EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Still a decent midsize SUV, the Montero Sport has nevertheless seen better days. It pales in comparison to modern competitors like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Mitsubishi''s own Endeavor.
Pros
Attractive inside and out, comfortable front seats, tough body-on-frame construction.
Cons
Soft suspension, lethargic transmission, sloppy steering, no V8 available.
What''s New for 2004
The base- and top-level trims, ES and Limited, have been dropped, but their features have been added to the remaining LS and XLS trims. As a result, both the LS and XLS now feature the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, as well as standard 16-inch alloy wheels, new roof rails and new interior fabrics.
Overview
Introduction:
One might assume that the Montero Sport is a sportier version of its bigger, more expensive brother, the Montero, but this is not the case. Blame it on a lack of imagination on the part of Mitsubishi''s marketing team, but the Montero Sport bears little resemblance to the full-size Montero. While the Montero Sport was originally loosely based on the full-size Montero, the big Monty has since received a carlike unibody structure and an independent rear suspension. Although the Montero Sport has received a number of minor cosmetic and technical changes since its introduction in 1997, it continues to be the most trucklike vehicle in Mitsubishi''s lineup. As more and more consumers are turning to SUVs that drive like cars, the fan base for less refined utility vehicles like the Montero Sport has begun to diminish. Various road tests have enumerated the admittedly handsome Montero Sport''s faults, ranging from a lazy automatic transmission and sloppy steering to pogo-stick ride quality when tackling off-road terrain. Possessing neither exceptional on- or off-road skill, the Montero Sport has been left behind by the competition in the midsize SUV game. If you really want a midsize SUV from Mitsubishi, try the car-based Endeavor -- it''s a much better vehicle.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Montero Sport is a four-door midsize SUV with two available trim levels: base LS and upgraded XLS. The LS comes standard with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, 140-watt AM/FM/CD stereo, rear-window wiper-washer, an overhead console, three-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and a luggage rack. The XLS adds integrated foglamps, a chrome grille, eight-spoke alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, outside thermometer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and remote keyless entry. Three option packages are also available. The Convenience package for the LS model includes tubular side steps, body side molding, privacy glass, remote keyless entry and cruise control. The XLS can add either the Touring package that includes a power sunroof, premium Infinity audio system, limited-slip differential, platinum-finish accents, cargo cover and dimpled leather-covered steering wheel, parking brake lever and shift knob; or the Luxury package that adds leather seating surfaces, the sunroof, the Infinity audio system and the cargo cover.
Powertrains and Performance:
Each trim level comes in either a two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive configuration, with all models using the same engine, a 3.5-liter V6 power plant that produces 197 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. All Montero Sports have a four-speed automatic which, due to a lazy personality, hobbles even the big V6, resulting in a mediocre 0-to-60-mph performance of just under 10 seconds. All models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are optional on 2WD models, standard on all 4WD models. In government tests, the Montero Sport earned four out of five stars for protection of the driver in frontal impacts and three stars for the front passenger. Side-impact tests resulted in a perfect five stars for both front- and rear-passenger protection. Frontal offset crash testing performed by the IIHS resulted in a "Good" rating, the highest possible.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The user-friendly cabin features attractive materials, comfortable seats and an ergonomically sound design. Multiple power outlets, large and easily accessed cupholders and excellent visibility are a few more of the interior''s strong points. Rear passenger room is about average for the segment, and a third-row seat is not an option. Its maximum cargo capacity is 79 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The 3.5-liter V6 provides a punchy off-the-line launch but feels underpowered at higher speeds and when gaining elevation at a steady pace. The four-speed automatic doesn''t help much, as it hunts around for the appropriate gear. The ride and handling are equally unimpressive, as the steering returns little road feel and the suspension is bouncy off-road.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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