2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Road Test
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2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ▼
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- MSRP: $22,907 -$29,507
- Invoice: $21,243 -$27,364
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Our road test for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport help you decide if a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4.9 |
ES and LS models feel sluggish on takeoff but have adequate passing power. Larger V6 gives XLS fine acceleration.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Test 3.0-liter 4x4s averaged 14-17 mpg. Test 2WD XLS averaged 16.8. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
More trucklike than most class rivals, with noticeable rough-road jiggle and hop.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.5 |
Vague steering and marked cornering lean don't instill confidence, and even mild crosswinds cause wander at highway speeds. Average brake feel and stopping performance.
QUIETNESS
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Lots of wind rush at highway speeds, but road noise not bad except on coarse pavement. Engine-fan noise prominent during acceleration.
CONTROLS
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Logical and convenient aside from rather small audio controls. Standard tilt steering wheel doesn't lift high enough to give taller drivers a clear view of the gauges. Solid structure and good assembly quality, though some interior plastic panels feel a bit flimsy.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Ample room, but seats too low to the floor for best comfort. Lofty step-up impedes entry/exit; tubular side steps standard on most models are too narrow to help.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Leg room generous even behind a tall front-seater. Raised roofline improves 6-footer head clearance, but not much. Very narrow floor passages hamper entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Load deck is rather high, but rear-seat folding is straightforward and there's plenty of space, though interior is too narrow for some cargo.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 5 |
Montero Sport sacrifices too much room and comfort for a rough-and-tumble look and attitude, and 3.0-liter models feel underpowered. XLS models are thus better vehicles, but still not great values. However, discounts should be readily available on all Montero Sports.
Total Score
| LS 4WD | XLS 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | 42 | 51.2 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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