Introduction

When the Dodge Stealth first hit the streets back in 1991, it was hailed as a supercar for the mass market, a technology-packed high-performance machine offered at a sensible price. The top-of-the-line Stealth R/T Turbo's list of features - a twin-turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering and more - looked to have been pirated from a European exotic with a 6-figure price tag. And, though short of high-tech goodies, the more basic models delivered high style for even less money. The name also provoked a fair amount of fun. This car is about as stealthy as a cheetah at a cat show. But the shape is incredibly sexy and undeniably unique. Nevertheless, this car's position in the competitive environment has changed. Today's Stealth has crept up the cost ladder to the point where it is beyond the reach of many would-be buyers. Moreover, some of its more exotic fitments - among them the 4-wheel steering - have been superseded by other, simpler stability-enhancing chassis components. In fact, 4-wheel steering has all but disappeared from the few brands that ever offered it. Judging by buyer response, it was a high-tech answer to a question no one ever asked. All-wheel drive and turbocharging have lost some of their luster as well; the number of automobile manufacturers offering or even considering the use of such devices has declined dramatically in the last few years. None of which should be taken to mean that today's Stealth is lacking in appeal. Performance is performance, no matter how it is produced, and the Stealth's eye-catching shape, well-conceived at the start, still draws attention. And, as always, it is difficult to find fault with the amenities provided. Even if the state of the performance-car art has changed, Dodge's Mitsubishi-built supercoupe generally delivers what its exciting looks seem to promise. The model we tested was an R/T Turbo equipped with leather seats, 18-in. chrome wheels and a CD player, all of which brought the sticker price to $41,115.

Walkaround

Low and sleek, the Stealth is a clever amalgam of Japanese and American design features. Its long, flowing lines are remarkably free from annoying add-ons (except, perhaps for the spoiler, a love-it-or-loathe-it R/T Turbo feature), and the car still looks fresh and contemporary, thanks to minor revisions made a couple of seasons ago. Though the Stealth is virtually identical to Mitsubishi's own 3000GT, Dodge stylists have managed to create a distinct visual separation between the two by reshaping some trim panels. Stealth's roofline, for example, has its own look, though the basic structure is unchanged. Stealth and 3000GT each get their own taillights and emblems as well. There are other, more basic differences between the two cars. Dodge offers a base Stealth, powered by a 164-hp V6 engine, not available from Mitsubishi. The only attraction is a low price; performance is tepid, fuel economy is actually slightly worse than that delivered by the 222-hp R/T and some desirable features found on the uplevel models are unavailable. Our take on the base version is that you probably won't find it a very satisfying car. Its performance doesn't match the allure of the swoopy exterior. Incidentally, Mitsubishi offers a hardtop convertible version of this car on a very limited production basis. Press a button and the hardtop folds itself up and disappears under the rear deck lid. It adds about $10,000 more to the top-of-the-line 3000GT, but it's also an absolute sure-fire collectible.

Interior Features

Appearances to the contrary, consider the Stealth to be a large, 2-seat coupe with lots of luggage space. The rear accommodations are unsuitable for anyone beyond diaper-wearing age, which is pretty much the story for all cars of this ilk. That aside, the Stealth cabin is excellent. Those in the front seats will find a lot to like. The driver is especially well-catered to, with a seat that can be adjusted to provide maximum comfort for any physique, and full instrumentation. The speedometer and tachometer are housed in pods directly ahead of the driver, and lesser gauges - oil pressure, temperature, fuel, voltage (the latter replaced by a turbo boost readout in the R/T Turbo) - are spread across the center of the dashboard. All gauges are clearly marked, and all controls are easy to find and use with the possible exception of the climate-control adjustments and the tiny radio buttons. Visibility is good, though the Stealth's size and rounded fenders (the ends of which cannot be seen from the driver's seat) can make traffic maneuvers and parallel parking difficult. Quality is a strong point. All materials used in the Stealth interior score top marks both for eye appeal and durability.