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 61 through 70 of 121.00

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  Almost as much fun as a Viper - 1996 Dodge Stealth
  By Stealthgirl - November 20 - 2:00 am

  A little cramped inside (but what great sports car isnt?), great power, remarkable fuel economy for its power level, crisp throttle reponse and great looks make this car stand out in a world of pony car clones. The Vipers father makes an excellent sports car for anyone looking for pure reliable performance coupled with great fuel economy.

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  awsome care - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Guy Miller - October 24 - 2:00 am

  this is car is awsome and fun to drive, its probably the fastest car i have ever had

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  93, The Best Year - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By you dont need toknow - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for its affordable price. Everyone on the street always stares when your drivingand many people do not know the car and inquire if the car is brand new. The stealth exterior seems to be dateless.Now that many stealths have high mileage, are rusty, or are wrecked stealths that are near perfect condition with low mileage are collectors items and will fetch high prices. The car is comfortable in the front, the back seats are meant for smaller people.

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  A supercar for the price of a sedan - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By gglafont - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car doesnt age at all. Its design is not outdated after more than 10 years. The tires dont wear out, it doesnt use that much fuel for the power you get. It stick to the road under bad conditions, much better than any Porshe or BMW. Its only bad point is a overweight/brake disc size. Its price used is not even half of the true value of what you get.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By Kimberly - July 19 - 2:00 am

  My car is now ten years old, ABS just went out, so Im shopping for a new car and cant find -anything- that compares to the Stealth!!! This has been such an awesome car for ten years, fun to drive, fits tall people, turns head, front wheel drive so good in Chicago winters, folding down hatch so I can fit my bike and anything inside, why the heck did Mitsubishi stop making this?!?!? I would buy a new one in a heartbeat and dont want to give it up!

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  Hard to Part! - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Peachyqueen - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had my baby since July, 1991 and it is still so exciting and reliable to drive, I am hard pressed to get a new car!! I know that it is time since my mileage is 212289, but I there arent any cars that are as sharp, reliable and unique, and lets not forget reasonable as the Stealths were when they first came out! My car has had a rebuilt transmission, cv-joints replaced, a few other repairs, and my air-conditioner and radio doesnt work (well sometimes the radio works) but I can always start it on a dime and pass people with ease! One of the best decisions Dodge and I ever made!

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  Praise - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Taffyman222 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Stealth and seeing it for the first time I was in love. The speed is great, even though it is not a turbo. Heads turn as you go by. For a 92 it is in great condition and is mechanically sound. Pricing is not to bad for the amount of car you get. An all around good buy!

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  The Growl - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By R/T On - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The Stealth is a blast to drive, starting from the moment you turn the key and hear the engine growl to life. After that, the responsive engine and steering, along with the short throw shifter and its head-turning good looks, energize the drive. Combine that with the wonderfully comfortable seats, the well laid-out controls, and its great reliability, and the car is a treat to own.

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  A Rare Breed - 1994 Dodge Stealth
  By HenryFrapp - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very well designed, reliable and a true joy to drive. The cockpit is laid out so that it is easy to monitor the pulse of the car while yours is rapidly on the rise. This is my second Stealth, at 97k miles has, with the exception of an alternator being replaced tomorrow, had no mechanical problems. These cars are great values and a ton of fun to drive. Nothing in this price range can compare in performance. The new Nissan 350Z horsepower and performance pales in comparison. This car is a true driving pleasure and rare breed.

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  sweet car - 1995 Dodge Stealth
  By brad51 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  it is won of the best cars i think.it is a fun fast car! IT is really fast.I wish they still made them.IT is the best car ive ever had.