Base price: XLS, $32,487; Limited, $36,597
Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive; 5-door 5–7-passenger wagon
Interior volume, F/M/R (cu ft) 57—59/45—48/29
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 10/92–96
Wheelbase 109.7 in
Length/width/height 190.2/74.8/71.5 in
Turning circle 37.4 ft
Curb weight 4700–4800 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 15/19
Fuel-tank capacity/range 23.8 gal/357 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6, 215 hp; 5-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/vented disc
ABS standard
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MITSUBISHI MONTERO
Even in a country awash in SUVs, the Montero is a standout with its swollen front fenders and way-tall body. We find it endearingly weird-looking. The Montero is a unibody vehicle with an independent rear suspension. It’s comfortable and handles well for something so large. It’s roomy and practical, with three rows of seats, major headroom, and lots of grab handles. In four-wheel-drive trim, the Montero excels off-road—it finished first in this category in a comparison test last year. For 2003 the Montero’s V-6 gets a displacement boost (from 3.5 liters to 3.8) that raises the power rating to 215 hp. There are also some exterior cosmetic updates, a skid-control system, and more-powerful standard and optional audio systems. The grille, front fascia, and headlights are new; the side cladding has been subdued; and the taillight bezels have been dechromed.
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