2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mitsubishi's junior sport-utility wagon greets the 2000 model year with a mild facelift and several new features. Montero Sport continues in ES, LS, XLS, and top-line Limited trim. All get a new front-end look and black tailgate trim instead of reflectorized red. The Limited also has a new monochrome exterior. Interiors are revised with two-tone color schemes and larger front cupholders in a modified center console. Mechanically, rear coil springs replace leaf springs. All but the price-leader ES get larger front brakes and standard 16-inch wheels. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on Limiteds and on 4-wheel-drive LS and XLS models.
For 2000, the ES drops its 4-cylinder engine in favor of the 3.0-liter V6 that powers LS and XLS. The Limited's 3.5-liter V6 is borrowed from the "senior" Montero. ES is rear-wheel drive only; the others offer 4WD that's not for use on dry pavement. The ES also loses its manual transmission, so all models have standard automatic, which gains electronic shift control designed to adapt to individual driving styles. Other linewide additions include an anti-theft engine immobilizer integrated with the ignition key, and standard CD audio. A limited-slip differential is included on Limited and available for XLS, replacing the previous locking-rear-differential option.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.