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 11 through 20 of 121.00

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  Car is great all around - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By ntc12919209 - November 4 - 9:35 pm

  I bought my Stealth over last winter. Was not running when bought but quickly found out that it was just a bad crank sensor. I got lucky with the condition of the car, as it was BONE stock when i got it. When i replaced the clutch at 172000 miles i was surprised to find the original clutch disk still in there. Since then i have done a few upgrades (cone filter, cat delete with megan racing down pipe. full 3" out the back, also put a stage 3 clutch in and couldnt be happier. car is great and love the sound of the turbos spooling.

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  Textbook Chrylser - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By cord1500 - August 21 - 12:19 pm

  The Stealth represents what is wrong with Chrysler and why they are where they are today. A unique, sporty, and attractive exterior design plagued by a dollar store interior and reliability of weather. Numerous electrical faults, windows, alternator, and transmission in the first two years! Spent more time at Dodge than in my garage. Performance was great then, but Ive seen R/T Stealths blown away by 4 door G-35 recently

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  Great car for the firs 150k - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Rick - July 24 - 2:11 am

  Great car and super fun to drive. Perfect dimensions for a sports car - short and wide. Received looks everywhere! Sold it after eight years and it was losing compression and getting harder to smog in California without extensive engine work. Also had to replace first gear under warranty. Mitsubishi sold as a Dodge so it was fairly reliable. Wish Dodge would make another Stealth with new technology!

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  Best Damn Car Ever Built - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Rouge - May 19 - 1:18 pm

  I bought my 1991 Dodge Stealth in summer of 1995 as a used vehicle with 36,000kms on it.I currently have 280,000kms on it.It has been wonderful,fast,and enjoyable.I have driven it winter and summerlong trips and short ones.Only problem second gear syncros and power door locks.I currently have a miss I cant find but will check out coil packs.This has been the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many.Fast,reliable good fuel economy also one of the prettiest machines ever built.I have stayed on the road when half tons and SUVs were in the ditch. It has never let me down.I wish she was new again so we could start the romance all over again.I will find a low miles new baby soon!AWESOME!

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  Loved when drivable - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By jaspence - March 23 - 1:30 pm

  This is by far the funnist car i have ever owned. But I bought the car with about 90,000 miles and it was a ton of fun till about 120,000 when the motor went, I replaced with a rebuilt and about 10,000 mile the motor went again dumb me replaced again and 5,000 mile went for the final time, now it sits in my driveway and still makes me smile because of its looks but cry because of the money I put into it, but is a truly fun car when its running good

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  Young mans ride - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By DANO - January 19 - 8:24 pm

  I bought mine from an older gentleman who took exelent care of it. Its a beautiful royal blue. It has the twin turbo hood resembles Batmobile. Inside sets too low for me. I was disapointed to find out it was not a true Dodge but rather a Mitsubushi drivetrain. Maybe this is why motor and tranny dont last long but mine has because have babied it. I will be selling it soon, maybe if it had a real Hemi like a 426, I would keep it.

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  1991 Dodge Stealth ES - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Danahs09 - December 20 - 11:32 pm

  All around great car has great power through all the rpms. For only paying 1500 for my Stealth I feel I got a good bargain even though I do need to fix a couple minor things and since its almost 20 years old it may need a little bit of a paint job. Probably would not suggest for a inexperienced driver though I have been driving for awhile. The power this thing has compared to a Sunfire or a Cutlass Cierra is definetly noticable and will catch you off guard if youre not prepared for it.

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  Never ending drive with my ES. - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By Rob - October 14 - 11:40 pm

  I really think this is the best car ever. It was my first car back in 2006 when I bought it. Its amazing but still fixing for minor things now. I basically put a new door, stereo, thermostat, brakes, paint job, tires, gauge bulbs, moldings and new rims. I think you could possibly do anything to this car to make it look ten times as better. I believe its an amazing car to drive around town and show off. Ive had a person challenge me with their pathetic charger r/t and it was funny Ill tell you. But great car to pick chicks up too in it. It looks twice as better in black and dark tints.

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  My grocery getter - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By peggy Gage - June 26 - 10:29 pm

  I bought a one owner Stealth in 2001 that had been well maintained. I have enjoyed this car more than any car I have ever owned. I have replaced the "brain" and the CV joint and have done regular maintenance. It has been very reliable ,It runs strong. Rides like a new car and handles beautifully on the best of curves. The styling is timeless, and it still turns heads!

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  Fast and fun - 1995 Dodge Stealth
  By yamaha1269 - June 26 - 5:00 pm

  I own five of these cars from the base model to the twin turbo from each year so I feel Im well qualified to make an accurate judgment of this car to start this car is highly underrated and I wish they would get more recognition for the Design and engineering. Car is fairly comfortable driving long distance. My six speed turbo was great on gas for a sports car and went 450 miles if not more on a full 17 gallon tank. Oh man does this car sound good with an after market sound system with little or no effort although the head units angle does create a problem with a flip up screen if installed so using and double din unit is better.