All sport-utility vehicles are not created equal, and the 1998 MitsubishiMontero serves as proof. Styling is World War II-ish. Some TLC and a freshidea or two is sadly needed from the design staff.
Montero is also a tad plump (you feel it in the wheel, especially when youturn) and a weight loss would help the 16-m.p.g. city/19-m.p.g. highwaymileage rating with the standard 3.5-liter, 200-h.p. 24-valve V-6 teamed with4-speed automatic.
On the plus side, you get four-wheel-drive for the Snow Belt, seating forseven and a swing-open rear cargo door with spare tire attached that makes iteasier to load/unload groceries or luggage or kids.
Base price: $33,530, but the vehicle tested added $2,787 for a luxurypackage with premium sound system, stereo and cassette, leather seats, powersunroof and power driver’s seat; $2,439 for a value package with floor mats,cargo net, roof rack, CD changer, woodgrain accents, keyless entry, spare-tirecover and wheel locks; $1,110 for a premium package with adjustable shocks andchrome-plated alloy wheels; $774 for a cold-weather package with heatedseats/mirrors, headlamp washers and locking rear differential. Add $445 forfreight. Grand total–a lot of money.