1991-1996 Dodge Stealth: Road Test

An R/T Turbo is frightfully fast. All told, a base or ES Stealth makes more sense for most drivers. Both feel more responsive in daily driving with manual shift. Far lighter in weight, they don't suffer the flagship model's turbo lag or stiff ride. Front-drive Stealths suffer only minimal torque steer, and run quieter. Sadly, the optional automatic transmission keeps the V6 from revving high enough. Turbo gas mileage is marginal, but not bad for a car with such strong performance and so many pounds to haul. An early test Turbo averaged 18.8 mpg. Still, the aero gimmicks on either R/T do not justify their higher prices. Stealths suffer a rather claustrophobic 2+2 cockpit that isn't so easy to enter or leave. Elbow room is greater than a Talon or Eclipse, but rear seats are next to useless. Cargo space is scant, too. All-wheel drive on the R/T Turbo is a bonus on wet pavement, though front-drive Stealths also provide fine grip. Four-wheel steering subtly does its part toward that top Stealth's tenacious roadholding. On the other hand, the difference isn't great, and 4WS can communicate a nervous detachment, unlike the satisfying precision of regular steering on other Stealths.

Value for the Money
Appealing more because of its style and performance than its practical virtues, Dodge's sports coupe scores high on that level. But a Stealth is not nearly as successful as a daily driver.