2003 Mitsubishi Montero
09/17/2003
Shahed Hussain
The Mitsubishi Montero has impeccable off-road credentials due to multiple Paris-Dakar Rally wins. The latest Montero has an all-independent suspension to improve on-road ride, yet still maintain adequate off-road ground clearance. Bold styling ensures that the Montero looks like no other SUV. In an overly crowded SUV market, the Montero faces some tough competition from Ford, Toyota, and GM.
Engine
* The 3.8L V-6 has plentiful torque at low & mid-RPM
* Acceleration at highway speeds is unimpressive, due to emphasis on low & midrange torque.
* Engine noise is subdued at highway speeds.
* V-6 is very smooth and vibration free.
Transmission
* 5-speed automatic has well-spaced ratios
* Smooth shifts at full throttle and during normal driving
* Sequential manual shifting available via secondary floor mounted shift gate
Interior
* Attractive beige leather seats
* Front seats comfortable, but lack lateral support
* Leather upholstery is smooth and relatively slick
* Leather and wood trimmed steering wheel is attractive, but slick wood finish reduces grip.
* Fake wood trim does not look authentic. Metallic trim or real wood would be a better option.
* Dual glove boxes allow additional stowage capacity.
* Central console mounted trip computer.
* 3rd row seats are for children only.
* 3rd row Seats eliminate nearly all cargo capacity behind 2nd row seats.
* Lack of steering wheel mounted switches for audio or cruise control are surprising.
* Power windows lack one-touch up feature.
* Wind noise from large exterior mirrors is noticeable at highway speeds.
Exterior
* Rear door hinged on the right side of vehicle. This makes curbside access difficult, since one has to go around the door.
* Bold, boxy styling in the traditional SUV idiom.
* High ground clearance increases step-in height into passenger compartment.
Ride & Handling
* All-independent suspension minimizes typical SUV 'head-toss' over bumps.
* Firm damping reduces suspension float over uneven roads.
* The Montero feels somewhat top-heavy, and does not encourage aggressive cornering.
* Traction control is overly aggressive. Any wheel slip causes the traction control to cut fuel delivery to the engine. This is especially annoying on dry roads, since wheelspin is sometimes unavoidable when accelerating quickly.
Pros
* Aggressive, distinctive styling
* Smooth ride
* Excellent fit/finish
Cons
* Unimpressive acceleration at highway speeds.
* Overly aggressive traction control
* Lacks features common in competitive SUV's
The Montero is a true SUV that traces its ancestry back to the early eighties, before SUVs became status symbols. Unlike nearly all its competitors, the Montero has enough rally wins to justify its SUV status. Even though the Montero has been softened over the years, it still retains its off-road prowess. Unfortunately, as a replacement for a minivan or station wagon (the primary role for most SUVs), the Montero is out of its element. However, for the true outdoor enthusiast, who desires some luxury to accompany its off-road capability, the Montero has no equal.
