This is one of the underdogs of the FWD sports cars. So much attention given to VW GTI VR6, Integra & Civic Type Rs during the 90s that the FTO was overshadowed by them.
love this car so much, my fto is literally my dream car, making 400+ hp with a 2.5 liter twin turbo. these cars are so undervalued even from a tuning point of view, the stock motor with a single turbo and tune can make 370 hp to the wheels.
I've mentioned on your other post. I have one of these in UK that was imported from Japan and I've loved it for over 20 years. It makes you feel special cuz it's different. It's an unsung hero for GTO. Got all the press but the FTO is actually a more reliable daily car and the sound is infectious. They were ahead of that time. It learns the way you drive , that's why you say fuel because if you drive a certain way it just seeing accelerator and revs. No German car did that at the time it has its own mivec control it was way ahead of its time.
Neat how this rolled back into my recommended videos, haha! I remember seeing how you had swiped up this FTO from Japanese Classics and I was itching for this one, it's always been a dream car to me. Two years later and I just recently won a really clean silver '95 GPX through an auction and it'll be on its way overseas soon, also costing about 13k total! Thanks for stoking that fire in me to stick to it and finally get one man, joinin' the FTO club in the US soon. :)
I'm quite surprised you didn't consider suspension and turn-in acceleration as a plus - being a FWD car ;) Never mind the slow acceleration, that's the one thing that pleasantly surprises me about the FTO. Even compared to the Evo, this car takes turns like a champ! Have you tried taking it out to an Auto X event yet?
10 in the whole of US ? I'm in UK and have 7 up my drive right now lol.... If you think it's slower than a Cooper S there is something wrong with yours buddy. Have you got used to the high Rev range? Many people get in and change gear at 4-5000 Revs like other cars, the GPX only 'wakes up' at 5500 so keep revs high, 6.4 Sec 0-60 is achievable. Also There is a trick to the Cambelt change and going by the one's I have rebuilt a good 30% are driving around with cam timing two teeth out...It still runs okay as ECU can compensate but loses about 20% of BHP..... Only trying to help , I've owned over thirty so far and restore them as a 'hobby'.
Absolutely agree with the point about "10 in the US", one of my eyebrows raised at that. However, I think his 0-100 time of 7.5sec is really quite accurate for his model FTO and no offence, but I extreeeemely doubt a 6.4s 0-100 time if you're talking stock car without a dyno tune and long list of supporting mods. Based on 0-100's claimed by manufacturers and online forum users, most of the time it seems the Cooper S really would be faster. I think if you've "had 30 of these cars" then there might be some bias in your opinion, even if subconscious.
I agree with everything . Well mostly . The power for a 2l n/a 90s car is not so bad . The horsepower outdoes the n/a gto . Yes this is fwd but after all i baught mine for 1,600 . To me thats amazing for the price rarity and power for a 90s sports car .
Wow $13k USD... That's $16.8k AUD. I paid $2300 USD / $3k AUD for my 96 FTO MIVEC about 5 years ago in Australia. Since then it's appreciated in value. Its an amazing car.
I saw a very beautiful silver one thats being sold online by a dealership. Looks very well maintained but its an automatic since everyone in my country drives autos. Fortunately the gearbox does allow to manually select gears, just without a clutch. Fingers crossed that since its not popular, no one snaps it up. Have you had to do maintenance on the fto yet?
I've had it since June and only have needed routine maintenance thankfully. Although it was locked in the garage for the past 3 months because of junk Chicagoland weather. But it's finally getting nicer and get to drive it again! Oil change video coming up soon
Hate 2 break it 2 ya but U not driving it right if U want to use it full potential power. U have to hold the RPMS in low gear for few seconds to let the air fill engine(that the key to Mivec with non turbo) once u figure out how long to hold to time it right then U Redline n should haul ass..similar to 3g Eclipse GTS(6 cylinder) and esp the 4g Eclipse (GT 6 cylinder). Baffles me how many peo have no clue how to truly use the Mivec. EVEN in U have automatic it have the shifting sportronic option to take full use of the Mivec U just have to practice n find out what the right amount of time to hold RPMS n at what point..probaly 2.5 -3.5 or so n for a 4-6 seconds,...Look at the scene of Jackie Chan's Thunderbolt as prove.
@@craigdaniel6423, just looked like it from the pictures and video, gaps from tyre to wheel arch at the top appear smaller than at the side. No issue for the car either way, I found though that when lowered it handled better, quicker turn in etc. Adding a strut brace will enhance this too. I have a front strut brace with 17" wheels.
All that talk about exotic, right-hand drive, attention... Nothing about one of the best sounds to ever come out of an engine bay (not just exhaust). I bet you try to sell this up 200% next year. It was a good commercial though.
Thats because theyll are rusted in the UK from road salt - ve bought UK cars and theyre rotten eg chassis rails, sills etc. Buyer beware if you import one.
What’s the parts situation like? Are you able to find parts locally, or do you have to import them all? And if the ladder then where do you order from?
I've had to get a new battery, and that was a bit tricky to find the right size and power that is available from an American battery, but I got one that works great. Also, I ordered some floor mats on ebay that came from the UK. Otherwise, I haven't really had to order more parts yet. Knock on wood. Haha I do see a lot of option on ebay though. Also, Japanese Classics, the company igot the car from has contacts in Japan that can put me in contact with people if I need anything.
I'm looking at going on a road trip to the other side of Australia next month to buy one in basically stock condition. It looks decently expensive at 14k AUD and i'm on the fence about it. I absolutely love the car but I'm not sure if it's worth it for the price D:
Oh wow! I didn't realize they were that expensive in Australia as well. I'd say make sure you're 100% sure you want the car. It's only worth what you want it to be worth to you. 🤙 I do love mine so much!
I do! I've had it for almost 2 years now! It's awesome. Runs like a champ and is so fun to drive still. I haven't driven it in a few weeks now because of all the salt and snow on the roads in the Chicagoland area. I have it in the garage waiting until it gets nicer out. It's an old car and I don't want to ruin the under carriage
@@craigdaniel6423 That's awesome. I'm still watching the video now, but I've been looking into them kind of seriously, and have always liked them. It really is a forgotten gem.
Hey, sorry just saw this comment, but I honestly don't know about where you can find one. Luckily I haven't had the need to get something for it yet. I'm dreading the day, but hope you found one! If you did, let me know where!
I'm sorry but I think the mane reason why you found it slow is because your taking it as a commute car (I mean you're making a review driving in subs, also you even said that it drives smooth...) Mate that's what galants are for (exception made for vr4s those bastards are super fast). But FTOs are everything about the limits, there's no point in using them as anything but a time attack machine. That's why you're getting even better fuel ratio than originally advertised, because you're driving bellow 5krpm.
I would recommend, if you want a more instantaneous response, to turbocharged it (there were some 6a12tt applications in gallants vr4) or swap it for 6a13tt (which is like the big brother 6a12tt).
@@rivahoff He did say it's meant as a daily driver. And, I suspect he's also not driving the car right now, being that it's now snowing where he is. Overall, I agree with both your statements, and Craig's. Compared to a modern car, yes it's fairly slow to get up to speed. But it's not a late-model car either. And it's an N/A, not like the 6A13TT. Though, it's really nice to feel that MIVEC kick in every once in a while - for having such a small displacement. I will say this - while it's not fun waiting for the engine to hit the sweet spot, even in stock form the car is a LOT of fun driving out to the twisty roads. With very basic bolt-ons, this car just shines. It'll take on any Miata out there --- if you can just find the right frickin' swaybars for it. (a royal PITA these days, I must say.)
@@slippercream yes, precisely that's what I'm saying, no point in using a high revving engine to daily drive. Daily drive cars need torque, 6a12 had just 150 lb/ft annnnd suuuper smoothly delivered... They're supposed to be light fast (not quick) time attack machines. That's why I was suggesting a swap for a 6a13tt more displacement and twin small quick spooling turbos...
@@rivahoff Yeah, thinking about it. Though, lots to consider here since there's really only two main routes for an FI build, and the ceiling is relatively low on the 6A engine - the 13 DOHC heads being the top dog in terms of flow. I think, a logical route for me is max out suspension and handling first before anything engine. It's pretty fun as it is IMO. When you have other "go fast" cars, knowing you have other weapons in your arsenal that can do other niche jobs to suit special tasks, is in itself a very special thing. I used to think the Evo was the "fun car" to take slogging around the hill country roads. These days, I'd rather take the FTO. Truth.
All cars should be right and drive and they actually were but henry ford changed that only out of spite. He didnt actually think anyone would buy a left hand drive car
Dang it, lumbar support is a big necessity for me. Looks great though. Appreciate the input. I loved the golden years for Mitsubishi. I have a VR-4, and I just can't allow myself to let it go. I own 3 Toyotas aside from my 3000GT, and it definitely had a different feel to them. Sucks that we didn't get to see Mitsubishi further flourish. Would have been nice to see. I loved the bold designs of their 90's models.
Thanks for the comment! I actually have never driven a VR-4 but always loved those cars! I agree completely about 90s Mitsubishi cars... Actually that could be said about a lot of 90s cars...
I got mine from Japanese Classics in Richmond,VA. They already had it imported at the time, but I think you can send them and email to notify you when they find an FTO they feel is good enough to import.
@@craigdaniel6423 thank you for the information! You said it perfectly... This car is under the radar so the price is right and not blown up. I loves these ever since playing Gran Turismo and watching them race against Integra type Rs and Celica GTS on that japanese motoring show. I hope to get one of these and an Evo 3 5 or 6 soon. Thank you again and keep making the vids!
The speed is all down to the gearbox.. The original is awful.. Ratios are too long.. I replaced mine with one from a mivec lancer.. Complete with lsd the cars is faster and handles better
A lot of people are scared to use the revs and are so used to cars with 5000 limit, you need to 'wring its neck' to have real fun, MIVEC only gets talking at 5500. They will take 'spirited driving' as long as serviced with good oil changes.
They aren't dirt cheap in Japan ??? gpx manual 1.2 million yen at auction high km , auto under 1 million yen in Japan ) Gr manual 800000yen with high km
![GP Version R!! Обзор Mitsubishi FTO [Leks-Auto 500]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tcPo7oEr8AU/mqdefault.jpg)
![GP Version R!! Обзор Mitsubishi FTO [Leks-Auto 500]](/img/tr.png)
This is one of the underdogs of the FWD sports cars. So much attention given to VW GTI VR6, Integra & Civic Type Rs during the 90s that the FTO was overshadowed by them.
I agree completely! And looks better than all 😉 but I may be a bit bias
I bought my FTO for £950 back in 2013 (70k mileage, manual & mivec version). Still going strong and a real head turner - absolutely love it
I own a FTO 99 manual.. Ain't going to sell it. It's so much fun to drive.
love this car so much, my fto is literally my dream car, making 400+ hp with a 2.5 liter twin turbo. these cars are so undervalued even from a tuning point of view, the stock motor with a single turbo and tune can make 370 hp to the wheels.
Wow! I would love to see that! You have any videos?
So would I as I'm in the UK with this car and don't really want to swap to the vr4 imo
Beat on it! I "beat" on my '96 FTO GPX on track a few times a year and it copes fine.
You forgot to mention the exhaust sound, it's impeccable.
we need more vids on ftos
Thanks for posting a good honest review
Recently got my for 3,100
73k miles
Condition 8.5/10
No frame rust at all
GR model
I've mentioned on your other post. I have one of these in UK that was imported from Japan and I've loved it for over 20 years. It makes you feel special cuz it's different. It's an unsung hero for GTO. Got all the press but the FTO is actually a more reliable daily car and the sound is infectious. They were ahead of that time. It learns the way you drive , that's why you say fuel because if you drive a certain way it just seeing accelerator and revs. No German car did that at the time it has its own mivec control it was way ahead of its time.
Neat how this rolled back into my recommended videos, haha! I remember seeing how you had swiped up this FTO from Japanese Classics and I was itching for this one, it's always been a dream car to me. Two years later and I just recently won a really clean silver '95 GPX through an auction and it'll be on its way overseas soon, also costing about 13k total! Thanks for stoking that fire in me to stick to it and finally get one man, joinin' the FTO club in the US soon. :)
it may be slow but it feels fast, theyre raw, they sound great and theyre fun
I'm quite surprised you didn't consider suspension and turn-in acceleration as a plus - being a FWD car ;)
Never mind the slow acceleration, that's the one thing that pleasantly surprises me about the FTO. Even compared to the Evo, this car takes turns like a champ!
Have you tried taking it out to an Auto X event yet?
10 in the whole of US ? I'm in UK and have 7 up my drive right now lol....
If you think it's slower than a Cooper S there is something wrong with yours buddy.
Have you got used to the high Rev range? Many people get in and change gear at 4-5000 Revs like other cars, the GPX only 'wakes up' at 5500 so keep revs high, 6.4 Sec 0-60 is achievable.
Also There is a trick to the Cambelt change and going by the one's I have rebuilt a good 30% are driving around with cam timing two teeth out...It still runs okay as ECU can compensate but loses about 20% of BHP.....
Only trying to help , I've owned over thirty so far and restore them as a 'hobby'.
Thanks for your insight. Thank you for keeping the culture alive.
Absolutely agree with the point about "10 in the US", one of my eyebrows raised at that. However, I think his 0-100 time of 7.5sec is really quite accurate for his model FTO and no offence, but I extreeeemely doubt a 6.4s 0-100 time if you're talking stock car without a dyno tune and long list of supporting mods. Based on 0-100's claimed by manufacturers and online forum users, most of the time it seems the Cooper S really would be faster. I think if you've "had 30 of these cars" then there might be some bias in your opinion, even if subconscious.
FTO one Love! =)
I agree with everything . Well mostly . The power for a 2l n/a 90s car is not so bad . The horsepower outdoes the n/a gto . Yes this is fwd but after all i baught mine for 1,600 . To me thats amazing for the price rarity and power for a 90s sports car .
Awesome review! I enjoyed the review. Hope for more videos in the future about your awesome experience with the vehicle.
Thank you so much! I do plan on more this summer! Stay tuned!
Wow $13k USD... That's $16.8k AUD. I paid $2300 USD / $3k AUD for my 96 FTO MIVEC about 5 years ago in Australia. Since then it's appreciated in value. Its an amazing car.
It's amazing that the rarity of them in the US makes them so expensive.. supply and demand I guess!
It's a precursor to what he'll expect when he flips it. No way that's accurate.
I saw a very beautiful silver one thats being sold online by a dealership. Looks very well maintained but its an automatic since everyone in my country drives autos. Fortunately the gearbox does allow to manually select gears, just without a clutch.
Fingers crossed that since its not popular, no one snaps it up. Have you had to do maintenance on the fto yet?
I've had it since June and only have needed routine maintenance thankfully. Although it was locked in the garage for the past 3 months because of junk Chicagoland weather. But it's finally getting nicer and get to drive it again! Oil change video coming up soon
The coolest car I love
GREAT VIDEO MORE FTO content. j
Hate 2 break it 2 ya but U not driving it right if U want to use it full potential power. U have to hold the RPMS in low gear for few seconds to let the air fill engine(that the key to Mivec with non turbo) once u figure out how long to hold to time it right then U Redline n should haul ass..similar to 3g Eclipse GTS(6 cylinder) and esp the 4g Eclipse (GT 6 cylinder). Baffles me how many peo have no clue how to truly use the Mivec. EVEN in U have automatic it have the shifting sportronic option to take full use of the Mivec U just have to practice n find out what the right amount of time to hold RPMS n at what point..probaly 2.5 -3.5 or so n for a 4-6 seconds,...Look at the scene of Jackie Chan's Thunderbolt as prove.
Make videos on maintenace
For sure! Anything that comes up I'll be sure to document it!
@@craigdaniel6423 It would help, since they are rare in the US
Very nice Craig, bit of a time-warp machine. looks OEM with the exception of the exhaust and being lowered?
It does seem to have an aftermarket muffler, but I don't believe it's lowered. Otherwise, yea. Completely stock!
@@craigdaniel6423, just looked like it from the pictures and video, gaps from tyre to wheel arch at the top appear smaller than at the side. No issue for the car either way, I found though that when lowered it handled better, quicker turn in etc. Adding a strut brace will enhance this too. I have a front strut brace with 17" wheels.
All that talk about exotic, right-hand drive, attention... Nothing about one of the best sounds to ever come out of an engine bay (not just exhaust).
I bet you try to sell this up 200% next year. It was a good commercial though.
They sell for like £1200 here in the uk
Jealous!
Thats because theyll are rusted in the UK from road salt - ve bought UK cars and theyre rotten eg chassis rails, sills etc. Buyer beware if you import one.
What’s the parts situation like? Are you able to find parts locally, or do you have to import them all? And if the ladder then where do you order from?
I've had to get a new battery, and that was a bit tricky to find the right size and power that is available from an American battery, but I got one that works great.
Also, I ordered some floor mats on ebay that came from the UK. Otherwise, I haven't really had to order more parts yet. Knock on wood. Haha I do see a lot of option on ebay though.
Also, Japanese Classics, the company igot the car from has contacts in Japan that can put me in contact with people if I need anything.
@@craigdaniel6423 You wont have an issue geting pats from other countries
I'm looking at going on a road trip to the other side of Australia next month to buy one in basically stock condition. It looks decently expensive at 14k AUD and i'm on the fence about it. I absolutely love the car but I'm not sure if it's worth it for the price D:
Oh wow! I didn't realize they were that expensive in Australia as well. I'd say make sure you're 100% sure you want the car. It's only worth what you want it to be worth to you. 🤙 I do love mine so much!
Do you still own this beauty? How does it treat you? I've wanted one since GT1.
I do! I've had it for almost 2 years now! It's awesome. Runs like a champ and is so fun to drive still. I haven't driven it in a few weeks now because of all the salt and snow on the roads in the Chicagoland area. I have it in the garage waiting until it gets nicer out. It's an old car and I don't want to ruin the under carriage
@@craigdaniel6423 That's awesome. I'm still watching the video now, but I've been looking into them kind of seriously, and have always liked them. It really is a forgotten gem.
@@daveyanderson6166 when I bought mine I saw 3 or 4 for sale, but can't seem to find any for sale right now... good luck if you do try to find one!
@@craigdaniel6423 I'm in AZ looking. Not to buy immediately, but I'm sure more will pop up, thanks ✊. I haven't seen much at all.
I got mine as well
Awesome! You got an FTO in the states? Where are you from and where did u get it?
change the seat to recaro for more comfort i m driving 1 fto in malaysia with recaro from dc5
I was definitely considering changing the seat! Thanks for the advice. I'll look into it for sure
Hey I have a 1999 manual Fto but can’t find the ignition coil pack anywhere
Any suggestions on which car has the same motors or how I can find them
Hey, sorry just saw this comment, but I honestly don't know about where you can find one. Luckily I haven't had the need to get something for it yet. I'm dreading the day, but hope you found one! If you did, let me know where!
I'm sorry but I think the mane reason why you found it slow is because your taking it as a commute car (I mean you're making a review driving in subs, also you even said that it drives smooth...) Mate that's what galants are for (exception made for vr4s those bastards are super fast). But FTOs are everything about the limits, there's no point in using them as anything but a time attack machine. That's why you're getting even better fuel ratio than originally advertised, because you're driving bellow 5krpm.
I would recommend, if you want a more instantaneous response, to turbocharged it (there were some 6a12tt applications in gallants vr4) or swap it for 6a13tt (which is like the big brother 6a12tt).
@@rivahoff He did say it's meant as a daily driver. And, I suspect he's also not driving the car right now, being that it's now snowing where he is.
Overall, I agree with both your statements, and Craig's. Compared to a modern car, yes it's fairly slow to get up to speed. But it's not a late-model car either. And it's an N/A, not like the 6A13TT. Though, it's really nice to feel that MIVEC kick in every once in a while - for having such a small displacement.
I will say this - while it's not fun waiting for the engine to hit the sweet spot, even in stock form the car is a LOT of fun driving out to the twisty roads. With very basic bolt-ons, this car just shines. It'll take on any Miata out there --- if you can just find the right frickin' swaybars for it. (a royal PITA these days, I must say.)
@@slippercream yes, precisely that's what I'm saying, no point in using a high revving engine to daily drive. Daily drive cars need torque, 6a12 had just 150 lb/ft annnnd suuuper smoothly delivered... They're supposed to be light fast (not quick) time attack machines. That's why I was suggesting a swap for a 6a13tt more displacement and twin small quick spooling turbos...
@@rivahoff Yeah, thinking about it. Though, lots to consider here since there's really only two main routes for an FI build, and the ceiling is relatively low on the 6A engine - the 13 DOHC heads being the top dog in terms of flow.
I think, a logical route for me is max out suspension and handling first before anything engine. It's pretty fun as it is IMO. When you have other "go fast" cars, knowing you have other weapons in your arsenal that can do other niche jobs to suit special tasks, is in itself a very special thing.
I used to think the Evo was the "fun car" to take slogging around the hill country roads. These days, I'd rather take the FTO. Truth.
All cars should be right and drive and they actually were but henry ford changed that only out of spite. He didnt actually think anyone would buy a left hand drive car
Lend it to Doug DeMuro too!
Dang it, lumbar support is a big necessity for me. Looks great though.
Appreciate the input.
I loved the golden years for Mitsubishi. I have a VR-4, and I just can't allow myself to let it go. I own 3 Toyotas aside from my 3000GT, and it definitely had a different feel to them. Sucks that we didn't get to see Mitsubishi further flourish. Would have been nice to see. I loved the bold designs of their 90's models.
Thanks for the comment! I actually have never driven a VR-4 but always loved those cars! I agree completely about 90s Mitsubishi cars... Actually that could be said about a lot of 90s cars...
Hi how can I get headlights for this car plz
I've seen them on ebay! Definitely check there first!
Where can I buy one to have it sent here to the US?
I got mine from Japanese Classics in Richmond,VA. They already had it imported at the time, but I think you can send them and email to notify you when they find an FTO they feel is good enough to import.
@@craigdaniel6423 thank you for the information! You said it perfectly... This car is under the radar so the price is right and not blown up. I loves these ever since playing Gran Turismo and watching them race against Integra type Rs and Celica GTS on that japanese motoring show. I hope to get one of these and an Evo 3 5 or 6 soon. Thank you again and keep making the vids!
The speed is all down to the gearbox.. The original is awful.. Ratios are too long.. I replaced mine with one from a mivec lancer.. Complete with lsd the cars is faster and handles better
A lot of people are scared to use the revs and are so used to cars with 5000 limit, you need to 'wring its neck' to have real fun, MIVEC only gets talking at 5500.
They will take 'spirited driving' as long as serviced with good oil changes.
They aren't dirt cheap in Japan ??? gpx manual 1.2 million yen at auction high km , auto under 1 million yen in Japan ) Gr manual 800000yen with high km
I want one!