Mitsubishi 3000
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a sports car that delivered supercar thrills without the supercar price? The Mitsubishi 3000GT might be exactly what you’re looking for. This grand touring machine from the 1990s packed serious technology and performance into a package that could rival far more expensive European alternatives. It’s the car for enthusiasts who appreciate Japanese engineering excellence wrapped in aggressive, wedge shaped styling.

From the moment you see it, the 3000GT commands attention. Those pop up headlights and muscular haunches give it an unmistakable presence that still turns heads today. The VR4 models were particularly impressive, featuring all wheel drive, four wheel steering, and twin turbo power that could embarrass many supercars of the era. But even the naturally aspirated versions offered genuine grand touring appeal with their smooth V6 engines and comfortable interiors.

Driving the 3000GT is a unique experience that captures the spirit of 1990s performance cars perfectly. The advanced technology feels sophisticated even by today’s standards, while the V6 soundtrack provides an intoxicating accompaniment to spirited driving. It’s a car that rewards patience and understanding, offering genuine supercar performance for those willing to maintain it properly. While running costs can be higher than mainstream alternatives, you’re getting a piece of automotive history that represents one of Japan’s finest grand touring achievements.

What's the Mitsubishi 3000GT Like to Drive?

The Mitsubishi 3000GT was designed to showcase Japanese automotive technology at its finest. The range offered both naturally aspirated and twin turbocharged V6 engines, with the flagship VR4 producing around 320 horsepower. Road tests showed the VR4 could achieve 0-60 mph in just 4.8 to 5.4 seconds, making it faster than contemporary rivals like the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo and Mazda RX-7. Even the base naturally aspirated models offered respectable performance with smooth power delivery ideal for long distance cruising.

Where the 3000GT truly excelled was in its sophisticated chassis technology. The VR4 models featured Mitsubishi’s advanced all wheel drive system, four wheel steering, and electronically controlled suspension. These systems worked together to provide exceptional grip and handling precision that few cars of the era could match. The steering was direct and communicative, while the sophisticated suspension could adapt from comfortable grand touring to sports car firmness at the touch of a button. This made it an accomplished performer on both winding roads and motorways.

Inside the Mitsubishi 3000GT: Comfort & Features

Open the door and you’ll find an interior that reflects the 3000GT’s grand touring aspirations. The dashboard design is distinctly 1990s, with numerous buttons and switches controlling various electronic systems. The materials feel solid for their era, though they lack the premium touch of contemporary German alternatives. The sports seats provide good support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable enough for long journeys. Visibility is reasonable despite the car’s low slung design.

The front seats offer plenty of adjustment to help most drivers find a comfortable position. Cabin refinement is good for a sports car, with effective sound insulation that makes motorway cruising pleasant. Standard equipment varied depending on specification, but higher trim VR4 models came well equipped with features like climate control and leather upholstery. The pop up headlights and electronic systems add to the sense of occasion, though some controls can feel dated by modern standards.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT represents one of the most technologically advanced sports cars of its era, offering genuine supercar performance with Japanese reliability. The VR4’s combination of all wheel drive, four wheel steering, and twin turbo power created a uniquely capable machine that could embarrass far more expensive rivals. The naturally aspirated models provide a more accessible entry point while still delivering satisfying grand touring performance. The trade off is higher running costs and the need to find knowledgeable specialists for maintenance. It’s not the most practical daily driver, but that’s not its intended purpose. The 3000GT rewards enthusiasts who appreciate advanced engineering and distinctive styling. If you’re seeking a performance car that stands out from the crowd and offers genuine technological innovation, the 3000GT deserves serious consideration. It proves that Japanese manufacturers could create world class grand tourers that rival anything from Europe.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Mitsubishi 3000GT Running Costs

As a performance focused grand tourer, the 3000GT comes with appropriately high running costs. The twin turbo VR4 models are particularly thirsty, with real world fuel consumption often falling into the high teens or low twenties MPG range. Even naturally aspirated versions struggle to achieve much better than 25 mpg in everyday use. Insurance costs reflect the car’s performance potential, with VR4 models falling into high insurance groups that can be expensive for younger drivers.

The main consideration is maintenance and parts availability. As a relatively rare Japanese import, finding specialists and genuine parts can be challenging and expensive. The complex electronic systems, particularly on VR4 models, require knowledgeable technicians when problems arise. However, well maintained examples with complete service histories can prove reliable. The 3000GT has developed a strong enthusiast following, which helps with parts availability and technical knowledge. For those prepared for the costs, ownership can be rewarding, especially with car finance options available to spread the expense.

Is the Mitsubishi 3000GT Practical for Everyday Use?

For a grand touring sports car, the 3000GT offers reasonable practicality. The 283 litre boot provides enough space for weekend luggage or a decent weekly shop, though the opening can be restrictive for larger items. The rear seats are best considered as occasional use only, suitable for children or additional storage rather than adult passengers on longer journeys. Interior storage is adequate, with various pockets and compartments for smaller items throughout the cabin.

Where the 3000GT shows its limitations is in everyday usability compared to more practical alternatives. The low ride height can make navigating speed bumps and steep driveways challenging, while the wide body requires careful positioning in tight parking spaces. For a couple or small family who appreciate its unique character, the 3000GT offers enough space for most situations. Its distinctive appeal makes it an interesting alternative to other used sports cars, particularly for those who want something genuinely different from the usual choices.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT stands out as a remarkable achievement in Japanese automotive engineering. It successfully combined cutting edge technology, impressive performance, and distinctive styling into a package that offered genuine supercar thrills at a more accessible price point. The VR4 models remain particularly sought after for their advanced all wheel drive system and devastating straight line performance that could match far more expensive European alternatives.

You choose the 3000GT because you want something genuinely special and technically advanced. Its sophisticated systems, dramatic styling, and impressive performance capabilities make it a rewarding ownership proposition for the right enthusiast. It’s perfectly suited for weekend drives and special occasions, while still being capable of comfortable long distance touring. If you’re looking for a sports car that combines Japanese reliability with supercar performance and unique character, the 3000GT represents excellent value in today’s classic car market.