1991 Dodge Stealth ES 3 Liter DOHC
Summary:
Troublesome car
Faults:
Timing Belt broke at around 73000 miles. Cost: None (The dealer replaced it under special warranty)
Power windows on driver's side stopped working around 77000 miles. Cost: $420.
Radio stopped playing at 84000 miles. Cost: $320.
Pop-up headlights stopped working at 86000 miles. Cost : about $300.
Connecting Rod broke. Cost: Are you kidding? I threw it where it belongs: the junkyard.
General Comments:
I bought this car in '97, to replace my '92 3000GT SL that I wrecked. The 3kGT had a lot of electrical problems, but I loved the performance. Thinking that Dodge might have tuned up the car in its own way, I bought a '91 Stealth ES for $6500 from a used car dealer. Boy, was I in for a surprise. The car had 76k miles on it when I got it, and a month later the timing belt broke, which the dealer replaced it for free. Then, the power window on the driver side stopped working. The Dodge dealer replaced it for $420, which was a nasty dent in the wallet. Then the radio stopped playing cassettes and CDs, so Dodge replaced it for a mean $320, which really bites. To make matters worse, the left headlamps refused to open a few months after, and that costs $300 to replace the whole headlight assembly. For a performance car, the engine is strong, but poorly built. The car never took any heavy acceleration, but the connecting rods broke anyways at about 86k miles. At that point I sent the car to the salvage and got me a 2001 Chevy Camaro SS. Overall, this car really isn't worth the trouble. If you're looking for a sports car, avoid the Stealth at all costs!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th August, 2002
31st Aug 2004, 17:02
I now have 110,000 miles on my 91 stealth ES and haven't had any major problems with it. My idle control unit quit on me, but I fixed that myself and the part was $200. Other than how quickly I go through tires I love this car.
24th Aug 2007, 13:40
Timing belts are supposed to be replaced every 60k.
27th Jan 2008, 18:04
Exactly. There's a major maintenance schedule done every 60K miles. including timing belt, water pump, etc... sounds like you got a lemon as the previous owner did not take care of this car.
6th Feb 2008, 10:20
I have a 1991 ES that I bought slightly used in 1992. It is by far the best and most reliable car that I have ever owned. You can look on-line and there are several places that will rebuild the power window for $160. There is also a place in Florida that will fix the computer for $195 (If you live in Fl or Tx, there are two circuits that can melt and cause the car to run real bad). Overall, if you maintain these cars, they are great. I cannot believe how cheap you can buy one... the lines are still beautiful after all these years and mine (red with chrome wheels) gets a lot of looks and comments.
6th Aug 2010, 14:59
I purchased a 1991 Dodge Stealth a couple of months ago with 212,000 on it. I love it, it runs great, still pulls hard, and it gets up and goes. All buttons work, AC is great. Great car.
19th Jul 2003, 05:10
Sounds like the previous driver of your car was the problem and not the car. With all of the engine problems you described, I would have to say that the previous owner was a very hard driver or the mileage was incorrect.