The Mitsubishi 3000GT was Far Ahead of Its Time and Doesn’t Get the Credit it Deserves
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- čas přidán 31. 10. 2023
- Full review and test drive of a 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL
Review by Bill of Curious Cars
Vehicle for sale at Autohaus of Naples
(239) 263-8500 / AutohausNaples.com - Auta a dopravní prostředky
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
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
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.
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..
“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 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
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.
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
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
I remember looking at one of these back in 1995. It was $36,000 and that was a whole lot of money back then.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If Hunter S. Thompson and Don Rickles had a child it would be Bill
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!
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 was obsessed with these (and the Dodge Stealth) when they came out in 91!
I love this car, I used to have a Mitsubishi truck from the 2000s, most switches and handles are the same, so nostalgic
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.
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.
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...
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.
“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.
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.
This is one of my favorite cars, spent hours and hours and hours dreaming about getting one in high school. Thanks Bill!
Another SUPER auto tour. Everyone continues to get better and better ! GO BILL !
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!
That shifter is happy to see you.
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.
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.
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 👌🏽👍🏽
One of the coolest cars of the 90’s.
Don't change Bill! Your one in a million & that's why we all love your videos & commentary!
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.
Cant beat laying rubber in Peter's driveway. Great video. Thanks Bill!
That car is shocking beautiful, I mean you never hear about it or see it in media, but it’s lines are gorgeous
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.
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 love these reviews from Bill.
EXCELLENT REVIEW BILL, NOBODY DOES IT BETTER- NO ONE--ONE LEARN SO MUCG WHEN THEY LOOK AT YOUR VIDEO REVIEWS. WOW AWESOME
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.
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 😢
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.
Do Peters glorious w124 cabriolet back there! And I still miss Daltons windshields that looked like he cleaned them w/a raw chicken leg.
😂👍
bill your tone ,dialog , and stories are hilarious its a perfect combination , " babels with bill" the new hit show !
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.
I'm convinced Bill hates Fiero's. Its the only 80's GM vehicle he's never spoken of let alone reviewed.
Great Review Bill !!!
"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
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!! 👍👍
Thank you again Bill! Very nice
My Brothers Girlfriend bought one of these new when she was 15 before she had her license with money she had saved working at a restaurant .. loved that car very fun to drive..
I had this joint hooked up in Gran Turismo. Me and the boys would have racing tournaments for hours. This thing was king.
I live in Estero, I watch you whenever I can to see what kind of cars you have and sometimes you have a car I want but I catch you to late and it’s gone . You do have some great cars , keep in mind your showing beautiful cars on a driveway that needs to be pressure washed, also whoever cuts the grass have them edge it..
Presentation……
Anyway keep up the great videos and I really enjoy watching even if I don’t buy looking at some of these cars take me back to a period in my life that was the best years.
Nice one Bill. Good to hear from you.
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.
I had a 1990 300ZX and it was an awesome car. Bought it in ‘92, sporty, reliable and fast.
I agree these cars were and still are awesome I have never seen one that was not Red
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 luv the way Bill says “good morning”! I’ve started saying it that way to my wife!
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
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 said this too! It gets so much hate/criticism but it was way ahead of its time. & deserves more respect.
Bill saves the day, once again!
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.
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. 🥰🤘✊👊🤜🤛🤙👍
Bill's back!!!
I love the styling on these so freaking much
Bill the kind of guy, who takes his lunch break in a strip club.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Not if it's carpeted.
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.
Bill the kind of guy who runs synthetic in his lawn mower and has dual exhaust with AWD.
I bought this same car in 95 same color too it was great thanks for the memories!
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
Piece of pleasing art for the eye
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...
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 ❤
I had one. Mitsubishi really hit the jackpot with this one, blending speed and style like grandma's secret recipe for the perfect pie. It's the kind of car that'll make you want to hit the open road with a big grin on your face!
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.
Wow truly buckets those back seats. Love the Apollo 13 window remark.
Had one, loved that car.
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.
You Sir are One of a Kind Mr Bill.......
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 %
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.
Jay's Garage.. you lucky dog you. BADDAZZ bro! 👏
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!
I remember seeing these and the high end versions were really hot and stood out and yeah they looked like supercars. Owning one now would still be some awesome sauce
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!
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.
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 have a 2009 eclipse,,,,180,000 miles,,,,still runs good
Hi Bill. I kind of always liked these but you’re right, the execution is more textbook than style. Thanks for another enlightened review. 👍😃
THIS CAR HAS MY ATTENTION !! I always loved the style of the 3000 GT.