1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT Review
1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT Review
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Used 3000GT for sale
Appraise This CarMitsubishi 3000GT types
- Hatchback
- VR-4
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Eye-catching styling, AWD performance, standard anti-lock brakes.
Cons
- Muddled interior and high price.
What’s new
A value-leader base model is introduced. It has less than stellar performance and we think that it's embarrassing that this car is in the same lineup as the earth-scorching VR-4.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$288/mo for 3000GT VR-4
3000GT VR-4
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
There are many competent sports cars on the market today. They combine blazing speed with deft handling prowess and often luxurious interiors. While they all compete within the same segment, most have a distinct flavor all their own. So it is with Mitsubishi's 3000GT.
The 3000GT SL is powered by a twin-cam 3.0-liter V6 that pumps 222 horsepower through the front wheels. With the 3000GT's mass, the SL gets to 60 mph in a somewhat dawdley 8.5 seconds, but it shines brightly in the braking and cornering arenas; all at a $10,000 price advantage over its more muscular brother, the VR-4. Additionally, the SL comes with leather seating, standard. A new base model is introduced for those that want the look of performance without the prohibitive price. It produces a measly 161-horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque, hardly more than the base Eclipse.
All-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V6, and gobs of torque characterize the 3000GT VR-4. The VR-4 offers blistering acceleration, but due to its hefty curb weight, suffers slight reductions in braking and cornering ability over the more subdued SL. However, most snow belt enthusiasts will likely prefer the 3000GT VR4.
The Spyder provides convertible fun with hardtop practicality. A retractable hardtop conveniently folds down in about 30 seconds giving passengers the thrill of open-air motoring without the worry of having your top slashed next time you are at the mall.
Inside, drivers are protected by dual airbags that reside in a scooped and binnacled dashboard that could double as the interior of the Batmobile. Generally, ergonomics are good, but we prefer a more restrained driving environment.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT.
5 star(87%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
38 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
3000GT VR4
3000GT/VR4, 08/16/2010
1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD
I really enjoy this car. I had a 3000GT in college, gave it to my brother and now 5 years later I purchased another. I really enjoy just about everything about the car. If able ensure you have records of all the maintenance done to the vehicle. It seems as if you can't fix anything on this vehicle for less than $1,000 unless you can do it yourself (engine has to be pulled to do almost … anything). That said, if you can find a good one with paperwork showing the 60K and 120K (if required) go for it! Something to look out for is for 2nd gear synchro's tend to wear out. Fixable, but again about $1,200. Who ever said that they can fix one for under that did it themselves or never owned one.
5 out of 5 stars
Fun to Drive
Alex, 06/06/2010
1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT 2dr Coupe
Second Mitsubishi 3000 GT I've owned. The body is beautiful, slick and aerodynamic. The interior panel with amazing display. More fun to drive than my other 2 newer and more expensive vehicles.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great Machine
Knightstar, 03/25/2008
1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD
Mits came up with a solid winner with this car. Even though it is a little heavy with AWD and all wheel steering, acceleration is fierce at 5.3 sec/>60 mph. The VR-4 is well built and very dependable. I bought mine new and has 71,000 miles now. Although the car is expensive, you get more than you paid for. Even in wet weather, the car never fish tails or slips its tracking around … corners, thanks to AW steering. Yes, the rear wheels turn up to 15 degrees in proportion to the front wheels steering. The 320 HP rating can be increased relatively cheaply w/intake and exhaust mods to 400 HP!
4.88 out of 5 stars
VR-4, A greats sports car for all season
Wiff Peterson, 06/04/2002
1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD
This is my 2nd VR-4, having previously
owned a 93 Dodge Stealth RT only to
trade it in on this VR-4 when it
reached 110,000 miles. I'm up to
92,000 on this machine and it's been
every bit as great as my Stealth. New
18 inch wheels with high performance
tires on this model not so great in
snow (live on steep hill in New
England) so have backup 17 inch wheels
with … snows for winter, making perfect
year round sports car. Great
performance & reliability (one of the
few reliable sports cars). Totally
predictable handling under all
circumstances (have had on track at
Watkins Glen). Absolutely no problems
over two cars and now 200,000 miles
plus combined.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT, so we've included reviews for other years of the 3000GT since its last redesign.
1997 3000GT Highlights
Hatchback
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $218/month |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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