Jumping behind the wheel (and we do mean jumping) of Mitsubishi's 1999 Montero Sport LS 4WD in late January, we were delighted with the truck's roomy interior and near-perfect driving position. As we pushed the automatic transmission into drive and hit the gas pedal, we were grateful to have snagged the truck for our weekend foray into the mountains outside of Denver.
The snow was falling in big, soft flakes on the Rocky Mountain evergreens--the kind of day that reminds you of Christmas ... unless you don't happen to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, then it reminds you of snow tires. Luckily, with the Montero Sport at our disposal, we didn't have much to worry about. Climbing up into the foothills toward Bailey, Colo., the sport-ute's 173-horsepower, 3.0-liter, SOHC, 24-valve V6 chugged away (albeit a bit breathlessly) and its 235/75R15 mud/snow tires navigated unplowed back roads as swiftly as a snow cat. On the return trip, traffic pulled out of our way on the slushy highway because they could see we were more sure-footed than they were on the slippery surfaces.
During a brief off-road adventure, the Montero Sport clambered over dirt and rock like it was born to do so. While off-road enthusiasts will appreciate this sport-ute's mountain-road prowess, it comes at the expense of a silky-smooth on-road ride. There won't be any mistaking the Montero Sport for dad's Cadillac; you'll know it when you hit a bump in the road. When designers built the baby Montero they made sure it was a real SUV that owners could take to the summit if they chose. We applaud this dedication to maintaining the true purpose of sport utilities, but city dwellers may be happier in a vehicle that has more of a car-like ride.
Interior ergonomics were well done with simple, easy-to-use, clearly marked controls. Materials felt sturdy and looked appropriate inside the cockpit of our test vehicle. The footrest was positioned perfectly for people ranging in size from 5-foot-2-inches tall to 5-10, and visibility both front and rear was flawless. The cargo capacity of the Montero Sport was astounding; there shouldn't be a problem finding space for gear and clothes for a family getaway to the mountains or the sea.
But let's talk disappointments. The Montero Sport's cupholders reside in a thin, pop-out tray just above the radio control panel. Because the stereo is set deeper into the console, the bottoms of the drinks block access to the area. This flawed design makes it impossible to reach any of the stereo controls while the driver or passenger enjoys a refreshing drink. The problem will be corrected in the 2000 model year Montero Sport, with cupholders available near the center armrest. The V6 engine is adequately powerful in the city, but racing up a canyon or sprinting up a mountain at record speed is not the Sport's strong suit. Opt for the Limited model and you will also get a larger, 200-horsepower V6 that may make all the difference in the world. Improved power will also debut on the 2000 Montero Sport.
Before spending a few days carting his family around in the Montero Sport, this vehicle was on our editor-in-chief's list of possible family cars to purchase. He has now ruled out all but the Limited model as a contender, however, because of the wheezing 3.0-liter V6 engine, lack of push-button four-wheel drive and lousy cupholders.
Available in ES (2WD models only), LS, XLS and Limited trim levels, the Montero Sport was Mitsubishi's answer to growing public interest in smaller, compact SUVs. Built on the proven Montero platform, the Montero Sport can carry five passengers and as much cargo as its big brother. The LS 4WD model is one of the most popular trim levels with alloy wheels, black fender flares, side steps, cruise control, AM/FM/CD audio system, and power windows, door locks and mirrors as standard equipment. The only option on our test truck was the security system with remote keyless entry. With a base price a few grand below $30,000, Mitsubishi's small SUV isn't exactly cheap, but it's affordable, and it's got several good things going for it: its distinctly truck-like flavor, excellent seating position and prowess in the snow.
Oh, and let's not forget its dashing looks. Our test truck arrived in a refreshing, new-for-1999 shade of New Zealand Green Pearl. With its rugged appearance and lack of swoopy sheetmetal, the Montero Sport looks like a beefy, burly sport-utility vehicle. If you plan to go off-roading, need lots of cargo space and want a vehicle that looks and acts like a truck, your search may be over. Mitsubishi has done something admirable here: they've kept the "U" in SUV.
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