport-compact era, when front-drive coupes and turbocharged variants helped define import performance for a generation of enthusiasts. Its styling and model spread also mean tire choice is not one-size-fits-all across the lineup. This Eclipse uses radial tire fitments in three sizes: 195/70R14, 205/55R16, and 215/50R17, depending on sub-model and wheel package. Available choices range from blackwall performance-oriented series to a 1.50-inch whitewall option in 205/55R16 for a more distinctive custom look. The right selection starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then matching the tire to the car's intended use and appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Three tire sizes apply to the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, and they vary by sub-model and wheel diameter. The first step is confirming whether the car uses 14-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch wheels, then matching that setup to the correct trim. Once the size is confirmed, the decision shifts to tire character, including performance-focused blackwall radials or, in some 16-inch applications, a more appearance-driven whitewall option.
A 205/55R16 tire is a metric radial with a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. On the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this is a primary size used across several sub-models, making it one of the most common fitments in the range. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic options, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments and several distinct tire series. This size is the key fitment to evaluate if the car has 16-inch wheels and the owner wants either a sport-compact look or a more customized presentation.
A 215/50R17 tire is a metric radial that uses a 215-millimeter nominal width, a 50-series profile, and a 17-inch rim. For the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this size belongs to a specific higher-wheel-diameter setup rather than the full model line. The available choices center on BFGoodrich g-Force series tires in blackwall form, which gives this size a focused, performance-oriented product mix. This is the size to verify when the car carries 17-inch wheels, since the larger rim diameter makes wheel confirmation more important than visual comparison alone.
A 195/70R14 tire is a metric radial with a 195-millimeter nominal width, a 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this size appears on certain sub-model configurations that use a smaller wheel than the 16-inch and 17-inch setups elsewhere in the range. The available choice in this fitment is a Dunlop Sport Classic blackwall radial, giving it a straightforward product path once the wheel size is confirmed. This size should be considered only after verifying that the car actually uses 14-inch wheels and has not been changed from its original wheel package.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse because the lineup uses more than one tire size and more than one wheel diameter. Some trims share the same 16-inch setup, while others use 14-inch or 17-inch fitments, so identifying the exact sub-model helps narrow the correct tire quickly.
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1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS uses the 205/55R16 radial fitment. That keeps tire selection centered on 16-inch choices, where the main decision becomes brand, tire series, and whether a blackwall or wide whitewall appearance better suits the car.
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST also uses the 205/55R16 radial size. Tire selection for this sub-model is largely about choosing among the available 16-inch product styles and confirming that the wheel on the car still matches the original diameter.
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX uses the 215/50R17 radial fitment. That makes 17-inch wheel confirmation especially important, and the available product mix leans toward blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force series choices rather than broader appearance variation.
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS can use either 195/70R14 or 205/55R16, depending on the wheel setup on the car. Tire selection starts with measuring or confirming wheel diameter first, since a visual estimate alone can easily lead to the wrong size.
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS can use 195/70R14 or 205/55R16, so this sub-model requires wheel-size verification before choosing a tire. Once the correct rim diameter is confirmed, the decision becomes much simpler and can focus on product character and sidewall style.
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST uses the 205/55R16 radial fitment. That points the buyer toward the broadest product selection on this page, including multiple blackwall series and a wide whitewall option for a more customized look.
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 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Tires for Sale
Available 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires span 14-inch, 16-inch, and 17-inch radial fitments, with brands including BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, and Dunlop. The product grid highlights meaningful differences in tire series, blackwall versus wide whitewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility across the applicable sizes.
These 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire FAQs focus on the fitment questions that matter most: which size belongs on which sub-model, how wheel diameter affects the choice, and how to compare available radial tire options for appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses three radial tire sizes across its model range: 195/70R14, 205/55R16, and 215/50R17. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package, so there is not one universal tire size for every 1999 Eclipse.
The most important next step is confirming the wheel diameter actually on the car. GS and GST use 205/55R16, GSX uses 215/50R17, and RS and Spyder GS can use either 195/70R14 or 205/55R16 depending on setup. Cars with replacement wheels should always be checked directly before selecting a tire.
What size rim does a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse use?
A 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse can use 14-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch rims, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The three corresponding fitments are 195/70R14 on a 14-inch rim, 205/55R16 on a 16-inch rim, and 215/50R17 on a 17-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because the wrong wheel size immediately eliminates the tire choice. RS and Spyder GS models are especially important to check since they appear with more than one wheel-and-tire combination. Reading the size on the current tire and confirming the wheel itself helps prevent ordering the wrong diameter.
Why does the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse have more than one tire size?
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse has more than one tire size because the model line includes several sub-models with different wheel packages. Across the range, the tire fitments are 195/70R14, 205/55R16, and 215/50R17, so the correct size is tied to the specific trim and wheel setup rather than the Eclipse name alone.
That variation means a buyer should identify both the sub-model and the wheel diameter before comparing products. A GSX using 17-inch wheels needs a different tire than a GS on 16-inch wheels, and RS or Spyder GS models may appear with either 14-inch or 16-inch fitment. Confirming the setup first keeps product selection accurate and much easier.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/55R16 tire for a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A 205/55R16 tire for a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse should first match a sub-model that actually uses that size, such as GS, GST, or Spyder GST, or an RS or Spyder GS with the 16-inch setup. After size is confirmed, the meaningful choices include brand, tire series, sidewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility.
This size offers the broadest variety on the page, including BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic choices. Most are blackwall radials, while one option uses a 1.50-inch wide whitewall for a more customized look. Comparing how the car is driven, how original or personalized the appearance should be, and whether the wheel falls within the stated rim-width range will narrow the best match.
What sidewall styles are available for 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires are primarily blackwall, with a wide whitewall option also available in 205/55R16. That means most fitments keep a modern, understated look, while one 16-inch choice adds a more distinctive visual treatment.
Sidewall style matters most when appearance is part of the decision rather than pure fitment. A blackwall tire suits the Eclipse's sport-compact character and is available across all three primary sizes on this page. The wide whitewall option applies only to the 205/55R16 fitment, so it should be considered only after confirming that the car uses the 16-inch wheel setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Tires for the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse are available here from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, and Dunlop, depending on size. The 205/55R16 fitment has the widest brand spread, the 215/50R17 fitment centers on BFGoodrich choices, and the 195/70R14 fitment is represented by Dunlop.
Brand comparison only matters after the correct size is confirmed for the car. Once that is settled, the buyer can compare product series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and load-related details where they are stated. The best approach is to choose within the correct fitment first, then decide which brand presentation and tire character suit the car's intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A period-style 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire should start with the correct original-size fitment for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter: 195/70R14, 205/55R16, or 215/50R17. Since this Eclipse uses modern radial sizes, the period-style question is less about vintage construction and more about choosing a tire that suits the car's late-1990s character.
Blackwall radials are the most natural visual fit for a sport-compact coupe or convertible from this era. Buyers restoring a specific trim should verify the wheel diameter first and use marque-specific references if exact historical appearance matters. Staying with the correct size preserves the proportions and stance more faithfully than choosing a tire simply because it looks similar.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse because the primary fitments on this page are all radial. That keeps the appearance discussion centered on profile, sidewall treatment, and the overall look of the chosen size rather than on a bias-ply-versus-radial visual difference.
For a restoration-oriented car, the larger appearance choice is usually blackwall versus wide whitewall in the applicable 205/55R16 fitment. Most buyers looking for a late-1990s sport-compact presentation will stay with a blackwall radial, while a whitewall introduces a custom touch. Matching the tire to the wheel diameter and the intended style of the build matters more than construction type here.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, even when the tire size matches one of the original application sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowering, and suspension work can all change how a 195/70R14, 205/55R16, or 215/50R17 tire sits in the car.
A modified Eclipse should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before choosing a replacement tire. That matters most on RS and Spyder GS models, where more than one original size may already be possible. Verifying the actual setup on the car is more useful than relying on trim name alone once modifications enter the picture.
What should I inspect before driving a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires?
Before driving a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the tires clear the suspension and body through full steering travel. It is also worth checking valve stems, balance, and any uneven wear pattern that may point to alignment or suspension issues.
A short initial drive is a good time to watch for vibration, rubbing, or pulling that was not obvious during installation. On a car that has seen aftermarket wheel changes or long storage, rechecking pressure and lug torque after the first miles is a sensible follow-up. Those basic steps help the correct tire size perform as intended on the road.
How often should tires on a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse be inspected?
Tires on a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Routine checks should include tread wear, air pressure, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any sign of uneven wear that could suggest alignment or suspension problems.
A collector or weekend-driven Eclipse can age its tires before it wears them out, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Inspection is also important after seasonal storage, before longer drives, and any time the car has been sitting on one set of tires for an extended period. Catching problems early helps preserve both safety and ride quality.
