1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mitsubishi 3000. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mitsubishi 3000.

1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Review

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).

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.

1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy (VR-4)

Handling/roadholding	Passenger and cargo room

Antilock brakes (except base)	Ride

All-wheel drive (VR-4)

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Reliability

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

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.

1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1991
3000GT	$2,000-2,600	$1,400-1,800	$300-400
3000GT VR-4	$4,000-4,800	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500

1992
3000GT	$2,300-3,000	$1,700-2,200	$400-600
3000GT VR-4	$4,700-5,500	$3,900-4,600	$1,800-2,100

1993
3000GT	$2,700-3,500	$2,000-2,600	$600-800
3000GT VR-4	$6,000-6,800	$5,200-5,900	$2,500-2,900

1994
3000GT	$3,200-4,300	$2,500-3,400	$800-1,100
3000GT VR-4	$7,000-7,900	$6,200-7,000	$3,300-3,700

1995
3000GT Coupe	$3,800-5,000	$3,100-4,100	$1,200-1,600
3000GT Spyder	$12,000-13,300	$10,800-12,000	$6,700-7,400
3000GT VR-4 Coupe	$8,000-9,000	$7,200-8,100	$4,100-4,600
3000GT VR-4 Spyder	$16,000-17,500	$14,600-15,900	$10,200-11,200

1996
3000GT Coupe	$4,500-6,200	$3,700-5,100	$1,600-2,200
3000GT Spyder	$13,500-15,000	$12,300-13,700	$8,000-8,900
3000GT VR-4 Coupe	$10,000-11,000	$9,000-9,900	$5,200-5,700
3000GT VR-4 Spyder	$17,500-19,000	$16,100-17,500	$11,200-12,200

1997
3000GT Coupe	$5,200-7,500	$4,400-6,400	$2,100-3,000
3000GT Spyder	$15,000-16,500	$13,700-15,000	$9,500-10,400
3000GT VR-4 Coupe	$11,000-12,300	$9,900-11,100	$5,900-6,600
3000GT VR-4 Spyder	$19,000-20,500	$17,500-18,900	$12,400-13,300

1998
3000GT Coupe	$6,200-9,000	$5,400-7,800	$2,700-3,900
3000GT VR-4 Coupe	$13,500-15,000	$12,300-13,700	$8,000-8,900

1999
3000GT Coupe	$7,500-10,500	$6,800-9,500	$3,800-5,300
3000GT VR-4 Coupe	$15,500-17,000	$14,100-15,500	$9,900-10,900

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.

1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Review:

Mitsubishi 3000GT

Mitsubishi 3000GT Road Test

Mitsubishi 3000GT Reliability

Mitsubishi 3000GT Prices

Mitsubishi 3000GT Specs & Safety

Mitsubishi 3000GT Photos

Mitsubishi 3000GT Full Review