1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Review & Road Test

to sport-utility customers, it has presented a utilitarian, boxy appearance

that disguised the luxury touches inside. Like the Jeep Cherokee and Isuzu

Trooper, the Montero's looks have suggested that style had been accorded

a distant second-place ranking to function.

Sport-utility buyers liked that, and still do. The piano-case Montero

continues on sale, but now it's joined by a new, slightly smaller version,

the Montero Sport, that puts the same rugged underpinnings under a slick

new shell.

Style-wise, the Montero Sport faces rivals that wouldn't have been considered

by previous Montero intenders. Nissan's Pathfinder and Toyota's 4Runner,

both redesigned last year, and the Isuzu Rodeo/ Honda Passport twins come

to mind, as do the Jeep Cherokees, Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy/ Oldsmobile Bravada and Ford Explorer.

It's important to re-member that all of these competitors have as much

substance as style. That's a major consideration for those looking to the

sport-utes for more than just high-profile on-road duty. The larger Montero

has never been found lacking when asked to work hard; can the same be said

of its new junior partner?

high ground clearance and minimal front and rear overhangs make an essentially

square-rigged look almost mandatory. That said, Mitsubishi designers have

done an admirable job of smoothing off the rough edges to give the Sport

a more modern, streamlined appearance.

Still, there is something a bit unusual about the Sport's proportions,

and it's the relationship between body and greenhouse. Ordinarily, they

are roughly equal in height, but Mitsubishi has lowered the roofline to

create something of a visual imbalance. That has no significant effect

on glass area or ease of ingress and egress, but does create a hunkered-down

muscular impression that takes some getting used to. The larger tires used

on upscale Sports only add to the mismatch.

Four versions of the Montero Sport are available. Buyers looking for

what is in essence an oversized station wagon--albeit an extremely efficient

one--will want to check out the two two-wheel drive models, the base ES

and rather more lavish LS. The ES has the distinction of being the only

Sport to do without V6 power, relying instead on a 2.4-liter four that

develops a modest 134 hp. This engine is available only with a five-speed

manual transmission.

A 3.0-liter V6 powers all other Sports, whether 2- (LS) or 4- (LS or

XLS) wheel drive. Offered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic,

this is a rugged, refined engine. Unless fuel mileage is a top priority,

it should be considered essential by most customers, as the four, though

not as vibratory as some similar engines (thanks to a pair of internal

balance shafts) is challenged by heavy loads and limited in trailer-towing

capacity.

The larger Monteros, meanwhile, benefit from a power upgrade with a

new 3.5-liter V6 rated at 200 hp and 228 pound-feet of torque.

Other differences between the models are confined largely to availability

of options, with only the XLS getting standard air conditioning, power

sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, fender flares, cruise control leather

upholstery and power windows, mirrors and locks. All can be applied at

extra cost to the two LS versions. ABS is optional on all except the ES.

Surprisingly, even the ES has a CD unit in its audio system.

more headroom than the low roof would suggest. Materials used for upholstery,

carpet and other surfaces are attractive and appear to be long-wearing.

All Sports save the XLS (which gets leather) have good-looking cloth coverings

on their comfortable seats; the front seats' range of adjustment is sufficient

to give any reasonably sized person enough legroom without cramping those

in back. A height-adjustable steering column is standard, though its locked

positions are far enough apart that some drivers may not find exactly the

wheel angle they want.

Visually, the Sport cabin tends more toward truck than car, with a large,

blocky dashboard holding essential gauges in front of the driver--the usual

speedometer, tachometer, fuel level and water temperature gauges--and,

if chosen from the options list, a Multi-Meter with compass, outside temperature,

voltage and oil pressure readouts. Heat/vent/air conditioning and audio

controls are centered in the dash, within easy reach of driver and passenger.

Each of the outboard seating positions also has a hefty grab-handle, a

feature much appreciated on- road or off.

It's a bit of a reach down to the 4WD transfer case shift lever, which

sits next to the shift handle on the center tunnel. No pushbutton or rotating-switch

controls for this part-time system; a tug of the lever allows the driver

to shift between 2WD and 4WD while the Sport is underway. A shift to low-range

4WD can only be made at rest.

though well-controlled suspension, power steering and lots of sound-deadening

materials throughout the body see to that. Most of the noise comes from

the engine (our tester, a well-equipped LS, had the V6/automatic combination)

and tires; wind noise is almost nonexistent. Maneuverability is about average

for the class.

Still, that high seating position does count for something; if you can't

get past obstacles, at least you can see over them.

On the highway, the Sport does just fine, as long as you don't mind

noise levels that are somewhat above passenger-car standards. At 65 mph,

the most obtrusive noises come from the tire treads. The seats are supportive

enough to be good for all-day drives, and you can take plenty of luggage

along; even with four or five people on board, there's more than 40 cubic

feet of load space available.

In straight-ahead performance, the Sport is so-so. Even 173 horses are

somewhat hard-pressed to cope with more than two tons of mass, so acceleration

tends to be leisurely.

To be fair, though, that's true of most sport-utilities. Blazing acceleration

just isn't part of the deal in this realm.

But the Sport really comes to life when taken off the pavement. Its

Montero heritage has left it with a rugged box-section steel frame and

suspension components hefty enough to withstand enormous amounts of abuse.

In low range, the Sport has the power to go almost anywhere, with enough

ground clearance--8.5 inches--to tackle moderate log- and rock-hopping.

And when for this kind of action, the Sport is a better bet than the senior

Montero, since there's less front and rear overhang. If you're considering

off-road use, we strongly recommend the optional limited-slip rear differential.

most sport-utility vehicles. If you can accept their limitations--noise

levels and ride quality that are generally poorer than you find in a passenger

car and below-normal fuel economy--they can be pleasant, useful transportation

devices.

But if you appreciate the extra interior space, higher seating position

and rugged looks of a sport-ute, the Sport deserves to be high on your

shopping list. It is one of the more refined machines in its class, is

well-made and has distinctive looks.

If you want more luxury, check the rest of the Montero tribe. But the

new Sport version is the best choice if you plan to visit the wilds, and,

arguably, the better buy. Just be careful with the option shopping.