1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Sport Utility Vehicle Reviews & Ratings

In contrast to its sporty exterior, the interior harkens back to the Montero's truck roots, with a large square dashboard holding essential gauges in front of the driver. Stereo and heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls are centered in the dash within easy reach of driver and passenger. Each of the four outboard seating positions has a hefty grab handle, an amenity much appreciated when riding off road. Mitsubishi's traditional Multi-Meter was one of the options fitted to our test vehicle; it carries compass, outside temperature, battery voltage and oil pressure readouts. A compass can be quite useful in the backcountry and, sometimes, in the big city.

Exterior style concessions haven't robbed the Montero Sport of essential interior space. Plenty of leg- and headroom has been provided for five passengers. Outward visibility is first-rate, though we're not completely sold on the dark-tinted privacy glass, which reduces visibility at night.

All Montero Sport models except the leather-draped Limited have good-looking cloth seats. They are well-padded and comfortable, and the range of adjustment for the front seats is sufficient to give most people plenty of legroom without cramping the folks in the back seats. Lots of luggage can be brought along; even with a full load of passengers on board more than 43 cubic feet of load space is available. Folding the rear seats down provides nearly 80 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

The Montero Sport's soft suspension, power steering and extensive application of sound-deadening materials make it a smooth highway cruiser. The high seating position is beneficial as well, putting the driver in a position to see over whatever blocks the path.

The Montero Sport is a class leader in both handling and ride quality. And thanks to its proven chassis hardware (a rugged box-section steel frame and hefty suspension pieces taken from the big Montero) and a generous 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Montero Sport can be driven off road with confidence. If trail-busting is on your agenda, we suggest ordering the limited-slip rear differential and bigger wheels and tires.

Mitsubishi's four-wheel-drive system uses a traditional floor-mounted lever with which the driver chooses between 2WD, 4WD and 4WD Low. The 4WD positions are strictly for off-road use or when snow is heavy enough to allow wheel slippage in tight corners.

On the highway, the Montero Sport is a bit noisy; tire treads are the prime culprits at low speeds, joined by the engine when accelerating or cruising at high speeds. There's also a shortage of horsepower, which is addressed by the Limited model.