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2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited

Date: 24 March 2001	Miles: 2,300
On both off-road sprints and interstate excursions, the Montero's 235-horsepower, 3.5- liter V-6, delivers the gutsy performance most expect from a V-8. Unfortunately, that goes for fuel economy, too. After 2 months of use and 2,300 miles, we're looking at only 14.9 miles per gallon. Still, that's spot-on to the government estimates of 13 City and 18 Highway. Once you climb up and into the Montero, you'll find the driving experience to be first rate. So is reliability. In fact, we've seen a huge improvement in Mitsubishi quality in recent years and the Montero is, so far, a perfect example.
Date: 5 May 2001	Miles: 4,000
It's been a perfect winter for this 2001 Mitsubishi Montero sport-ute. In fact, the 4 months since it arrived in our garage have also been near perfect. No mechanical hiccups in 4,000 plus miles, and generally highly favorable comments in the log book. The aggressive exterior, with more than a passing nod to Mitsubishi's road rally efforts, gets especially high marks. Yet, the 7-passenger interior, with all its luxury appointments, is found to be an intuitive design that requires little experience to use controls quickly and with minimal distraction. That's good since the Montero maneuvers like a big beast, and in tight parking lots, or narrow trails, it requires the driver's total attention. Wider rear view mirrors would be a help. The Montero's 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter, gutsy V-6 engine needs no help. Except perhaps in fuel economy. With gas going up in our area, more than 14.9 miles per gallon would be appreciated.
Date: 9 June 2001	Miles: 8,500
No mechanical problems to report on our Mitsubishi Montero Limited. The Montero also has a stowable third seat feature. But, make no mistake, this is a large, formidable-looking vehicle that loves gobbling up highway miles. Unfortunately, it also gobbles up fuel, 15.4 miles per gallon after 8500 miles in 4 months. Still, there are smaller SUVs that use more. And, the Montero's 235-horsepower, 3.5- liter V-6, delivers the gutsy performance most expect from a V-8. Inside, the Montero Limited is decked out with plenty of luxury features to help ease the gas pains. Passengers love the comfort. Its large and flexible cargo hauling capabilities also helped win over staff critics. Indeed, its "king-of-the-road" feel makes the Montero almost intoxicating.
Date: 24 August 2001	Miles: 10,400
There was a recent report that another consumer media found stability problems with a Mitsubishi Montero like our long term tester. We also have tested the Montero extensively and found this Montero Limited to be both stable and secure. No mechanical problems to report on our Montero Limited either. Plus, as one of our most popular vacation vehicles, I'm pleased to say that as gas prices are falling, the Montero's gas mileage is rising. 16.1 is the average now after 6 months and 10,400 miles.
Date: 21 December 2001	Miles: 19,354
Here is one of the few imported SUVs that can compete with the likes of full-size Tahoes and Expeditions. It does so with styling that is seen as upscale, likewise a luxurious interior, and a sophisticated yet rugged four-wheel drive system. It also seats 7 in 3 rows of seats, and the third seat folds flat when not needed. Our Montero has logged 19,354 miles, also in 11 months, and returned a quite commendable 16.9 miles per gallon. We've had no mechanical faults, and the 200-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 never falters, but we do notice a substantially looser suspension feel than when new. It now leans more in corners, and dips at sudden stops. Nothing big, yet we wonder if a new set of shocks isn't already due. But, when it comes to combinig the best in luxury, comfort, and all-terrain capabilities, the Montero is a choice...choice.
Date: 1 February 2002	Miles: 22,844
Over 12 months and 22,844 miles, we've praised this near- full-size Montero for having unique styling among so many bland looking competitors. Also for its excellent highway ride, luxurious 7- passenger interior, very capable four-wheel drive system, and 5,000 pound towing limit. Highway mileage was a reasonable 16.6 over the test. With no mechanical faults, our criticisms are limited to wasted space on the imposing dash, and a general loosening of the suspension with more lean and sway than when new. Still, we must stress, the Montero is a stable platform regardless of road and weather conditions and a more original alternative to full-size domestic SUVs.