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 111 through 120 of 121.00-
Dodge Stealth - 1991 Dodge Stealth
By stealth - March 31 - 2:00 amExcellent, Excellent.
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This car rocks - 1994 Dodge Stealth
By Tyler - March 30 - 2:00 amMy sister owns one and it is great i love driving it , it has givin no problems at all. The only complaint i have is i got long legs and the back seats are real small no room in the back at all but other than that this car is great
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Stealth Base (3Si) - 1991 Dodge Stealth
By jesfrek - March 25 - 2:00 amI currently drive a Stealth, it is a fantastic car. Very fast and plenty of room for mods. Overall an excellent car.
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Very Good - 1991 Dodge Stealth
By Bonnie - March 23 - 2:00 amClean and beautiful. I am 54, professional 51 year old woman, going on 25! I Like speed. Had it for 2 years. A truck rear ended me at 50 miles per hour in stopped traffic. If I was in another car, I would have been killed. The head rest took the impact of my head, which saved my life., and the rear end suffered major damage, but the hatch back window did not break. The car turned easily and quickly for me, which enabled me to move out of oncoming traffic when the impact occurred. my car is a "total" loss,. I do believe that had I been in another vehicle, results would be different. Id recommend it to anyone, sports car or not.
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Dodge Stealth - 1995 Dodge Stealth
By Eric3238 - March 17 - 3:03 pmI got a Dodge Stealth because I wanted to impress some people. And it did just that. And I still have it in my garage and it still runs good. I guess the better you treat any cars. The longer theyll last. My Stealth has about 80,000 and it is still going fine!
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WHAT A CAR!!!!! - 1995 Dodge Stealth
By JOHNNY - March 17 - 2:40 pmI purchased this car at the end of summer 2002 and I have to admit this car is a masterpeice! I have never driving a car like this and I have prevoisly owned a 92 corvette and 90 camaro. Ive seen specs where this car is faster then a 911 turbo in the 60. The Stealth TT is all around the most comfortable, most affortable, and the most attractive car for the money. The AWD and 4ws systems compliment the car in hard turns and passing, and when those twin turbos kick in ... hummm HOLD ON!!! and when it comes to maintainance prices ... well lets just say its a bit more then a grandprix and much less then a vette. I rate this car 5+/5 on road and track.
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I lLove My Stealth R/T - 1995 Dodge Stealth
By Stingray - March 17 - 4:15 amContrary to popular belief , I have had great service and a whole lot of fun with my Stealth . Not only have I not done anything to it but drive it for the past year but I get 26 to 30 miles to the gal. It had 101000 miles on it when I got it but is now knocking on 143000 miles and still tops out at 157 mph with 2300 rpms left to play with before red lining . I change the oil every 3 to 4000 miles and ate up 2 sets of Z rated 245/45/17/ tires( mountains of NC ) . I`ve had vettes , mustangs , and even a 350 stroker Studebaker but my Stealth has been one of the best or the best car puchase I`ve made in my 30 years of buying my own cars !!!
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Holds the road - 1995 Dodge Stealth
By Elwood - March 15 - 2:53 pmCar is a lot of fun to drive, there is no corner it cant handle. Suprisingly comfortable on long trips (as long as noone sits in the back seat). Have had no mechanical problems (80,000 mi.), my only complaints are the transmission lags after you slow down, unless you come to a complete stop, and the base 3.0L engine is a little underpowered. Handles excellently, but rides hard. Recommend no person over 40 purchase one of these.
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Best car after Viper! - 1995 Dodge Stealth
By jetblackrt - March 13 - 2:40 pmThe car is a classic! I owned it and love it! Build quality is next to perfect, all panels lined by mm. Everything works, engine sounds like V10 to learn more about this car visit www.3si.org or www.stealth316.com
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BEST CAR EVER - 1995 Dodge Stealth
By ult guy - March 12 - 5:30 amExtremly nice ride, Its AWD destroys all cars, i whoop Supra Twin Turbos in my Stealth RT.. i suggest this car 100%
