1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero: Road Test

The 3.0-liter V6 is smooth and quiet, but could use a bit more muscle. Acceleration with the base engine, even in 177-horsepower form, is adequate rather than spirited. Passing power also ranks as adequate. With automatic, steep grades cause noticeable slowing and a lot of busy shifting. Fuel economy is on the dismal side: we averaged 16.5 mpg in city/highway driving. An SR with the 215-horsepower engine accelerated to 60 mph in a brisk 10.0 seconds. Economy sagged to a gloomy 13.8 mpg. Mitsubishi's Active-Trac 4WD system is convenient and easy to use. Montero is still one of the better-riding 4x4s, even more stable in corners than earlier versions, thanks to a slightly wider stance. A Montero doesn't feel as agile as a Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, showing more body lean in turns and even a slight tipsy sensation. Wavy surfaces produce little bouncing, but the firm suspension does not absorb bumps well. The dashboard made everything easy to see, reach, and use, but the Multi Meter is little more than a gimmick. Passenger and cargo space are abundant, but the Montero sits high off the ground, so it's difficult to get in and out. Montero has more than enough cargo space for several grocery bags. Stowing the jump seats against the sidewalls creates a long, wide cargo area.

Value for the Money
Despite some appealing features, Montero has not been at the top of our sport-utility list, when compared with such domestic rivals as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy, which tend to be more carlike.