Mitsubishi 3000GT: VR-4, specs and used-buyer guide

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Mitsubishi 3000GT is a 2+2 sports coupe sold in the US for the 1991–1999 model years. Every version uses a 3.0L V6: front-wheel-drive models are naturally aspirated, while the top VR-4 adds turbocharging and full-time all-wheel drive. Mitsubishi says it launched with all-wheel drive and active aerodynamics.

Type
2+2 sports coupe
Powertrains
3000GT VR-4 turbo AWD, 5-speed (1991–1993), 3000GT VR-4 turbo AWD, 6-speed (1994–1999), 3000GT 3.0L V6 FWD manual, 3000GT 3.0L V6 FWD automatic
Current generation
3000GT, 1991–1999

Mitsubishi 3000GT engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA rates nearly every 3000GT at 18–19 mpg combined, and the turbo VR-4 calls for premium fuel. We did not find a Mitsubishi US source for 3000GT horsepower or torque, so those figures are left out.

Mitsubishi 3000GT powertrains with manufacturer-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
3000GT VR-4 turbo AWD, 5-speed (1991–1993)VR-43.0L turbocharged V6[1]——5-speed manualAll-wheel drive16/22/181991 MY[1]
3000GT VR-4 turbo AWD, 6-speed (1994–1999)VR-43.0L turbocharged V6[2][3]——6-speed manualAll-wheel drive16/22/181999 MY[3]
3000GT 3.0L V6 FWD manual3.0L V6 (DOHC; SOHC also listed for 1997–1999)[4][5]——5-speed manualFront-wheel drive17/23/191999 MY[5]
3000GT 3.0L V6 FWD automatic3.0L V6[6][7]——4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive16/22/181991 MY[7]

Output is as rated by the manufacturer; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

VR-4 vs front-drive 3000GT

The VR-4 combines a turbocharged 3.0L V6 with all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox only. Front-drive 3000GTs use a non-turbo 3.0L V6 with a manual or a 4-speed automatic. EPA ratings are close: 16/22/18 mpg for the 1999 VR-4 and 17/23/19 for the 1999 DOHC front-drive manual.[3][5][1][8]

Checking a 3000GT today

The newest 3000GT is from the 1999 model year, so condition and records matter more than trim. A full-text search of the DOT/NHTSA recall dataset for 3000GT returns no records, because 1990s entries rarely name the model, so run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup instead.

Confirm the drivetrain on the title and VIN decode matches the car: a VR-4 should be all-wheel drive with a turbocharged engine and a manual transmission.[12][3]

Mitsubishi 3000GT generations by year

Every US Mitsubishi 3000GT generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
3000GT1991–19993.0L V6 (FWD) or 3.0L twin-turbo V6 VR-4 (AWD); 4-speed automatic, 5- or 6-speed manualMitsubishi's history timeline credits the 3000GT (GTO) with full-time AWD and active aerodynamics at launch. EPA listings show the VR-4 switching from a 5-speed to a 6-speed manual by 1994, and SOHC V6 versions joining the lineup in 1997.[8][9][10][1][2][11]

More 3000GT research

See how a 3000GT was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mitsubishi build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mitsubishi build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Mitsubishi 3000GT sold?

EPA lists the 3000GT in the US for the 1991 through 1999 model years.

What is a 3000GT VR-4?

The top version, with a turbocharged 3.0L V6, all-wheel drive and a manual transmission: a 5-speed through 1993 and a 6-speed from 1994, according to EPA listings.

What mpg does a 3000GT get?

EPA rates most versions at 18 or 19 mpg combined. The 1999 VR-4 is rated 16 city, 22 highway and 18 combined.

Was the 3000GT all-wheel drive?

Only the turbocharged VR-4. EPA lists the non-turbo 3.0L V6 versions with front-wheel drive.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by the manufacturer for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. EPA fuel economy record: 1991 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Manual 5-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. EPA fuel economy record: 1994 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Manual 6-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. EPA fuel economy record: 1999 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Manual 6-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy record: 1999 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Manual 5-spd, FWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. EPA fuel economy record: 1999 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Manual 5-spd, FWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy record: 1999 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Automatic 4-spd, FWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. EPA fuel economy record: 1991 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Automatic 4-spd, FWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. Mitsubishi Motors history timeline — Mitsubishi Motors North America (mitsubishicars.com)
  9. EPA model list: 1991 Mitsubishi — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA model list: 1999 Mitsubishi — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy record: 1997 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (3.0L, Automatic 4-spd, FWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: 3000GT — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mitsubishi Motors North America or Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Mitsubishi, Outlander, Eclipse Cross, Mirage, Lancer Evolution, S-AWC and the model names are trademarks of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.