1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT
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1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT
- Price Range: $1,300 - $17,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- All-wheel drive (VR-4)
- Antilock brakes (except base)
- Handling/roadholding
Cons
- Fuel economy (VR-4)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Mitsubishi entered the sports-car arena with its new 2 2 sport coupe. The Dodge Stealth was mechanically identical. Base and midrange 3000GT models got a twin-cam, 24-valve 3.0-liter V6, rated at 222 horsepower. The flagship VR-4 had 4-wheel steering, permanent 4-wheel drive, and a twin-turbo engine with dual intercoolers that made 300 horsepower. The VR-4 came only with 5-speed manual shift, but others might have an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. A driver-side airbag was standard. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard across the board, and antilock braking was standard on the SL and VR-4 (optional on base coupe).
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Mitsubishi 3000:
Except for three new paint colors, nothing changed for '92 in Mitsubishi's sport-coupe group.
1993 Mitsubishi 3000:
Standard leather upholstery went into the VR-4 for '93, and the base coupe added some comfort features. Chrome-plated alloy wheels were offered for the first time, as was a CD changer.
1994 Mitsubishi 3000:
Dual airbags were installed in 1994, as the Mitsubishi sports coupes got a modest facelift. The VR-4's engine got a boost to 320 horsepower, along with a switch from 5-speed manual shift to a 6-speed. All models wore a reshaped nose with four exposed headlamps, which replaced hidden flip-up units.
1995 Mitsubishi 3000:
Costly retractable-hardtop Spyders debuted in spring 1995. The top was an articulated design, made of plastic composites, and production was very limited.
1996 Mitsubishi 3000:
Few changes marked the coupes or the Spyders for '96.
1997 Mitsubishi 3000:
Dodge Stealths dropped out of the market after 1996, but the Mitsubishi 3000GT carried on with minor styling touch-ups. A lower-priced base coupe joined the 3000GT lineup, carrying a single cam Mitsubishi-built 3.0-liter V6 that produced 161 horsepower. The dual-cam engine in the SL lost four horsepower.
1998 Mitsubishi 3000:
3000GT sees no change for 1998.
1999 Mitsubishi 3000:
3000GT received cosmetic changes front and rear and VR-4 models got a huge rear spoiler. Slow sales would eventually kill the Mitsubishi sports car for the year 2000.
Our road test for the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The VR-4 is an enjoyable machine to drive. For one thing, it's quick. Mitsubishi promised a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.6 seconds. More surprising, the car is so stable and quiet that speed becomes deceptive; it's difficult to tell just how fast you're traveling. Its 4-wheel steering and all-wheel drive blend for secure, precise cornering. Brakes are great too, bringing the VR-4 to a halt with reassuring swiftness and terrific poise. Except for slightly vague steering (not true of the front-drive SL) and a voracious appetite for fuel, the 3000GT is an impressive, if costly, machine. An SL is quick enough for most folks and has most of the VR-4's admirable qualities. Cockpits are snug and low, but the back seat is strictly for show. Low-slung styling makes entry and exit a chore, too. Otherwise, the cabin is top-notch, with supportive seats, nicely spaced controls, and clear, properly placed gauges. On the downside, the liquid crystal readout for the automatic climate system, standard on SL and VR-4, is difficult to decipher and has too little contrast for easy viewing in daylight. Also, the stereo unit is mounted too low and has tiny controls.
Value for the Money
A VR-4 delivers outstanding performance and all-wheel-drive action, but you pay a penalty in its stiff ride, as well as the high price. Base and SL models are more reasonable alternatives.
A VR-4 delivers outstanding performance and all-wheel-drive action, but you pay a penalty in its stiff ride, as well as the high price. Base and SL models are more reasonable alternatives.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi 3000 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi 3000 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
RX-367 audio systems and rear CD changers suffer from alternator noise through the speakers. (1993)
Brakes:
Either of the front brake hoses can break under full-lock steering maneuvers when the suspension is also at its maximum travel, and dealers will replace them with revised hoses. (1993)
Convertible top:
Spyder models may have difficulties with the retractable hardtop operation, particularly after a collision.
Fuel pump:
The vehicle is sensitive to fuel starvation caused by a clogged in-tank filter. (1991-96)
Hard starting:
Corrosion in the connector behind the right headlight may prevent car from starting. (1991-92)
Horn:
The horn button pops out of the steering wheel. (1994-95)
Water leak:
Water leaks in through the rear latch area of the tilt-up sunroof. (1992-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $835 |
| Alternator | $445 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $975 |
| Brakes | $310 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $455 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,470 |
| Exhaust System | $320 |
| Radiator | $530 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $880 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $315 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi 3000 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| 3000GT Coupe | $5,900-8,200 | $5,100-7,100 | $2,500-3,400 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Coupe | $13,500-15,200 | $12,300-13,800 | $8,000-9,000 |
| 1998 | |||
| 3000GT Coupe | $5,000-7,200 | $4,300-6,100 | $2,000-2,900 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Coupe | $12,000-13,500 | $10,800-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
| 1997 | |||
| 3000GT Coupe | $4,300-6,000 | $3,600-5,000 | $1,500-2,000 |
| 3000GT Spyder | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Coupe | $10,200-11,500 | $9,200-10,400 | $5,300-6,000 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Spyder | $17,500-19,000 | $16,100-17,500 | $11,200-12,200 |
| 1996 | |||
| 3000GT Coupe | $3,600-5,200 | $2,900-4,200 | $1,000-1,500 |
| 3000GT Spyder | $12,300-13,800 | $11,100-12,400 | $7,000-7,900 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Coupe | $8,500-9,800 | $7,700-8,800 | $4,400-5,100 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Spyder | $16,300-17,800 | $14,800-16,200 | $10,400-11,400 |
| 1995 | |||
| 3000GT Coupe | $3,000-4,300 | $2,300-3,300 | $700-1,000 |
| 3000GT Spyder | $11,000-12,500 | $9,900-11,300 | $5,900-6,800 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Coupe | $7,000-8,000 | $6,200-7,100 | $3,300-3,800 |
| 3000GT VR-4 Spyder | $15,000-16,500 | $13,700-15,000 | $9,500-10,400 |
| 1994 | |||
| 3000GT | $2,600-3,600 | $1,900-2,700 | $500-800 |
| 3000GT VR-4 | $5,800-6,800 | $5,000-5,900 | $2,400-2,900 |
| 1993 | |||
| 3000GT | $2,300-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| 3000GT VR-4 | $4,700-5,500 | $3,900-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 1992 | |||
| 3000GT | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 3000GT VR-4 | $4,000-4,800 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| 1991 | |||
| 3000GT | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 3000GT VR-4 | $3,500-4,200 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi 3000 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.2 | 97.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 179.7 | 179.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.4 | 72.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.8 | 49.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3780 | 3200 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 4.4 | 11.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.8 | 19.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.3 | 37.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.2 | 44.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.3 | 34.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.5 | 28.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All 3000GTs from 1991 to 1996 used a 3.0-liter V6 engine with dual-overhead camshafts. A normally aspirated version went into base and midrange models, developing 222 horsepower (218 in '97). The hottest model, the VR-4, got a twin-turbo rendition that made 300 horsepower (increased to 320 for 1994). The VR-4 could only be equipped with 5-speed manual shift (6-speed manual, starting in 1993). Other 3000GTs might have the optional 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1997, a new base model carried a 161-horsepower V6 with a single-overhead camshaft.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 161 | 185 | 5-speed manual: 19/24 4-speed automatic: 18/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.5 |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 218-222 | 201-205 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: 18.1 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 300-320 | 307-315 | 6-speed manual: 18/24 | 6-speed manual: 13.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi 3000 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 3000GT |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Front-seatbelt release button can break, allowing pieces to fall into buckle assembly.
1991-94 sold in Puerto Rico:
Front brake hose can crack during full-lock steering and full suspension travel, resulting in fluid leakage.
1991-94:
Under conditions of full-lock steering and full suspension travel, front brake hose can crack, resulting in fluid leakage.
1995-99:
Oil may leak from the all-wheel-drive transfer case.
1999:
Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
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