1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ▼
- Price Range: $1,700 - $9,700
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Mitsubishi entered the midsize sport-utility market during the 1997 model year, adding the new Montero Sport as a smaller-size companion to the long-lived regular Montero. Built on the same chassis as that regular Montero, the Sport had a shorter, lighter, and much lower body. Models included an entry-level ES with 2-wheel drive, an LS with either 2- or 4-wheel drive, and an XLS offered only with 4-wheel drive. All Sports carried Mitsubishi's veteran 3.0-liter V6 engine, with the exception of the ES, which used a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The ES and 4WD LS had a standard 5-speed manual transmission, while other models got a 4-speed automatic.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
A 2-wheel-drive model joined for 1998, in top XLS trim. Formerly optional, antilock brakes became standard on the LS 4x4 as well as XLS models. The 4-wheel-drive XLS added heated seats and door mirrors, plus a locking rear differential that would be useful in tough off-road situations.
1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
A new luxury Limited model joined the Montero Sport lineup, equipped with the bigger Montero's 3.5-liter V6 engine. Available with either 2- or 4-wheel drive, the Limited model featured a unique chrome grille with fog lamps, leather seats, power moonroof, and other amenities.
2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
A mild facelift included a fresh front-end look and black tailgate trim. The LImited got a new monochrome exterior. Interiors were revised with 2-tone color schemes and larger front cupholders in a revised console. Rear coil springs replaced leaf springs, and all but the price-leader ES got larger front brakes and 16-inch wheels. The ES dropped its 4-cylinder engine in favor of the 3.0-liter V6, and lost its manual transmission. The automatic gained electronic shift control that adapts to driving style. An antitheft engine immobilizer was integrated with the ignition key. A limited-slip differential was included on Limited and available for XLS, replacing the previous lock-rear-differential option.
2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
A new 3.5XS sport-trimmed model joined the lineup in 2001. All models added rear child-seat anchors, driver's-seatbelt pretensioner, front-seatbelt load-force limiters, and structural strengthening. All models also qualified as Low Emissions Vehicles in all 50 states this year.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
A more-sophisticated 4WD system, called All4-wheel drive, replaced a 4WD system that had to be disengaged on dry pavement for 2002. Among other additions this year: a color-keyed grille for the Limited, tube-type side steps standard on LS and XLS and optional on ES, and platinum-finish gauges on all but the ES.
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
A .08-inch higher roof is the only significant change to the Montero Sport for '03.
2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
A 3.5-liter V6 is now standard on both the LS and XLS, instead of just the XLS, this year.
Our road test for the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
A 4-cylinder engine isn't sufficient for a vehicle of this size and weight. With the 3.0-liter V6, acceleration from a standstill is only a little less sluggish, even with a light load aboard. Modest upgrades slow progress considerably, which can present a problem even when merging onto certain expressways. The 3.5-liter V6 in the '99 Limited yields more satisfying performance. We managed about 17 mpg in city/highway driving with one Sport, but another example--driven somewhat harder--couldn't beat 15 mpg. Use of the big Montero's chassis gives the Sport a stiff and lively ride on the highway. Overly light power steering is on the vague side. Although a Sport is far more stable than the bigger Montero in cornering, thanks to its lower stance, body lean is definitely noticeable in tight turns. Noise levels reach beyond the SUV norm. Large door mirrors generate plenty of turbulence on the highway, and the engine fan whines loudly at higher speeds. Tire noise is prominent, too. Ample ground clearance can be helpful for off-road operation, but the Sport's tall step-in makes getting in and out a chore, especially into the back seat. Four adults can ride without feeling claustrophobic, even when accompanied by a sizable load of luggage. Still, a low roofline limits head room for 6-footers, and rear leg space is no more than adequate. On some models, the spare tire mounts under the load deck so it doesn't cut into cargo space. Although the driver gets a commanding view, thick rear roof pillars hinder parking and lane changes. Instruments are large and legible. Most minor controls are within easy reach.
Value for the Money
All told, the Montero Sport is too slow, noisy, and stiff-riding to truly satisfy the driver who spends more time on suburban roads than rural trails.
All told, the Montero Sport is too slow, noisy, and stiff-riding to truly satisfy the driver who spends more time on suburban roads than rural trails.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Noise from the radio when adjusting the power seat requires revised seat wiring harness. (2001)
Engine knock:
Models sold in California may have engine knock indicating possible welding flash entering the cylinders. (1997-98)
Engine noise:
Valve tap for a couple minutes after startup is considered normal. (1997-98)
Vehicle shake:
The vehicle may shudder when making low-speed turns and the condition may be corrected by adding a limited-slip differential additive. (1997)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $825 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $930 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $645 |
| Exhaust System | $350 |
| Radiator | $650 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $800 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $405 |
| Universal Joints | $560 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Montero Sport LS | $8,300-9,800 | $7,500-8,800 | $4,300-5,100 |
| Montero Sport XLS | $9,500-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| Montero Sport ES, LS | $6,200-9,000 | $5,400-7,800 | $2,700-3,900 |
| Montero Sport Ltd. | $9,500-10,700 | $8,600-9,600 | $4,900-5,600 |
| Montero Sport XLS | $8,300-9,500 | $7,500-8,600 | $4,300-4,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Montero Sport ES, LS | $5,400-7,900 | $4,600-6,800 | $2,200-3,200 |
| Montero Sport Ltd. | $8,200-9,500 | $7,400-8,600 | $4,200-4,800 |
| Montero Sport XLS | $7,200-8,300 | $6,400-7,400 | $3,500-4,100 |
| 2001 | |||
| Montero Sport ES, LS | $4,700-6,800 | $3,900-5,700 | $1,800-2,600 |
| Montero Sport Ltd. | $7,000-8,300 | $6,200-7,400 | $3,300-3,900 |
| Montero Sport XS, XLS | $5,800-7,200 | $5,000-6,300 | $2,400-3,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| Montero Sport ES, LS | $4,000-6,000 | $3,300-4,900 | $1,300-1,900 |
| Montero Sport Ltd. | $5,800-7,000 | $5,000-6,100 | $2,400-2,900 |
| Montero Sport XLS | $5,200-6,400 | $4,400-5,400 | $2,100-2,600 |
| 1999 | |||
| Montero Sport ES, LS | $3,400-5,000 | $2,700-4,000 | $900-1,300 |
| Montero Sport Ltd. | $5,100-6,700 | $4,300-5,700 | $2,000-2,700 |
| Montero Sport XLS | $4,500-5,600 | $3,700-4,600 | $1,600-2,000 |
| 1998 | |||
| Montero Sport ES, LS | $2,800-4,100 | $2,100-3,100 | $600-900 |
| Montero Sport XLS | $3,800-4,900 | $3,100-4,000 | $1,200-1,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| Montero Sport ES, LS | $2,300-3,700 | $1,700-2,700 | $400-700 |
| Montero Sport XLS | $3,300-4,300 | $2,600-3,400 | $800-1,100 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3980 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 79.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 1997-98, all Montero Sports had a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 173 horsepower, with the exception of the value-priced ES, which used a 132-horsepower 4-cylinder. The Limited model, added for 1999, borrowed its 3.5-liter V6 from the bigger regular Montero. It developed 200 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the ES and 4-wheel-drive LS; all other Sports had a 4-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. The 3.0-liter V6 is gone in 2004, replaced by the XLS' 3.5-liter V6 as standard on all Montero Sports.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 165-173 | 186-188 | 5-speed manual: 17/20 4-speed automatic: 19/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 17.3 |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 143 | 132 | 148 | 5-speed manual: 22/25 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 213 | 197-200 | 223-228 | 4-speed automatic: 16/20 | 4-speed automatic: 16.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Montero Sport |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999 w/4WD and automatic:
Automatic-transmission fluid could be vented onto hot exhaust system.
1999-2001 w/3.5-liter engine:
Brake-vacuum hoses may fail causing a loss of power assist to the brakes and increase stopping distances.
2001:
The owner's manual doesn't adequately explain the child-restraint system. Dealers will distribute further operation instructions.
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