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.