The Stealth is a nameplate Dodge doesn't even bother using anymore. That's a shame, because in the 90s it had potency - thanks to the VR4 AWD.
In actuality, the Stealth was no triumph of American engineering. It was a triumph of American dollars and bargaining power. Chrysler made a deal with Mitsubishi and were able to sell cars using their mechanical components. One such car was the Mitsubishi 300GT, from which Chrysler/Dodge made the Stealth.
I guess it was a good deal if you really had to have that American design pen touch...but even then, it was very similar looking to the 3000GT. Still, that's not a bad thing. These are classics of the 90s, all smooth corners, globular shapes and swishy swoopy lines. The big benefit to the driver is aerodynamics and efficiency.
So what were the mechanicals that Chrysler wanted to get their hands on so badly? The Stealth has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine good for almost 300 horsepower. That was a big deal then and remains impressive today. It'll be a gas guzzler, but damn this thing will haul on the highways.
As if that wasn't enough, it's got not only four-wheel drive, but four-wheel steering to keep you in total control, glued to the road with the utmost confidence. The 3000GT/Stealth cars were laboratories of 90s Japan hi-technology. The basic fact is that you just don't get this kind of package anymore, at least not for under, what, $40k?
The interior is also impressive, swathed in black leather. This one is mated to a manual transmission and seems to have an aftermarket DVD player upgrade.
I wouldn't expect anything less from a 2-owner, 42k-mile car. Look for accidents, rust and maintenance history. The engine is complex and I imagine would need oil changed religiously.
But if you want a big, safe, powerful sports car from the 90s, this packed with similar power as a 300ZX but has more technology and is less common.
Available here on ebay for $12,500.
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