The 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 GT is a sports car that was introduced in 1990 by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors. The car is also known as the Mitsubishi GTO in other markets. It was sold in the United States as a captive import called the Dodge Stealth until 1996. The history of the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 GT can be traced back to the Mitsubishi HSR and HSX concept cars that were unveiled to popular success in the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. After the positive reception, Mitsubishi began developing a sports coupe that could compete with the Honda NSX and other similar sport coupes.
The Range
Body Styles: coupe
Engines: 3.0-liter V-6
Transmissions: six-speed manual, four-speed automatic, five-speed manual
Models: Mitsubishi 3000 GT, Mitsubishi 3000 GT SL, Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4
What's New
There are almost no changes to the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 GT, except for the addition of a standard power sunroof for the SL and VR-4 models.
Exterior
The 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 GT is undeniably good-looking on the outside with its sleek styling and aerodynamic design. It has a wheelbase of 97.2 inches and an overall length of 181.1 inches. It has a width of 72.4 inches and a total height of 50.6 inches.
Interior
The 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 GT's interior is set low. The front seats are a snug fit, with little extra room for the legs or feet. Headroom is a little extra thanks to the low placement of the seats. The rear seats offer so little room that it end up being a showpiece rather than a useful part of the car. The low-slung styling of the car does offer headroom, but it also makes entry and exit a little problematic. Inside the car, it is clear that the cabin uses some high quality materials. The seats are supportive yet comfortable; the gauges are well placed, and it's clear to the driver. The controls are nicely spaced, too. The SL and VR-4 models get liquid crystal readout for the automatic climate control system, which is difficult to read. Moreover, the lack of contrast makes it even more difficult to view in daylight. Moreover, the stereo controls are mounted too low, and its controls are too small.
Performance & Handling
The base model of the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 GT is fitted with single-overhead cam three-liter V-6 engine that delivers 161 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The midrange models get a dual-overhead cam V-6 engine that delivers 218 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are available with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The VR-4 model in particular gets a turbocharged version of the same engine that delivers 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. This engine is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
The VR-4 model, with its turbocharged engine, is a fun car to drive. It can go from standstill to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, making it very quick. Surprisingly, the car is quite stable and quiet, so much so that the speed becomes deceptive. In other words, it becomes difficult to realize just how fast the car is going sometimes. The all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering offers precise and secure steering for maneuvering tight corners. The brakes are good, too, although the heavy curb weight of the car makes the brakes a little less effective. However, the steering is a little vague for all models except the front-drive SL, and fuel economy is more or less non-existent.
Safety
The 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 GT is fitted with dual airbags and anti-lock brakes for the SL and VR-4. The brakes are optional for the base coupe. The car received a full five-star rating for driver safety and a mediocre three stars for passenger safety during frontal impact tests conducted by the NHTSA.
EPA Fuel Economy
Mitsubishi 3000 GT: 18/24 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Anti-lock brakes are standard, except in the base model
- Powerful performance
- All-wheel-drive system of the VR-4
- Good handling and steering
You Won't Like
- Poor fuel economy
- Lack of room inside
- High price tag
Sum Up
A Japanese sportster with endless potential.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Lexus SC 300
- Toyota Supra
- Volvo C70