The first Montero was introduced in 1982 as a compact two-door, no-nonsense SUV. Looking like a Tonka trunk, the feisty Montero proved its toughness by winning the grueling 6,000-mile Paris-to-Dakar rally race in 1983 and 1985. A four-door model eventually joined the line, and in 1992 the Montero was revamped and sported a larger body, more powerful V6 engine and a more luxurious cabin. After years of having a generic angular body style, the Montero adopted a curious mix of rounded front fenders and an upswept beltline when it was redesigned for 2001. As is usually the case with major redesigns, it also gained size, luxury and safety features -- and weight. In our 2002 Midsize SUV Comparison Test, the Montero finished last. Although it proved capable in off-road treks and felt sprightly around town, its 3.5-liter V6 lacked sufficient mid and high-end power, making the Mitsu feel sluggish when passing or merging power was needed. The other reasons for its back-of-the-pack rating were a relatively high price and a mostly useless third-row seat. However, kudos went to the Monty for its serious off-road prowess, luxurious and well-finished cabin, and safari-size sunroof. In 2003, Mitsubishi put a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 (215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque) engine under the Montero's sculpted hood, and celebrated the modest increase with styling tweaks. We still don't think it is enough to make it competitive with class leaders that offer V8 (or V8-like) power and more passenger room, but if the Montero's off-road ability and unique styling appeal to you, it may prove a satisfying drive.
The four-door Montero SUV comes in Limited trim only. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery for the first and second rows, a 315-watt Infinity audio system with a CD changer, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a sunroof, a trip computer, automatic climate control and a leather-and-wood steering wheel. A DVD entertainment system is optional, and ordering it deletes the standard six-disc CD changer and sunroof.
Antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and a stability control system are standard. Side airbags for front occupants are also included, but full-length side curtain airbags are not available. Frontal crash testing conducted by the NHTSA returned a four-star (out of five) rating for the driver, and three stars for the passenger. Side-impact testing resulted in a perfect five-star rating, front and rear. In frontal-offset crash testing, the Montero earned an "Acceptable" rating (second highest) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Montero has seating for up to seven passengers. Although the overall interior design is a bit dated, quality materials give the Montero's cabin a rugged, upscale feel. Maximum cargo capacity is a solid 91.7 cubic feet. A third-row seat is standard, though flat cushioning and a shortage of legroom limit its use to carrying small children. An optional DVD entertainment system is available for rear passengers' amusement.
On the road, the Montero's suspension is firm enough to keep it under control during evasive maneuvers, but don't expect carlike handling. The dual-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension results in an overall feel that is soft and forgiving, but minor road irregularities can transmit a surprising amount of harshness throughout the otherwise isolated cabin. The Montero's off-road prowess is exceptional. Whether it's rugged washboard pathways, fast fire roads or technical rock-strewn riverbeds, this truck never flinches as it stays the course.
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