2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

By Bob Storck

Despite its tough and aggressive look, Montero Sport has a comfortable ride and very low interior noise levels. Because of its roomy interior and large cargo capacity, Montero Sport has proven to be popular for young families.

This year they have aimed upscale, dropping the four-cylinder. Versions range from the base 173-hp two-wheel drive V6, to a leather-lined, four-wheel drive with a 200 hp version and four-speed automatic that allows buyers to select the Montero Sport that fits their particular needs.

Montero Sport's 4WD system has a 2-speed shift-on-the-fly transfer case that provides low gearing for tough conditions and steep hills. For the more extreme off-road adventures, a choice of a limited-slip or locking rear differential is also available.

Building four-wheel drive passenger vehicles for over 60 years, Mitsubishi Motors is certainly not a newcomer to the sport utility segment and offers two rugged yet refined SUVs. While the mid-size, 5-passenger Montero Sport and the 7-passenger Montero luxury sport utility compete in separate market segments, both have the tough engineering that allowed race prepared versions to dominate the 1997 Dakar Rally.

For a complete review, read: 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS Test driving the 2WD version of the new SUV, by Aaron Gold