Overview & Reviews
When you hear "Dodge," what comes to mind? Truck commercials featuring a couple of Hemi-obsessed rednecks? Tire-melting muscle cars? Or maybe Grandma's '73 Dart with a 318 V8 you couldn't kill (no matter how many brake stands you did with it)? How about a sport coupe with a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering? For many people, that last association is a bit hazy.
But in reality there was indeed such a car -- the Dodge Stealth. Thanks to its partnership with Mitsubishi during the 1990s, Dodge offered the Stealth sport coupe, which, depending on trim level, offered a lot of show with little go, a lot of show with respectable go or a lot of show with a lot of go.
Essentially a restyled variant of the Mitsubishi 3000GT, the Stealth was either front- or all-wheel drive and powered by engines ranging from a mild 164-horsepower V6 to a twin-turbo version with nearly twice the power. With its low nose, muscular haunches and wide stance, the Stealth was a model of early-'90s cool.
The coolest was the 300-hp (later 320) twin-turbo Dodge Stealth R/T that could run with the fastest sports cars of its day. The security of four driven wheels put it at ease doing so, and strong grip, strong brakes and styling that turned heads for six straight years rounded out the package. In short, the Dodge Stealth, at least in twin-turbo form, commanded respect.
However, it wasn't quite a model of efficiency. Contained within that somewhat bulky body was a jet aircraft-inspired cockpit that could be cramped for taller folks and a pair of rear seats best left to transporting gym bags. And the curb weight of the top twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive version, which also featured four-wheel steering, approached 2 tons. The Stealth also had a pronounced frontal weight bias that prevented it from feeling nimble, even though its outright handling was competent. Serious enthusiasts also felt that its steering and shifter were vague, and its chassis less connected to the road than other sports cars'.
As a choice for a used sport coupe, the Dodge Stealth is either a poser or a serious performance car, with a wide gulf between the two. Base models look flashy but don't provide performance matching their looks. The mid-line trims offer competent performance, but it's the R/T Twin Turbo that has the goods to back up its exotic car looks. Potential buyers should know, however, that the complex nature of the top Stealth means there are more things that can break, and sports car purists looking for a more involving drive would be better served by competing cars like the Mazda RX-7 or BMW M3.
Most recent Dodge Stealth
The Dodge Stealth ran from 1991-'96 and initially came in four trim levels: base, ES, R/T and R/T Twin Turbo. Base versions were powered by a 3.0-liter V6 with 164 hp and 185 pound-feet of torque. The ES and R/T stepped up to the plate with a 24-valve DOHC version with 222 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Twin Turbo boasted 300 hp and 307 lb-ft. Performance of the latter was thrilling, with zero to 60 mph taking just over 5 seconds.
All except the R/T Twin Turbo were front-wheel drive and offered a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The R/T Twin Turbo had all-wheel drive and didn't offer the automatic.
Base cars offered swoopy looks but little else. The ES provided the more powerful V6, 16-inch alloy wheels and foglights, while the R/T featured 17-inch alloys, a body kit (that gave it a pinched waist look), rear spoiler, antilock brakes, full power accessories, air-conditioning and an upgraded sound system. The R/T Twin Turbo added the powerhouse engine, all-wheel-drive system and four-wheel steering.
The Dodge Stealth received steady changes over the years. After some across-the-board content upgrades for 1993 (such as standard leather for the R/T Twin Turbo), the first major freshening came in 1994. Reworked styling replaced the pop-up headlights with projector units and the interior gained a second airbag. The ES trim was dropped while the R/T Twin Turbo became an even stronger performer thanks to a boost from 300 to 320 hp, the addition of a 6th gear to the gearbox and upgraded brakes.
The following year the R/T Twin Turbo gained 18-inch alloy wheels. The Stealth's last year, 1996, brought a new rear spoiler, a body-colored roof and the R/T Twin Turbo's option of chrome wheels. (Mitsubishi's 3000GT remained in production until 1999.)
For the serious driving enthusiast, the non-turbo Stealths are a bit of a letdown. Still, the 222-hp Stealths could serve as a decent (and likely more reliable) alternative to domestic-brand coupes like the Ford Mustang V6 or Chevrolet Camaro V6.
Assuming one can be found in good condition, the real incentive to buy the Dodge Stealth is the R/T Twin Turbo. Although the basics remained intact throughout their run, the 1994-'96 models are a little more desirable due to the extra power and additional gear in the transmission. Also, the R/T would make a true year-round sports car thanks to its all-wheel-drive traction.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 121.00-
Beast - 1993 Dodge Stealth
By B - October 5 - 2:00 amWhile not the fastest car on the road, it draws heads, is fast, and is a blast to drive. Mine is an automatic, wish i had a manual but i couldnt pass up the price, even with the automatic, its fast.
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Beast - 1993 Dodge Stealth
By Decksmooth - October 5 - 2:00 amWhile not the fastest car on the road, it draws heads, is fast, and is a blast to drive. Mine is an automatic, wish i had a manual but i couldnt pass up the price, even with the automatic, its fast.
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Great Car - 1994 Dodge Stealth
By jesee44 - September 9 - 2:00 amThis has been a solid car since it was new. Its fun to drive, looks good, and built well. Its got 84,000. Yes, I paid dearly for the timing belt and new tires...but its better than a new car payment. The drivers leather seat needs repaired the leather has torn and cracked.
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still looks new - 1993 Dodge Stealth
By Einstine - September 7 - 2:00 amI bought this car in 98 with 80000 miles. I have had no troubles other than normal maint. People have asked me if it is new when it has 100000 miles on it. Still looks new no rust and it is 10 years old. I can,t say enough that I love this car, and I wish they were still made.
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WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO - 1993 Dodge Stealth
By S3DELTA - September 1 - 2:00 amWhat a great running and looking car.At almost 10 yrs old...still turns heads on the street!!!!!!!!! I bought it with 91,000 miles and expected trouble. 4 months and 9,500 miles later, still runs like a charm.At 511 I do not find the car extremely comfortable but its a STEALTH so who the hell cares!!!!!!!!
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Why hasnt dodg/mitsu built a newr vers? - 1992 Dodge Stealth
By DOYEACO1 - September 1 - 2:00 amI love my 1992 red tt- I have had a z28 with the vette engine, and a vette in the past and this blows them away in every category, and it is AWD to boot! Although I spoil mine and keep it in the garage when it is bad out, i have occasionally got stuck in a snow storm with it, no issues at all! Fun to drive and people stare, stealths are not as common place as 3000s and that is why I chose one. This car was ahead of its time when it came out, and for the money you cant beat it!
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p retty good car - 1993 Dodge Stealth
By Craig Vellella - August 5 - 2:00 amI bought it used with 68,000 and it has a few problems and I expected some. Many places can not find the part when needed it always takes one day longer minor inconvenices come with this car. However people often think the car is new while it is 10 years old it is a beautiful car and most love it.
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Awesome Car - 1993 Dodge Stealth
By john cornell - August 2 - 2:00 amThis car is a fantastic, fast, fun, car and has great power. I to have smoked just about any car I raced with. The styling is great. Since Dodge and Mitchibitchi never really changed the body style most cant tell how old this car really is. Very reliable and handles like a race car. I always get looks where ever I take it.
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The Car of Exellence - 1995 Dodge Stealth
By Meghan - July 24 - 2:00 amI havent had any problems with this vehicle. It is fun to drive, and it has saved my life once already. The cars low center force gravity allows it to hug curves easily.
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Great cruiser - 1992 Dodge Stealth
By el_travieso - July 10 - 2:00 amI bought this car a month ago with 80k miles on it. I loved the looks of this car with the air vents on the side and the sleek body. The interior is just as great with probably in my opinion the most gagdets of most any other sportscar. The performance is outstanding and the twin turbos will get you into some trouble because they will respond effortlessly to your every command. The car is so stable at high speeds that you dont realize how fast youre going until you look at the speedo. The gear ratios are pretty low and you will find yourself cruising along in 5th at a 100MPH with the engine humming at a tad bit above the 3k RPM mark.
