I own a 1995 3000GT VR4 limited edition 2 door coupe. This car attracts more attention than any car short of a Porsche 911 or the like. Unlike the much-criticized base model 3000GT, this thing is loaded with an intercooled twin turbo 3.0L 320 hp engine, which makes it absolutely haul. Car and Driver claims 5.1 second 0-60, which I have yet to test (mainly because that's really hard on the car), but I believe it from what I've done with it. The engine revs up very quickly and falls off to idle almost instantly when the gas is removed, and has an exceptional amount of power.
The 3000GT body is absolutely gorgeous, and conveys an impressive sense of power and speed and sex and money and the like. Granted, the trunk is relatively small and the back seat might as well be non existent (unless you hang out with midgets a lot), but with the dustcover removed and the rear seats folded down, there's enough room to store a reasonable amount of stuff. Remember, this is a sports car, so its primary purpose is to drive fast and look good, not to haul the wife and kids and such to the soccer game. If you want to do that, get a minivan or a suburban or something.
The interior is comfortable for two large sized adults, even those who are over 6 ft tall. The drivers position is the standard reclining sports car position which is very comfortable, although odd at first, because it is so much lower than most cars. Get used to looking at the bumpers of all the sport-ute beasts before you pass them with a vengeance. The leather seats are soft and supportive and easily adjusted for driving comfort. Also, the climate controls inside are really nice and keep the occupants in total comfort regardless of the exterior temperature. The automated display to go with is pretty cool too. This is actually a pretty big sports car, and it weighs about 3500 lbs.
You feel very in touch with the road when driving a 3000GT, and the shocks are very stiff and responsive, but do not produce enough jarring to make the ride uncomfortable in the least. The ride is very smooth and surprisingly quiet. With the sunroof and both windows rolled down, it's still quiet enough at 85 mph to hold a conversation or listen to the radio. The Infinity six-disc changer and stereo system sounds great too. The exhaust note is beautiful though, don't get me wrong. This car purrs smoothly and sweetly, even at very high rpm. Actually, the engine is most efficient at about 27000-3300 rpm, which is a lot higher than on most cars.
The six speed manual transmission is very smooth, once you get used to it. The throw on the shifter is very short but has a positive click before each gear. Rapid shifts are very easy with a minimum of practice. The clutch has a very short travel, perhaps 2 inches, but is very sensitive over this range and provides very smooth starts and shifts once you learn the optimum shifting technique. I find that the best starts come from revving up the engine to at least 3000-3500 before engaging the clutch, and then slowly letting it up while applying more gas, so that it is all the way out at about 4000 rpm. When upshifting, keep at least 3000 rpm once the shift has been accomplished or you will lose too much speed. This car doesn't mind being redlined while accelerating, but I wouldn't recommend it unless there is nobody around, especially the fuzz. Sixth gear is not used often, because it only starts to be efficient above 95 mph. Even then, at these speeds, you'll burn a lot more gas than cruising at 85-90 in 5th. There's something amazing about doing 141+ though...
This is a frustrating car to have in heavy traffic though, because it just screams to be driven faster. Slow starts are very smooth and easy to perform, but this car wants to go fast with all its being. Also, in stop and go traffic you tend to burn a lot of gas, not just with the frequent starts, but also with the frustrated stomping of the pedal while stopped. On open highways, at about 80 mph, you'll get really good mileage, about 20-25 mpg, so find the open stretches and really let it out. You'll have more fun anyway.
On the twisties, be ready for some serious fun. The four wheel steering really makes a difference, and allows for really fast turns at a really high speed. On and off ramps of freeways can be easily accomplished at twice the recommended speed. After repeated testing under highly unscientific conditions, I have been able to take a certain off-ramp (marked at 35 mph) at a maximum of 67 mph without the tires letting go. I wouldn't recommend this unless you know the corner well, have a very clear route and an out, and have practiced at gradually increasing speeds. Steep mountain roads are a joy. Be sure that when cornering you pick a distinct line, and hold it really hard. I usually put one shoulder of the vehicle right inside the lane line and keep it there. If you don't the car will tend to drift out a little. I have made it experience understeer once and oversteer 3 times, all of which very minimal considering the punishment I was inflicting on the car at the time. I still maintained control of the vehicle during each of these maneuvers. The big tires and AWD refuse to let go of the road except under the most grueling conditions. There is almost no noticeable body roll in a turn, unless you really crank it hard (such as the offramp test), and it feels exceptionally stable in very sharp maneuvers. This car begs you to take the "moose test" repeatedly, just for fun. (The moose test, for those not familiar with it, involves a rapid lane change one lane to one side and then two lanes back. Many cars cannot pass it above 45 mph. SUV's feel compelled to roll over repeatedly.)
The only real downside to this car I have noticed is that it is very expensive to insure. I got the cheapest possible rate for it (still including collision and comprehensive)and it still cost me $1100/6 months. The way I look at it though, this is just the price one has to pay for driving such an awesome car. That, and it keeps the number of people who drive 3000GT's low, making them look even more impressive when you see one. There are also some other incidental costs you have to factor in, such as a car cover (mandatory regardless of whether this car will live in a garage), radar detector, frequent polishing, leather conditioning, and so on. Maintenance costs are somewhat high, especially replacement of the high-performance tires. I'm in the process of doing that now, and it's going to set me back about a grand.
Overall, this is an outstanding car, that I recommend without any reservations to anyone who loves fast cars. It has exceptional acceleration, handling, and looks. If you want a family hauler or a pseudo-fast quasi-sports car, look elsewhere. I'll be the one passing you at excessive speed in the meantime.
