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 51 through 60 of 121.00

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  1993 Stealth ES--Ultimate Sleeper - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By StealthDriver - February 2 - 1:47 am

  This is one of the best cars ever produced. Its also one of the best sleepers. A little heavy for a sports car but makes up for it in accleration, cornering, and all around style. I have owned two of them and I wish that parts were more common and that people would pay for what they are worth. From here on out the price will continue to go up like old Camaros and Mustangs. The one thing that I dont like is how much a timing belt and water pump cost to change (600-1000 bucks!). With an exhaust, chip and turbo upgrade the R/T tt will beat Vipers, Corvettes, and just about anything else.

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  By far the best - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Roche - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my stealth new off the lot because all of the specs and reviews said it matched or outperformed cars double or triple the price. They were right! Its by far the most reliable car and maintenance free Ive had too, although mainenance is expensive. Great in all weather including snow. After 12 years, Im still getting 21 mpg city and over 27 mpg highway. Not bad for a twin turbo & the way I drive!

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  Sweet Ride - 1994 Dodge Stealth
  By jagger01 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car after highschool, owned it for about a year and a half and had virtually no problems. Only ones were fuel filter, and carbon build up in the intake caused stalling. Car was great fun to drive, superb ride although soft handling due to non-turbo suspension. Car was very reliable, heater and A/C took a while to come on but both worked flawlessly. The V6 had great power, and torque whenever you needed it in any gear. All nessesary features were easily accessable to the driver. Front seats held two adults comfortably, however rear seats seemed they were added merely to lower insurance costs. Even without ABS option the brakes performed exceptionally

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  Lady in Red - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Asphek - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Enjoyed driving it very much, but have to sell it as the "Lady" is getting old, but still has the ability to turn heads, and boy can she still run!! bet she does.....she sure zooms zooms through the highways.

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  Stealth Twin Turbo, The One to BUY! - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By Jmouse007 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my pristine 1993 Stealth RTTT for 7 years. The car is EXCEPTIONAL! TIMELESS styling, 300+hp, 0 to 60 in 5.6 and 27mpg crusing at 75mph! The only thing it lacks is a decent cup holder (that accounts for the 9 in interior design). This car is mechanically bulletproof as long as you follow the scheduled maintenance. The cabin is beautiful, like a jet fighter and seats are comfortable on long trips. If your looking for a car that will put a smile on your face EVERY TIME you get behind the wheel, then look no further! One word of caution, only buy one that has been well maintained and not beat into the ground. It took me 3 years to find min

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  Looks great,! but cant sell - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By gcooley - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Everyone turns their head while looking, but no one wants to pay anything for it. My 93 is slowly starting to fade, and problems are coming up everywhere. But has treated me great up until now.

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  IN STEALTH MODE!! - 1995 Dodge Stealth
  By klinger13 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  has been quite reliable. have only needed to replace the clutch for the air- conditioner, driver side window regulator and an o2 sensor.is very fun to drive and handles exceptionally well. i would love to buy another if they still made them.

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  Most Fun Car I have ever had - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Mike D - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Most fun car I have ever had. Always get looks from young and old. Speed is exhilerating yet always seems safe. JUst as much fun as a Porsche or Corvette.

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  Great car - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By nice - January 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is great ive had no problems what so ever. Its to bad they still dont make them. Its fun to drive goes great throught the snow. It attracts alot of people and they still ask to buy but its all mine.

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  Beautiful Fast Fun - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Verticalted - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Stealth for 7 years and still love driving it every chance I can. The Stealth just looks great parked, let alone going down the highway. Upkeep can be pricey, but worth it. Car is unique whose style will look great for years to come.