@@curiouscars9282What would be epic if u can find a clean 1992-1994 Mazda 929. Great info about Mazda's attempt to create a standalone luxury company that was supposed to be called Amati. They were in research and development in the 80s just like Toyota and Honda for Lexus and Acura.
It was never a bad looking car. Unfortunately, though, some of its main rivals included the Efini RX-7 FD, Toyota Supra Mark IV, Honda NSX, and Nissan Skyline GT-R R33.
It was 2001, I was 17yrs old in high school when I bought this car. I loved every second of owning it back then. It, too, was red and an SL trim. Nice nostalgic video
These are still great looking cars...with pop-up headlights, my neighbor down the street still drives a 3000-GT VR4. Don't forget Mitsubishi is still an air plane manufacturer.
Those Things are a nightmare to keep running. I had a far, far easier time keeping Citroën SM’s running at Jerry Hathaway’s “SM World” shop in Los Angeles, than I did working on Mitsubishi GTO VR4’s at the JDM Import place I also worked at in Palm Springs.
I remember when this car came out, what a treat. I don´t think I have seen a new car launch since then that comes close to matching the awe-inspiring and visionary features of the 3000GT. Way ahead of it´s time.
I never wanted one of those mainly because of it being a front driver. And yes I know the top of the line ones had all wheel drive. Back then to my younger self rear drive was the only way to do a performance car. No sideways mounted engines. But now as an older guy I can appreciate them.
Several front wheel drive products out at the time might have made a believer out of you. The Saab 900 Turbo, the Ford Taurus SHO, the Nissan Sentra SE-R, the Volkswagen GTI, the Diamond Star twins Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-t/GS-X and Eagle Talon TSi (these were offered in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive formats, but were primarily front wheel drive) as well as the Honda Prelude Si were all remarkable front wheel performance vehicles being marketed during this period.
@@houseofno Don't forget the Acura Integra gs-r that debuted in...1992 in the USA (DOHC vtec engines were released in Japan and other countries since the late 80s). Oh, the DSM were a trio for the first generation with the Plymouth Laser. It was even offered in AWD turbo trim.
All those cars are fun but a slower rear drive car is still more fun, more dependable and easier to work on.. There is no question that FWD is substantially less desirable, especially for an enthusiast..
I had the Dodge Stealth RT twin Turbo version back in 93….very exotic for the time, people would follow me home to ask what it was …some thought it was a Lamborghini, LOL. Put snow tires on it so I drove it year round in Iowa. Nothing could out accelerate it if pavement was wet. Got married a year after and had my son, so it turned into a Mercury Villager very quickly. Incidentally the Penelope plane is called a Cirrus SR22
Was lucky enough as a 21 year old in '93 to go for a ride in a 3000GT in Australia, only available in 1 spec there, twin turbo (290hp/300ftlbs) manual. I suspect that was the Japanese maximum at the time (every Japanese supercar topped out at the same power level, some legal issue). It certainly was faster than 300ftlbs of torque in a 3800lb car would suggest ....😉
I personally prefer the cleaner looks of its twin, the Dodge Stealth, but the 3000GT (sold as the GTO in Japan as a homage to Pontiac's legendary muscle car) was definitely one of the most stunning looking sports cars of the 90's. I prefer these earlier models with the pop-up headlights. It's such a shame to see Mitsubishi floundering today when they had such great ideas back in the day.
The wife and I had a ‘90 Gallant we bought with 18k miles in 91. We abused the hell out of it until 2002. I agree with you 100%. When I look back on it…, it was solid very well made car inside and out. Practical in every way and really pretty nice looking.
They were decent cars for the time, but, ultimately, time is the greatest judge of build quality and reliability. Here in the South, you don’t see nice old Mitsubishis from the 80’s/90’s driving around other than the occasional rusty Montero, the way you do with Toyotas, Hondas or Mercedes from the same era.
So in 94 I worked at a itchypushi dealer drove a tubrboed 87 crx and spankes a few of those. The good olden times as my grandson likes to remind me how old I am too .Thank you for taking me back
Fun fact: Hennessy motorsports started with the 3000GT VR4 because it offered the same features as the amazing Porsche 959. He modified them to get more performance because the factory cars needed more power to overcome the weight.
@@curiouscars9282Thanks Bill! Glad you agree with my summation; I've learned from the best of course! Keep 'em coming; hope to see a piece on that Pacer with the big block, or maybe another one of Andrew's sleds someday. 🤞Send my regards to Dalton if they ever let him aht!
Funny story: One day I was driving on the 101 Freeway through the San Fernando Valley in L.A. and there was a Red Mitsubishi 3000GT in the next lane over. People in several different cars were honking their horns and making rude gestures toward the driver of the Mitsubishi. It took me just a few seconds to figure it out. The date this happened was December 7, 1991 around noon PST (around 8 AM Hawaii time). Figured it out yet? Okay... that was almost to the exact minute the 50th Anniversary of the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. What? Still wondering? The Japanese A6M Zero fighter plane was made by the Mitsubishi Aircraft Company complete with its Rising Sun bright red insignia. I was pleasantly surprised at the historical knowledge held by those other drivers. But I don't think the driver of the Mitsubishi was as enthralled as I was...
There’s a number of reason for that. First of all, Mitsubishis from that era were unreliable and poorly made. They were very rust-prone, they used a lot of plastics and digitization/electronic components, in general. Plus their automatic transmission were some of the worst in the industry, which is the same reason why Suzuki failed in USA, because most Americans want automatic. The GTO/3000GT is a nightmare of electronic components, which only gets worse with the VR-4 package, and even worse on the Cabriolet. And lastly, these things are extremely hard to find parts for, nowadays, and few mechanics will know how to work on them. I had an easier time getting Classic Citroën parts, than I did getting Mitsubishi GTO VR-4 parts.
“Basically catering to buyers with credit issues too severe to buy a Nissan”. Such a true and accurate comment and classically Bill. All that and a low-key dig at Nissan is there too.
Hey man, I stumbled onto your videos having a lazy Sunday watching videos of something from my high school years that it’s now my goal to get a piece of my past back. I just wanted to and am taking the time to drop in and say I’ve spent a few hours now watching your videos of these sweet cars and I appreciate the style of your videos. Conversation style with a history and review with the occasional wildlife thing (provides a nice chuckle). Keep making videos man and I’ll keep watching. Appreciate you and appreciate the cars on the website. I’m sure you’ll find one that makes me jump and end up in Naples in the next few years.
Finally a 3000gt! Bill you must drive my VR4, if you are ever in the grand rapids area. Currently rebuilding the transmission which has the common 2nd gear synchro grind. I have owned 3 of these cars, a sohc base model, a dohc auto like this one, and now a VR4. They all drive great (when working properly), but the VR4 is not comparable to the FWD cars. The TT cars are very tunable for more power, an AEM ECU, boost controller, and a good tune you can easily be pushing 350 without changing anything. Also to correct you on the all wheel steering, it only actuated at high speed (35mph+ I beileve?) and it would help take corners and highway lane changes. Some people did not like the feeling as it would feel like the rear end was kicking out, and the system was prone to leaks, so many, including mine, had the AWS removed.
Glad to hear the weather has been nice Bill. We already have some snow up here in Minnesota. Watch our for snow birds as well as the local birds. Im sure both incite terror within Florida natives.
From one curmudgeon to another,Bill you rock.I always look forward to your videos.I thought you would have mentioned the 3000 gt Spyder.The retractable hardtop.A gentleman in Nassau has one.Top down its a stunning vehicle.GREAT VIDEO!!! Cheers from Eulethra.
I admit that when you do a video I am really excited because it's rare enough to appreciate and often enough where I don't get frustrated. Keep it up Bill!
I have a 1992 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo AWD now, and I love these cars. I had a 97 VR4 before I got my Stealth. I also had a 98 3000gt SL at one time. Amazing cars that you don't see too many of them now a days. Thanks for the video 👌🏽👍🏽
The repaint is pretty good but they painted over the black inserts in the front and rear bumper which would have made it great. The tech in these peaked in the early years. After around 1996, they started removing stuff like the adjustable suspension to reduce the costs.
The 3000GT and its twin the Dodge Stealth was a victim of its own bad timing. Coming out when the premium coupe market was declining due to excess competition (nearly every carmaker had one), not to mention rising insurance rates, a US recession, as well as the rising Japanese yen against the US dollar was a perfect storm sinking the premium coupe market in the USA. By the mid to late 1990's, nearly all of these would be gone from the market. It didn't help that these twins attracted all kinds of bad press when the Indy 500 was going to make the Dodge Stealth a pace car for the annual Memorial Day race, and UAW outcry against a Japanese sports car pacing an American auto race forced the Indy 500 officials to backtrack and field the new Dodge Viper instead. Pretty unfortunate. The car didn't deserve the bad publicity that followed.
If Chrysler and Mitsubishi had merged back in those days, they would have been a powerhouse. Now look at Mitsubishi, a subsidiary of Nissan/Renault and Chrysler, a Bank account for Fiat/Peugeot.
Those companies all ruined eachother. Renault Ruined Nissan’s build quality/reliability, Nissan ruined Mitsubishi’s exciting reputation. FIAT ruined Peugeot’s reputation for build quality/reliability, and did the same for Chrysler’s reputation for innovation and excitement.
My dad bought new a gunmetal grey Mazda 323F ("Fastback") in 1992, when I was 12 years old. A 5-door family hatchback that I thought was the coolest car on the road. All because it had pop-up headlights. I can't tell you how much kudos that garnered me amongst my friend-group, as 12-year olds getting a ride from my ma to go see a movie, or such.
Those speaker covers/plates with the screws showing devalues this car, in my mind, by 10% at least. Most likely be interior damage there. And the rest of the car is mint! I wonder what the actual devaluation would be. Anyone? Bill, keep it up!
"I am not going to ramble on" as he did for the first 6 minutes........But he is entertaining and knowledgeable so I watch. And better than the weather channel for Florida weather
The top model 3000GT twin-turbo VR4 fit perfectly into my ‘94 Geo Tracker; the 4WS was tricky to transfer but after tweaks functions fabulous! My Geo is mean and it’s got a bikini top to boot. Right now I’m looking to restore a Geo Storm, everybody’s favorite.
If I'm not mistaken, the only normally-aspirated V6 currently available in the US today that has a 7,000 RPM redline as high as this wonderful 3000GT is the 3.8L in the Nissan Frontier. 🥰🤘✊👊🤜🤛🤙👍
There's one of these rotting away near my Grandmother's home in the yard of a dilapidated-looking house at the corner of a street. Poor car deserves better 😢
I was a huge fan of the 3000GT and owned (leased) a 91 VR-4 followed by a 95 VR-4. The 91 was an incredible car with impeccable handling and quite a value (low $30k’s at the time). Half the cost of the NSX. I didn’t mind the weight given the performance and handling potential. Plus the all weather capability with the AWD. The 95 had a few more options but they took away the adjustable suspension which was neither as compliant or as sporty as the 91. Plus the price had jumped to $45k by then. Both cars were reliable and still felt like new after 4 years. My only problem on the 95 was 2 bent rims that caused a hard to find vibration. I would find one today but most VR-4s are heavily modded and abused.
I had a 1997 Dodge Avenger that I bought used around 2005 which I think was another partnership involving the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Dodge much like the 3000 GT and Dodge Stealth. From what I've been told the Dodge Avenger interior was very similar to the Mitsubishi Galant. My Dodge Avenger was a nice looking car but prone to engine and transmission issues from 2009 onwards. I recall always wanting to try out a Dodge Stealth instead as it looked nicer than my Avenger and the 3000 GT was out of my price range but almost every Dodge Stealth I would check out had too many red flags that made me think twice about buying. Might have been for the best.
Hey Bill, I think you may have forgotten about the Subaru SVX model of the 1990's era. It was their foray into the Japanese "sports" car arena and the vehicle tanked big time fella'. If anyone remembers it had this shi**y designed mini window within a bigger window. Why Subaru had to design the glass in that fashion was anyone's guess. You're absolutely CORRECT though, the Dodge STEALTH sister car most definitely took the luster off of the 3000 GT model. BTW - Many Thanks for the close-up shot of the lights illumination drill at your intro. The crew over here always has a big smile 👉. 😁 when you perform that for the subscribers. Lighting ^UP^ the tires on your bosses driveway also fun. Many Thanks Yo ! 🚘🔍. 💯
@@curiouscars9282 I live in upstate South Carolina. My SM has Euro-spec headlights, Fuel Injection (D-jetronic has been swapped for K Jetronic), 5MT, Air Conditioning. I usually take the SM up to Highlands, NC, most weekends for Car Shows. My grandfather nearby, also has a Maserati Khamsin (has the Citroën Hydropneumatic system) and an ALFA Romeo Montreal (which still has the SPICA MFI).
@@curiouscars9282 Cool to hear you got to meet Jay. I used to work at a Classic Citroën shop in LA called “SM World”. My late boss, Jerry Hathaway, was close friends with Jay and we’d work on his SM, DS, 11CV Traction Avant, and 2CV. I got to go to his collection many times.
I think one of the real downfalls of this platform was the transverse mounted engine . The car had the looks but wasn't in the same standing with the Supra or 300Z
My sista law had a red one almost like this one , it was a good car an she drove that 3000gt for 25 yrs an never had any major issues , battery alternator you know minor stuff but loved it an she will love this video ima share it with her
I owned a 1996 UK spec 3000GT Twin turbo for 14 years. I traded it about 9 years ago and I've regretted doing so ever since! The 3000GT was the best and most beautiful car I've ever owned ❤
My old '92 Grand Prix SE coupe would run with these SL GTs, 5spd Getrag, 3.4L dual overhead cam American front driver fun (at the time). Mitsu made some really cool cars back then. Heck, it'd hang with the 'Stang GTs a bit from back then. Still miss the Poncho!
Hey Bill, it's always going to be a great video when you peel out in Peter's driveway!!! I'm glad that you are having decent weather for now!!! It has to be scary dealing with those horrible birds but you do what you've got to do. I actually live not far from Big Bear!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍🤓
@@curiouscars9282Sweet! I bet that GT350 properly scares children at start up like that white Scatpack from a while back, the one that appeases your accountant.
Had a 1995 3000 vr4…twin turbo 4 wd,rear wheel steering…etc…have owned MB Audi porsche hot rods…plane and boat too…the vr4 was literally the most sayisfying machine ever …scortching fast nimble and cheap if a little weird looking…just the best!
My dad was an engineer for GM, and they gave him company cars for a handful of weeks at a time to try out for day to day experience, etc… well, they gave him a 3000GT to take home, and to my surprise my dad absolutely loved it… and the only cars outside of GM that he EVER “loved” were BMW’s… and this f’n Mitsubishi. Blew my mind.
Wow, this was one of my dreamcars when I was a kid. The rear with the 4 pipes and the spoiler and those pop up headlights! And in red. Just perfect :) Japanese 90's cool guy car.
They had a jingle… “Take the Mitsubishi bridge to your Dodge deeeealerr…!” And there was far eastern type music and little cars driving over bridges to cute little pagodas.
A classmate of mine in high school in 1996 had a white GT3000. I remembered being confused when it and the dodge stealth were on the roads together. I alos remember the stealth and the viper being on a TV show called Viper. Lol
I loved the styling and driving my 1999 3000 GT but I didn't love the fact that my insurance was higher than my Corvette, plus the high cost of parts and maintenance. My 60,000-mile service with Mitsubishi parts was almost $3,000, so a few months later I sold the car. The overall cost of ownership was just too high.
Amazing, the cars people end up selling to a dealer! Great find Bill. A few years ago I had a chance to buy a clone of my 13 year owned, 2007 CIvic Si sedan in Galaxy grey, for an ask of 17,500 with only 17,000 miles on it. Only problem was it was 4 states away. I still regret not jumping on the chance to have that car brand new again for that price. Worth every penny.
My good friend had one of these with the twin turbos, we would drive from the UK to CZ for business meetings, yes tather than flying, what a marvelous car especially on the Gumerman autobahns
At timestamp 13:42 The aerodynamics was speed adjusted, particularly the rear spoiler and front air chin spoiler. And don't forget the Full-time 4 Wheel Drive and Dual Overhead Cam (4 Cam!)
These and the 300zx were very under-rated. A guy had a Mitsubishi GTO, the JDM version in the town near where I grew up. Haven't seen it for years. You should have a look out for a Toyota Crown, JZS171. Big saloon car late 90s early 2000s. Well up your street. I have an Athlete VX version which was one of 300 ever made, lovely cars
In 1991 you could get a base model Stealth with crank windows and without AC. I had a 1991 base model Stealth that had crank windows, but it did have AC. It wasn't fast, but it was a pretty solid daily driver that never had any issues. I also had a couple Stealth R/T Turbos and 3000GT VR-4s.
I remember tuning that thing in the original Gran Turismo on the PS1 to go over 400 kph - and it would literally take off in the oval if anything at all went wrong. What a beast.
In the UK when this came out the common consensus was that it lacked driver involvement despite all the technology. It wasn't enough of a sports car and there were better grand tourers so it wasn't favoured in any particular area and was confusing as to who it was marketed towards.
I had a 1999 with this same color and 5 speed, beautified front end. Loved to sit in it and drive it. The cockpit was very sporty and immersive. I remember the seat having a lumbar lever, that gave my lower back some relief. Why this had to be a FWD, I still don't know. Maybe front wheel drive was the 'green' move of the 1990's. I had a race against a VW Golf one day, and he left me at the light, because he had AWD. There was just no launching that boat. It was a ticket magnet, without the speed. Like a larger Fiero. The power antennae stopped at over 100k miles. Ran great on cheap tires from Pep Boys. Fun pretty car, but way over-priced and disappointing under the right pedal, very typical of the era as the video explained ( think : 300zx, Supra, Ford Probe, etc. ) . Thanks.
Bill the kind of guy who gives out used spark plugs to trick or treaters for Halloween.
Mini bottles of "Coronavirus whiskey"
@@tall_dude1233 In a Goat flask
@@tall_dude1233
Empty mini bottles from the mini bar
Vito? What the f*ck?
@@farmninja6653
Sal, hey nothin, I ere, it was a joke.
This is what I like to see! These 90s cars deserve some attention. Hope to see more from this decade.
Agree - I was happy to come across this one, and a lot of 90s stuff is still on the checklist.
@@curiouscars9282 I hope you find a MX-6. Luxury counterpart to the Probe. Love the content - glad to see your video pop up!
MX-6 - definitely on the list.
@@curiouscars9282What would be epic if u can find a clean 1992-1994 Mazda 929. Great info about Mazda's attempt to create a standalone luxury company that was supposed to be called Amati. They were in research and development in the 80s just like Toyota and Honda for Lexus and Acura.
@@curiouscars9282Can you review a mistsubishi FTO or a Honda prelude MK3, used to have two CRX Del Sol's also a sick car.
One of the best looking sports cars of all time. Sexy lines and not overstated. It still looks modern all these years later.
It was never a bad looking car. Unfortunately, though, some of its main rivals included the Efini RX-7 FD, Toyota Supra Mark IV, Honda NSX, and Nissan Skyline GT-R R33.
@stoneylonesome4062
Well that's not unfortunate, those are very awesome cars as well.
The plane/parachute/“cheating” debacle, had me rolling. You’re a national treasure, Bill- and you should be protected at all costs.
By the time a pilot realizes hes in trouble its too late for the parachute anyway.
The kids in the trunk, 1911 or glock for the center console and drugs for the glovebox is highlight of every review
@@CGJ7755Bill is the only car reviewer who tells us the things we really want to know, like where to store guns, drugs, and feral kids.
It was 2001, I was 17yrs old in high school when I bought this car. I loved every second of owning it back then. It, too, was red and an SL trim. Nice nostalgic video
What happened to it?
These are still great looking cars...with pop-up headlights, my neighbor down the street still drives a 3000-GT VR4. Don't forget Mitsubishi is still an air plane manufacturer.
Those Things are a nightmare to keep running. I had a far, far easier time keeping Citroën SM’s running at Jerry Hathaway’s “SM World” shop in Los Angeles, than I did working on Mitsubishi GTO VR4’s at the JDM Import place I also worked at in Palm Springs.
Don't forget that Swedish car maker Saab also manufactured both front wheel drive performance vehicles as well as jet planes.
I remember when this car came out, what a treat. I don´t think I have seen a new car launch since then that comes close to matching the awe-inspiring and visionary features of the 3000GT. Way ahead of it´s time.
That design is timeless. Still relevant to the eye and soul of car enthusiasts today. Great video as always.
Japanese Trans-Am
“Catering to buyers with credit issues too severe to buy a Nissan.”
Goddamn, Bill. You went full savage 😂
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
I never wanted one of those mainly because of it being a front driver. And yes I know the top of the line ones had all wheel drive. Back then to my younger self rear drive was the only way to do a performance car.
No sideways mounted engines.
But now as an older guy I can appreciate them.
Several front wheel drive products out at the time might have made a believer out of you. The Saab 900 Turbo, the Ford Taurus SHO, the Nissan Sentra SE-R, the Volkswagen GTI, the Diamond Star twins Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-t/GS-X and Eagle Talon TSi (these were offered in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive formats, but were primarily front wheel drive) as well as the Honda Prelude Si were all remarkable front wheel performance vehicles being marketed during this period.
@@houseofno
Don't forget the Acura Integra gs-r that debuted in...1992 in the USA (DOHC vtec engines were released in Japan and other countries since the late 80s). Oh, the DSM were a trio for the first generation with the Plymouth Laser. It was even offered in AWD turbo trim.
All those cars are fun but a slower rear drive car is still more fun, more dependable and easier to work on.. There is no question that FWD is substantially less desirable, especially for an enthusiast..
I had the Dodge Stealth RT twin Turbo version back in 93….very exotic for the time, people would follow me home to ask what it was …some thought it was a Lamborghini, LOL. Put snow tires on it so I drove it year round in Iowa. Nothing could out accelerate it if pavement was wet. Got married a year after and had my son, so it turned into a Mercury Villager very quickly.
Incidentally the Penelope plane is called a Cirrus SR22
I’ve listened to the first 2 minutes. It’s the ninth sign of the apocalypse. Bill is praising the weather.
I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't.
Was lucky enough as a 21 year old in '93 to go for a ride in a 3000GT in Australia, only available in 1 spec there, twin turbo (290hp/300ftlbs) manual.
I suspect that was the Japanese maximum at the time (every Japanese supercar topped out at the same power level, some legal issue).
It certainly was faster than 300ftlbs of torque in a 3800lb car would suggest ....😉
You're thinking of the "gentleman's agreement". It was supposed to stop horsepower wars between manufacturers
These 91-93 1st gen 3000gts in my opinion were some of the best looking cars ever. Mitsubishi made some really nice looking cars back then.
How's it going, Bill? hope you've been having a good week.
It's going, Paulie - hope you're doing alright.
@curiouscars9282
All good Bill, I could complain but who would listen.
Not a damn soul, that's for sure.
I personally prefer the cleaner looks of its twin, the Dodge Stealth, but the 3000GT (sold as the GTO in Japan as a homage to Pontiac's legendary muscle car) was definitely one of the most stunning looking sports cars of the 90's. I prefer these earlier models with the pop-up headlights. It's such a shame to see Mitsubishi floundering today when they had such great ideas back in the day.
The wife and I had a ‘90 Gallant we bought with 18k miles in 91. We abused the hell out of it until 2002. I agree with you 100%. When I look back on it…, it was solid very well made car inside and out. Practical in every way and really pretty nice looking.
They were decent cars for the time, but, ultimately, time is the greatest judge of build quality and reliability. Here in the South, you don’t see nice old Mitsubishis from the 80’s/90’s driving around other than the occasional rusty Montero, the way you do with Toyotas, Hondas or Mercedes from the same era.
So in 94 I worked at a itchypushi dealer drove a tubrboed 87 crx and spankes a few of those. The good olden times as my grandson likes to remind me how old I am too .Thank you for taking me back
Fun fact: Hennessy motorsports started with the 3000GT VR4 because it offered the same features as the amazing Porsche 959. He modified them to get more performance because the factory cars needed more power to overcome the weight.
I remember when they were everywhere...! I did like the Dodge Stealth version better because of the smoother styling, but they were both awesome...!
Yeah that one looked mighty aggressive! I thought they looked more sporty less Grand touring.
First! Can't wait to hear all about this near-2 ton rolling gizmo n' gadget machine. Thanks for another 37 minutes of joy, Bill! 👌
Thanks, man. You summed up the video in one sentence, too - nicely done.
@@curiouscars9282Thanks Bill! Glad you agree with my summation; I've learned from the best of course! Keep 'em coming; hope to see a piece on that Pacer with the big block, or maybe another one of Andrew's sleds someday. 🤞Send my regards to Dalton if they ever let him aht!
Funny story: One day I was driving on the 101 Freeway through the San Fernando Valley in L.A. and there was a Red Mitsubishi 3000GT in the next lane over. People in several different cars were honking their horns and making rude gestures toward the driver of the Mitsubishi. It took me just a few seconds to figure it out. The date this happened was December 7, 1991 around noon PST (around 8 AM Hawaii time). Figured it out yet? Okay... that was almost to the exact minute the 50th Anniversary of the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. What? Still wondering? The Japanese A6M Zero fighter plane was made by the Mitsubishi Aircraft Company complete with its Rising Sun bright red insignia. I was pleasantly surprised at the historical knowledge held by those other drivers. But I don't think the driver of the Mitsubishi was as enthralled as I was...
I remember looking at one of these back in 1995. It was $36,000 and that was a whole lot of money back then.
There were a million of these in Dallas back in the day, most of them this color. Despite that, I haven't seen one in a long time.
There’s a number of reason for that. First of all, Mitsubishis from that era were unreliable and poorly made. They were very rust-prone, they used a lot of plastics and digitization/electronic components, in general. Plus their automatic transmission were some of the worst in the industry, which is the same reason why Suzuki failed in USA, because most Americans want automatic. The GTO/3000GT is a nightmare of electronic components, which only gets worse with the VR-4 package, and even worse on the Cabriolet. And lastly, these things are extremely hard to find parts for, nowadays, and few mechanics will know how to work on them. I had an easier time getting Classic Citroën parts, than I did getting Mitsubishi GTO VR-4 parts.
This is one of my favorite cars, spent hours and hours and hours dreaming about getting one in high school. Thanks Bill!
“Basically catering to buyers with credit issues too severe to buy a Nissan”.
Such a true and accurate comment and classically Bill. All that and a low-key dig at Nissan is there too.
Hey man, I stumbled onto your videos having a lazy Sunday watching videos of something from my high school years that it’s now my goal to get a piece of my past back.
I just wanted to and am taking the time to drop in and say I’ve spent a few hours now watching your videos of these sweet cars and I appreciate the style of your videos. Conversation style with a history and review with the occasional wildlife thing (provides a nice chuckle). Keep making videos man and I’ll keep watching. Appreciate you and appreciate the cars on the website. I’m sure you’ll find one that makes me jump and end up in Naples in the next few years.
Finally a 3000gt! Bill you must drive my VR4, if you are ever in the grand rapids area. Currently rebuilding the transmission which has the common 2nd gear synchro grind. I have owned 3 of these cars, a sohc base model, a dohc auto like this one, and now a VR4. They all drive great (when working properly), but the VR4 is not comparable to the FWD cars. The TT cars are very tunable for more power, an AEM ECU, boost controller, and a good tune you can easily be pushing 350 without changing anything. Also to correct you on the all wheel steering, it only actuated at high speed (35mph+ I beileve?) and it would help take corners and highway lane changes. Some people did not like the feeling as it would feel like the rear end was kicking out, and the system was prone to leaks, so many, including mine, had the AWS removed.
Do Peters glorious w124 cabriolet back there! And I still miss Daltons windshields that looked like he cleaned them w/a raw chicken leg.
😂👍
Good evening from a horrible wet and wind Manchester glad to see you are back, and what a fantastic car
Hello Ron - Manchester really needs to dry out for a few days.
If Hunter S. Thompson and Don Rickles had a child it would be Bill
I love this car, I used to have a Mitsubishi truck from the 2000s, most switches and handles are the same, so nostalgic
Glad to hear the weather has been nice Bill. We already have some snow up here in Minnesota. Watch our for snow birds as well as the local birds. Im sure both incite terror within Florida natives.
From one curmudgeon to another,Bill you rock.I always look forward to your videos.I thought you would have mentioned the 3000 gt Spyder.The retractable hardtop.A gentleman in Nassau has one.Top down its a stunning vehicle.GREAT VIDEO!!! Cheers from Eulethra.
I admit that when you do a video I am really excited because it's rare enough to appreciate and often enough where I don't get frustrated. Keep it up Bill!
I have a 1992 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo AWD now, and I love these cars. I had a 97 VR4 before I got my Stealth. I also had a 98 3000gt SL at one time. Amazing cars that you don't see too many of them now a days. Thanks for the video 👌🏽👍🏽
The repaint is pretty good but they painted over the black inserts in the front and rear bumper which would have made it great. The tech in these peaked in the early years. After around 1996, they started removing stuff like the adjustable suspension to reduce the costs.
The 3000GT and its twin the Dodge Stealth was a victim of its own bad timing. Coming out when the premium coupe market was declining due to excess competition (nearly every carmaker had one), not to mention rising insurance rates, a US recession, as well as the rising Japanese yen against the US dollar was a perfect storm sinking the premium coupe market in the USA. By the mid to late 1990's, nearly all of these would be gone from the market.
It didn't help that these twins attracted all kinds of bad press when the Indy 500 was going to make the Dodge Stealth a pace car for the annual Memorial Day race, and UAW outcry against a Japanese sports car pacing an American auto race forced the Indy 500 officials to backtrack and field the new Dodge Viper instead. Pretty unfortunate. The car didn't deserve the bad publicity that followed.
I can NEVER GET ENOUGH of Bill's "Goood Morninggg!" intro!!!, then start his Rant. Classic 😂
That is a cool car. Here in Arizona the daytime temps are still up in the 80s. The Canadians seasonal migration is in full.
😳🇨🇦
I was obsessed with these (and the Dodge Stealth) when they came out in 91!
I had one of these in 1995. It wasn't a VR4 but it was the same shade of red and very similar to this one. Great video man.
That car is shocking beautiful, I mean you never hear about it or see it in media, but it’s lines are gorgeous
Another SUPER auto tour. Everyone continues to get better and better ! GO BILL !
If Chrysler and Mitsubishi had merged back in those days, they would have been a powerhouse. Now look at Mitsubishi, a subsidiary of Nissan/Renault and Chrysler, a Bank account for Fiat/Peugeot.
Those companies all ruined eachother. Renault Ruined Nissan’s build quality/reliability, Nissan ruined Mitsubishi’s exciting reputation. FIAT ruined Peugeot’s reputation for build quality/reliability, and did the same for Chrysler’s reputation for innovation and excitement.
My dad bought new a gunmetal grey Mazda 323F ("Fastback") in 1992, when I was 12 years old. A 5-door family hatchback that I thought was the coolest car on the road. All because it had pop-up headlights. I can't tell you how much kudos that garnered me amongst my friend-group, as 12-year olds getting a ride from my ma to go see a movie, or such.
Those speaker covers/plates with the screws showing devalues this car, in my mind, by 10% at least. Most likely be interior damage there. And the rest of the car is mint! I wonder what the actual devaluation would be. Anyone? Bill, keep it up!
"I am not going to ramble on" as he did for the first 6 minutes........But he is entertaining and knowledgeable so I watch. And better than the weather channel for Florida weather
The top model 3000GT twin-turbo VR4 fit perfectly into my ‘94 Geo Tracker; the 4WS was tricky to transfer but after tweaks functions fabulous! My Geo is mean and it’s got a bikini top to boot. Right now I’m looking to restore a Geo Storm, everybody’s favorite.
I had a 1990 300ZX and it was an awesome car. Bought it in ‘92, sporty, reliable and fast.
If I'm not mistaken, the only normally-aspirated V6 currently available in the US today that has a 7,000 RPM redline as high as this
wonderful 3000GT is the 3.8L in the Nissan Frontier. 🥰🤘✊👊🤜🤛🤙👍
There's one of these rotting away near my Grandmother's home in the yard of a dilapidated-looking house at the corner of a street. Poor car deserves better 😢
I was a huge fan of the 3000GT and owned (leased) a 91 VR-4 followed by a 95 VR-4. The 91 was an incredible car with impeccable handling and quite a value (low $30k’s at the time). Half the cost of the NSX. I didn’t mind the weight given the performance and handling potential. Plus the all weather capability with the AWD. The 95 had a few more options but they took away the adjustable suspension which was neither as compliant or as sporty as the 91. Plus the price had jumped to $45k by then. Both cars were reliable and still felt like new after 4 years. My only problem on the 95 was 2 bent rims that caused a hard to find vibration. I would find one today but most VR-4s are heavily modded and abused.
I had a 1997 Dodge Avenger that I bought used around 2005 which I think was another partnership involving the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Dodge much like the 3000 GT and Dodge Stealth. From what I've been told the Dodge Avenger interior was very similar to the Mitsubishi Galant. My Dodge Avenger was a nice looking car but prone to engine and transmission issues from 2009 onwards. I recall always wanting to try out a Dodge Stealth instead as it looked nicer than my Avenger and the 3000 GT was out of my price range but almost every Dodge Stealth I would check out had too many red flags that made me think twice about buying. Might have been for the best.
Hey Bill, I think you may have forgotten about the Subaru SVX model of the 1990's era. It was their foray into the Japanese "sports" car arena and the vehicle tanked big time fella'. If anyone remembers it had this shi**y designed mini window within a bigger window. Why Subaru had to design the glass in that fashion was anyone's guess. You're absolutely CORRECT though, the Dodge STEALTH sister car most definitely took the luster off of the 3000 GT model. BTW - Many Thanks for the close-up shot of the lights illumination drill at your intro. The crew over here always has a big smile 👉. 😁 when you perform that for the subscribers. Lighting ^UP^ the tires on your bosses driveway also fun. Many Thanks Yo ! 🚘🔍. 💯
Its only "anyone's guess" when you don't know what you're talking about.
I'm convinced Bill hates Fiero's. Its the only 80's GM vehicle he's never spoken of let alone reviewed.
Don't change Bill! Your one in a million & that's why we all love your videos & commentary!
I had this joint hooked up in Gran Turismo. Me and the boys would have racing tournaments for hours. This thing was king.
I agree these cars were and still are awesome I have never seen one that was not Red
Bill, you can review my Isuzu Piazza RS Turbo Lotus Tuned (JDM Impulse) or Citroën SM any time you want. Cheers.
That's a generous offer - I've been searching for an Impulse to do, and any Citroen is a friend of mine.
@@curiouscars9282 I live in upstate South Carolina. My SM has Euro-spec headlights, Fuel Injection (D-jetronic has been swapped for K Jetronic), 5MT, Air Conditioning. I usually take the SM up to Highlands, NC, most weekends for Car Shows. My grandfather nearby, also has a Maserati Khamsin (has the Citroën Hydropneumatic system) and an ALFA Romeo Montreal (which still has the SPICA MFI).
I'd love to put that together - I could be up toward NC in the next few months, and that'd be a great car to do.
@@curiouscars9282 Cool to hear you got to meet Jay. I used to work at a Classic Citroën shop in LA called “SM World”. My late boss, Jerry Hathaway, was close friends with Jay and we’d work on his SM, DS, 11CV Traction Avant, and 2CV. I got to go to his collection many times.
@@curiouscars9282 what’s your email, bill?
One of the coolest cars of the 90’s.
I said this too! It gets so much hate/criticism but it was way ahead of its time. & deserves more respect.
Cant beat laying rubber in Peter's driveway. Great video. Thanks Bill!
What a great video. You nailed so many of the nuances. I had a 1994 300ZX in the 90's and my buddy drove a 1991 SL, and great times were had.
I think one of the real downfalls of this platform was the transverse mounted engine . The car had the looks but wasn't in the same standing with the Supra or 300Z
Transverse mounted because it's front-wheel drive. Name a sports car that's front-wheel drive.
@MrSpartanPaul My point exactly the car was almost there and in the sports car market you don't show up with almost!
My sista law had a red one almost like this one , it was a good car an she drove that 3000gt for 25 yrs an never had any major issues , battery alternator you know minor stuff but loved it an she will love this video ima share it with her
I owned a 1996 UK spec 3000GT Twin turbo for 14 years. I traded it about 9 years ago and I've regretted doing so ever since!
The 3000GT was the best and most beautiful car I've ever owned ❤
My old '92 Grand Prix SE coupe would run with these SL GTs, 5spd Getrag, 3.4L dual overhead cam American front driver fun (at the time).
Mitsu made some really cool cars back then. Heck, it'd hang with the 'Stang GTs a bit from back then.
Still miss the Poncho!
I currently have a 92 5 speed GTP, fun car!
Hey Bill, it's always going to be a great video when you peel out in Peter's driveway!!! I'm glad that you are having decent weather for now!!! It has to be scary dealing with those horrible birds but you do what you've got to do. I actually live not far from Big Bear!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍🤓
I did a 2019 Mustang GT350 today, and the driveway suffered more than usual.
@@curiouscars9282Sweet! I bet that GT350 properly scares children at start up like that white Scatpack from a while back, the one that appeases your accountant.
@@curiouscars9282 That's great, I look forward to seeing it!! 👍👍
Had a 1995 3000 vr4…twin turbo 4 wd,rear wheel steering…etc…have owned MB
Audi porsche hot rods…plane and boat too…the vr4 was literally the most sayisfying machine ever …scortching fast nimble and cheap if a little weird looking…just the best!
That shifter is happy to see you.
My dad was an engineer for GM, and they gave him company cars for a handful of weeks at a time to try out for day to day experience, etc… well, they gave him a 3000GT to take home, and to my surprise my dad absolutely loved it… and the only cars outside of GM that he EVER “loved” were BMW’s… and this f’n Mitsubishi. Blew my mind.
Bill the kind of guy, who takes his lunch break in a strip club.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Not if it's carpeted.
Wow, this was one of my dreamcars when I was a kid. The rear with the 4 pipes and the spoiler and those pop up headlights! And in red. Just perfect :) Japanese 90's cool guy car.
Oh my God! Bill's not complaining about the weather?!?! Now I am petrified - surely the four horsemen of the apocalypse are on their way...
This guys not that technically minded, but i like how much appreciation he has for the car. This man is a gem. 10/10
For this great man 100 %
Bill the kind of guy who runs synthetic in his lawn mower and has dual exhaust with AWD.
EXCELLENT REVIEW BILL, NOBODY DOES IT BETTER- NO ONE--ONE LEARN SO MUCG WHEN THEY LOOK AT YOUR VIDEO REVIEWS. WOW AWESOME
They had a jingle…
“Take the Mitsubishi bridge to your Dodge deeeealerr…!”
And there was far eastern type music and little cars driving over bridges to cute little pagodas.
A classmate of mine in high school in 1996 had a white GT3000. I remembered being confused when it and the dodge stealth were on the roads together. I alos remember the stealth and the viper being on a TV show called Viper. Lol
bill your tone ,dialog , and stories are hilarious its a perfect combination , " babels with bill" the new hit show !
I had the 1990 Eclipse GTX. All wheel drive, 2 liter, 205 HP, turbocharged model. Ahead of it's time as well.
I loved the styling and driving my 1999 3000 GT but I didn't love the fact that my insurance was higher than my Corvette, plus the high cost of parts and maintenance. My 60,000-mile service with Mitsubishi parts was almost $3,000, so a few months later I sold the car. The overall cost of ownership was just too high.
In 1992, a Mazda 929 used a "fuzzy logic" cruise control that was magic. ✔✔✔
I luv the way Bill says “good morning”! I’ve started saying it that way to my wife!
i have a 2009 eclipse,,,,180,000 miles,,,,still runs good
Amazing, the cars people end up selling to a dealer! Great find Bill. A few years ago I had a chance to buy a clone of my 13 year owned, 2007 CIvic Si sedan in Galaxy grey, for an ask of 17,500 with only 17,000 miles on it. Only problem was it was 4 states away. I still regret not jumping on the chance to have that car brand new again for that price. Worth every penny.
My good friend had one of these with the twin turbos, we would drive from the UK to CZ for business meetings, yes tather than flying, what a marvelous car especially on the Gumerman autobahns
At timestamp 13:42
The aerodynamics was speed adjusted, particularly the rear spoiler and front air chin spoiler.
And don't forget the Full-time 4 Wheel Drive and Dual Overhead Cam (4 Cam!)
These and the 300zx were very under-rated. A guy had a Mitsubishi GTO, the JDM version in the town near where I grew up. Haven't seen it for years.
You should have a look out for a Toyota Crown, JZS171. Big saloon car late 90s early 2000s. Well up your street. I have an Athlete VX version which was one of 300 ever made, lovely cars
The bit about the bird feeders and the woman hating him "It's a total Hitchcock movie", that cracked me up :D
In 1991 you could get a base model Stealth with crank windows and without AC. I had a 1991 base model Stealth that had crank windows, but it did have AC. It wasn't fast, but it was a pretty solid daily driver that never had any issues. I also had a couple Stealth R/T Turbos and 3000GT VR-4s.
I remember tuning that thing in the original Gran Turismo on the PS1 to go over 400 kph - and it would literally take off in the oval if anything at all went wrong. What a beast.
In the UK when this came out the common consensus was that it lacked driver involvement despite all the technology.
It wasn't enough of a sports car and there were better grand tourers so it wasn't favoured in any particular area and was confusing as to who it was marketed towards.
THIS CAR HAS MY ATTENTION !! I always loved the style of the 3000 GT.
I had a 1999 with this same color and 5 speed, beautified front end. Loved to sit in it and drive it. The cockpit was very sporty and immersive. I remember the seat having a lumbar lever, that gave my lower back some relief. Why this had to be a FWD, I still don't know. Maybe front wheel drive was the 'green' move of the 1990's. I had a race against a VW Golf one day, and he left me at the light, because he had AWD. There was just no launching that boat. It was a ticket magnet, without the speed. Like a larger Fiero. The power antennae stopped at over 100k miles. Ran great on cheap tires from Pep Boys. Fun pretty car, but way over-priced and disappointing under the right pedal, very typical of the era as the video explained ( think : 300zx, Supra, Ford Probe, etc. ) . Thanks.
These were interesting ... but no one who knew cars would've chose it over a Firebird or Fox body. Got 8 cylinders and uses em all was hard to beat.
I bought this same car in 95 same color too it was great thanks for the memories!
I love these reviews from Bill.
This was my dream car from high school. Not the Dodge version, this one. Thank you for this video.