Mitsubishi's "total package" Montero Sport for 2002

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE, USA - Settling into the Montero Sport for a weekend drive through the majestic Rocky Mountains was all it took to convince me that this SUV was more than a chopped roof "big" Montero. Now admittedly, I love that big Montero - which is in my opinion a Range Rover, Land Cruiser, and Eclipse Spyder GT rolled into one affordable package.

But for something lighter and less filling, there is the Montero Sport. It holds its own against its bigger, cooler Montero cousin in the hot mid-sized SUV class that is populated today by BMW, Lexus, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and other high-brow contenders.

Let's get my one complaint out on the table - that low roofline.

From the profile, the low roofline is cool - chopped and mean. But, climbing into the passenger compartment is a different story - that appeal is quickly dissolved each time you whack your head upon entry. I'm sure it works well for our friends at the foothills of Mt. Fuji National Park in Japan, but here in the Heartland, even the members of our Consumer Advisory Panel left our discussion sessions with a headache.

This is not to suggest that the Montero Sport is insufficient or incapable. Quite the contrary. Maybe we just have big heads and long necks. I'm sure the skateboard-wielding, hip-hop tuned generation of the West Coast (of whom Mitsubishi is catering to in it's god-awful commercials) just loves the new 'Sport - if they could just afford one, maybe someday if they ever got a job. Enough social piety - and on with the driving impression;

Tough enough to tackle the punishing terrain of Baja and North Africa, yet stylish enough to head out for a night on the town, the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is the "total package" for mid-size SUV drivers. The package is versatile, it is rugged. And the Montero Sport looks the part, with a rough and ready wide stance, sporty fender flares and chiseled industrial-look flanks.

Montero Sport is available with cutting-edge traction technology and a host of new features and refinements. It imparts versatility with a choice of four models: Montero Sport ES, Montero Sport LS, Montero Sport XLS and Montero Sport Limited.

All four-wheel drive Montero Sport models are equipped with a full-time ALL4-wheel drive system, which automatically provides the appropriate traction - without driver activation - for most on-road and light off-road situations. This is good, since we already know that all cars today are smarter than their drivers.

For adventurous owners who might actually take their Montero "off-road" (fewer than 15-percent) to more extreme off-road conditions, the A4WD system retains the choice of part-time 4WD in both high and low range. Part-time 4WD uses a locked center differential to ensure that power is distributed equally between front and rear axles. To enhance traction further, Mitsubishi offers a limited-slip differential. It is standard on the Montero Sport Limited and part of the optional Touring Package on Montero Sport XLS. But, we all already know none of this will ever be needed unless the road is suddenly plowed-up en-route to the soccer field, but it's good to know it's there should that ever happen.

Also new for 2002, the XLS model upgrades to the more powerful 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine, which produces 197 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. This engine is standard on Montero Sport Limited. Montero ES and LS models are equipped with a 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine.

All Montero Sport models feature a standard four-speed automatic transmission with Mitsubishi's Adaptive Shift Control technology. The system tailors performance to an individual's driving style - whether aggressive, relaxed or somewhere in between.

Montero Sport's ride is provided by an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a three-link rear coil spring rear suspension, providing comfort and stability on- and off-road. The large cargo area features tie-down hooks and its own 12-volt accessory outlet. The rear seat of Montero Sport ES can fold down completely for additional cargo capacity or recline for passenger comfort.

Our test vehicle was the sporty and luxurious Montero Sport XLS, which features revised option packages for 2002, including the new 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine. The XLS comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille, integrated fender flares and accent-colored tube-type side steps. Additionally, the XLS adds new premium sport cloth fabric on the inside, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated compass and exterior thermometer and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The cargo area contains four storage compartments in the floor, two of which have large covers that cleverly flip to create impromptu picnic trays complete with cup holders. And yes, we used them all to satisfaction.

The Limited is the ultimate Montero Sport, with added refinements and features, but we did not get that model - I think Tony Swan at Car and Driver must have been driving it to visit Brock Yates at the Cannonball Pub in Wyoming, New York, but I'm not sure. All I know is that I didn't have it and Tony always gets to drive the cool stuff before me.

Once inside, I'm sure Tony and Brock would have enjoyed the features on the Limited - luxurious leather-trimmed and heated front seats. I also read that there are wood grain interior accents, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature display security alarm system, power sunroof, heated side view mirrors, illuminated visor vanity mirrors and a separate rear heater. Anti-lock brakes as well as a limited-slip rear differential also come standard.

Montero Sport owners also receive a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year or 60,000-mile power train warranty, and seven-year or 100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. Mitsubishi provides 24-hour roadside assistance. Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1981 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.

HIGHS: Very well equipped package for the price. Excellent mechanicals - this thing will last forever. Plenty of power. Very nice appearance. A real SUV, not a pretender.

LOWS: Awful fuel consumption. Banging your head on the low roofline; Materials in the base model are a bit cheesy, too "industrial." Painted silver dash trim. But hey, Porsche gets away with it, so what the heck.

CONSENSUS: Among the Pacific-rim sporty SUV imports, put this on at the top of your list.

VEHICLE PRICE
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price: $29,627.
Price as tested (XLS Package): $31,977.

Equipped with the XLS package, 3.5 liter SOVC 24-valve MPI engine, automatic transmission, sunroof, touring package ($1,790) and destination/handling ($560.)

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
City: 16 miles per gallon.
Highway: 18 miles per gallon.
Our Mileage: 19.5 miles per gallon average.
Manufactured in Nagoya, Japan

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Mitsubishi vehicles, and to locate a dealer near you, visit www.mitsubishi.com

ENJOY THE DRIVE...Remember, always buckle-up, drive safely, obey all highway laws and never drive impaired. Driving maneuvers, impressions, and statements of the author are that of a highly skilled, professional driver; do not ever attempt high-performance driving.

© 2001, The Weekend Drive®, All Rights Reserved. Mitsubishi, Eclipse GT, Montero and Montero Sport names and logo, registered trademarks of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America. Test vehicle, photographs, specifications and some information provided courtesy of Mitsubishi. Used by permission. Car & Driver and Tony Swan are registered trademarks of Hachette Filpacchi Magazines, Inc.