1994 Dodge Stealth RT from North America - Comments

SRS light on @ 40,000

Bad Clutch @ 50,000

Bad Thermostat @ 80,000.

I have to admit that I've never given the Stealth/3000GT lines the respect they deserve. I've always believed that the reliability for Mitsubishi's were far worse than Toyotas/Nissans and Hondas.

It has actually been a good, solid car!

Performance:

- Good acceleration... but it's a heavy car so the 222hp isn't as fast as you might expect.

- Good handling... but there can be a little wheel hop and some moderate torque steer which detract from the experience.

Appearance:

- Excellent paint (although I ruined mine) with a high quality base/clearcoat in comparison to single-stages like the MR2.

- Beautiful body that doesn't need body kits or other modifications.

- Leather seats are high quality and comfortable.

Costs:

- Good Reliability. Its not an Accord, but it's a sports car so "good" is "great".

- Moderate Maintenance costs:

= 60k/120k service: $1,000.

Overall:

She's been a solid car. Just make sure to:

- get the 60k/120k timing belts replaced

- Replace your thermostat! For some unknown reason, the thermostat goes into "CLOSED" mode when it fails, so when it fails your car will continue to increase temperate until it overheats (and could cause serious harm)

- use a dealer when possible: my local Firestone screwed up my wheel hubs and slave clutch cylinder, my alarm installed tripped my SRS light (a common problem) and the dealer couldn't turn it off.

As a response to the thermostat failing. Be sure an not over-heat the Car due to a faulty water-pump. This will cause the thermostat to stick open, and not operate properly, as well as, loose coolant from the waterpump propellor seal. To bring to attention the Water-pump. The Pump location is in a very critical spot!!! You need to be sure to replace before broken, due to the timing belt location!!! As antifreeze is very slick, it will splurge out onto the timing belt, and under serious acceleration, your belt will slip, and car functions will ceice rather abbruply! And badly! Aftermarket precision parts are very highly advised due to the major torqe steer in the suspension systems. Fast car! Drive with Caution.

Funny, but my thermostat froze up at 80k as well. I changed my water pump, timing belt, belt tensioners, pulleys and hoses at 60k (at a total cost of $600...and I did the labor), but don't know if I replaced my thermostat at that time. I didn't show replacing it.

I wouldn't have minded, but mine decided to CLOSE after the engine was HOT. Impossible you say? Then explain how I can drive 200+ miles on the way to Vegas from Los Angeles with no overheating, then suddenly heat up at the border?

I am looking for help about my 1994 Dodge Stealth. Occasionally my "automatic" will stall just before going from a complete stop as I push on the gas, does anyone have an answer for me?

Regarding the technical question above, are you familiar with www.3si.org? It's the 'official' club of Mitsu 3000/Stealth owners. There's a huge FAQ section full of technical questions and answers like yours. Definitely worth a look. I am currently investigating the purchase of a 1995 Stealth myself, so I want to get acquainted with all the ownership issues and costs. Thank you.