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2002
Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Starts at:
$22,777
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr ES
    Starts at
    $22,777
    18 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD ES
    Starts at
    $25,087
    17 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LS
    Starts at
    $25,637
    18 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr XLS
    Starts at
    $27,607
    17 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD LS
    Starts at
    $27,777
    17 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD XLS
    Starts at
    $29,627
    16 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LTD
    Starts at
    $31,317
    17 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD LTD
    Starts at
    $32,887
    16 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

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Expert 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

If you’re looking for a low-priced, mid-sized, true sport-utility vehicle (i.e., one that can go off-road and get back), you might be interested in the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Not to be confused with the Montero, which is larger and freshly designed in 2001, the Montero Sport has been hanging around since 1997, and I don’t know why – it consistently comes in at or near the bottom in comparison tests. (It was the big Montero which gained notoriety last year when Consumers Union released footage of it trying to flip over in their avoidance-maneuver tests – saved by training wheels.)

The reason this review is slimmed down is because I didn’t spend as much time in it as I like. It was raining that whole week, and, intrepid as I am, I was loathe to push it hard or even drive it much at all.

The tester was an up-level XLS series, superficially very appealing, with nicely-finished interior and sleek exterior. But on wet roads, be they concrete or be they asphalt, it was scary – even with its nifty all-wheel drive and 2-range four-wheel drive.

Why? The tires.

After the first familiarization sally, I brought the Sport back to my garage and checked inflation pressures, thinking they must be out of whack. They were right at manufacturer-specified pressure.

It was then that I noticed they were Goodyear Liberty tires, a skin I had earlier found to have horrendously poor wet traction on a minivan I was testing.

If anything, they seemed worse in this application. Not only did they scratch for grip when I poured on the power somewhat boldly, but I felt lateral slippage even at moderate speeds on mildly curving roads. After a few ventures out, I slunk home.

It’s good that I had not first driven the Montero Sport on dry roads, because I might have been emboldened by its credentials to kill myself in the wet.

New this year is the A4WD system, as Mitsu calls it. Like Jeep’s SelecTrac, it allows operation in full-time all-wheel drive for most on-road and light-duty off-road situations, as well as in 4WD high and 4WD low modes for more demanding terrain.

The AWD setting apportions power front and rear via a viscous coupling, which allows smooth and infinitely variable operation. The other modes are mechanical, and a limited-slip differential is optionally available to mediate side-to-side power flow.

All that sounds very promising, but isn’t worth much if the tires can’t hack it.

The driver’s seat is uncomfortably high, and once you crawl up there (little help from a barely-tilting steering wheel), the roof seems low enough to induce claustrophobia.

Ride quality was only fair over rough surfaces – the Sport is truck-based and comfort definitely takes a back seat to ruggedness.

The Montero Sport is issued in four series: ES, LS, XLS and Limited, in increasing order of price and amenities. The cheapest member of the family is the ES two-wheel-drive machine, with a manufacturer’s sugge sted of $23,337, including freight. The XLS I tested starts at $30,187, with freight. (Edmunds.com says most people wind up paying $2,000-$2,500 under sticker). It also had a $1,790 touring package, which includes such goodies as an Infinity sound system upgrade (excellent tonality, so-so tuner), power moonroof, limited-slip diff, and some eyewash. Total was $31,977. Payments, if you paid sticker, would be $648, assuming 20 percent down, 10 percent interest and 48 coupons. There are better choices in the category, but if you are seduced by price or looks, plan on making your first stop at a tire store for grippier rubber.

“The Gannett News service”

Double review, split with Mr. Alan Vonderhaar’s permission, see 5/25/02 Toyota Matrix

2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport review: Our expert's take
By

If you’re looking for a low-priced, mid-sized, true sport-utility vehicle (i.e., one that can go off-road and get back), you might be interested in the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Not to be confused with the Montero, which is larger and freshly designed in 2001, the Montero Sport has been hanging around since 1997, and I don’t know why – it consistently comes in at or near the bottom in comparison tests. (It was the big Montero which gained notoriety last year when Consumers Union released footage of it trying to flip over in their avoidance-maneuver tests – saved by training wheels.)

The reason this review is slimmed down is because I didn’t spend as much time in it as I like. It was raining that whole week, and, intrepid as I am, I was loathe to push it hard or even drive it much at all.

The tester was an up-level XLS series, superficially very appealing, with nicely-finished interior and sleek exterior. But on wet roads, be they concrete or be they asphalt, it was scary – even with its nifty all-wheel drive and 2-range four-wheel drive.

Why? The tires.

After the first familiarization sally, I brought the Sport back to my garage and checked inflation pressures, thinking they must be out of whack. They were right at manufacturer-specified pressure.

It was then that I noticed they were Goodyear Liberty tires, a skin I had earlier found to have horrendously poor wet traction on a minivan I was testing.

If anything, they seemed worse in this application. Not only did they scratch for grip when I poured on the power somewhat boldly, but I felt lateral slippage even at moderate speeds on mildly curving roads. After a few ventures out, I slunk home.

It’s good that I had not first driven the Montero Sport on dry roads, because I might have been emboldened by its credentials to kill myself in the wet.

New this year is the A4WD system, as Mitsu calls it. Like Jeep’s SelecTrac, it allows operation in full-time all-wheel drive for most on-road and light-duty off-road situations, as well as in 4WD high and 4WD low modes for more demanding terrain.

The AWD setting apportions power front and rear via a viscous coupling, which allows smooth and infinitely variable operation. The other modes are mechanical, and a limited-slip differential is optionally available to mediate side-to-side power flow.

All that sounds very promising, but isn’t worth much if the tires can’t hack it.

The driver’s seat is uncomfortably high, and once you crawl up there (little help from a barely-tilting steering wheel), the roof seems low enough to induce claustrophobia.

Ride quality was only fair over rough surfaces – the Sport is truck-based and comfort definitely takes a back seat to ruggedness.

The Montero Sport is issued in four series: ES, LS, XLS and Limited, in increasing order of price and amenities. The cheapest member of the family is the ES two-wheel-drive machine, with a manufacturer’s sugge sted of $23,337, including freight. The XLS I tested starts at $30,187, with freight. (Edmunds.com says most people wind up paying $2,000-$2,500 under sticker). It also had a $1,790 touring package, which includes such goodies as an Infinity sound system upgrade (excellent tonality, so-so tuner), power moonroof, limited-slip diff, and some eyewash. Total was $31,977. Payments, if you paid sticker, would be $648, assuming 20 percent down, 10 percent interest and 48 coupons. There are better choices in the category, but if you are seduced by price or looks, plan on making your first stop at a tire store for grippier rubber.

“The Gannett News service”

Double review, split with Mr. Alan Vonderhaar’s permission, see 5/25/02 Toyota Matrix

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 5 years / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
Remainder of original 5 years / 60,000 miles
Dealer certification
123-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 3.9
Performance 4.0
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • DRIVER

    Its been a great vehicle I have it for over 3 years and no regrets just need to make a change that's why we are selling it..
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car for a great price

    Great Island car. Plenty of room and very comfortable. Easy to get around in the Big City too. Very clean interior. Runs absolutely perfect. And has ice cold air condition.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Don't Bother

    Ah yes, the Montero Sport...Japan's gift to off-roading in the 90's. The key there is the 90's...because other than off-roading 20 years ago they are generally terrible. Handling is so-so, engines are underpowered, and they are generally unreliable. The one we owned sheared the crankshaft bolt, went through 4 sets of ball joints in 5 years, had to get shocks, stabilizer bar bushings (front and rear), and not one but TWO gas tanks replaced in the time we owned it. We did zero off-roading. It was virtually 100% street driven. Don't bother unless you are looking for a trail beater.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    4 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable

    Very reliable and really enjoyed driving and had fun using vehicle for off road and using Car to go to and from work and driving in the mountains
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car ever!

    Car is great and very reliable. Plenty of room , great for long trips or even daily driving. Not one complaint
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable (and only) car I've ever owned!

    I've had this car since I turned 16! It's lasted me 13 wonderful years. 4WD has been a wonderful feature especially in the wintertime. It's a smaller SUV but has done its fair share of hauling supplies with ease. It is very roomy and all the back seats fold down nice and flat allowing for lots of space. Its driving and handling have been great and the interior has held up nicely.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love!

    15 yrs now with no problems other than regular maintenance! I did take off the highway tires and replaced them with a larger " grippy" tire. Yes, it uses more gas and yes, they throw the OD off but In the winter, I'm never stuck up in the WV mountains.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love my XLS 2002 Montero Sport

    I bought this 2002 Montero Sport XLS used in Tampa with about 160,000 miles give or take. I've driven it almost daily for over a year now and have had absolutely zero problems with it. It now has 178,000 miles. At a local gas station here in Tampa Florida I had someone who was pumping gas ask me what year mine was. He had the exact same year and he said he got almost 500,000 miles on it then gave it to his daughter. It's a fun car to drive. It does guzzle gas though.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • ready for a new car

    I bought this car new in 2002. While it has lasted a long time, I have had a lot of problems with it. It is needing work now, and I'm tired of it nickle and diming me so I'm looking for a new car. I'm not buying new this time either... I don't want my car to depreciate thousands when I drive off of the lot.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love it

    Bought it used 5 years ago with 80k, and now has 178k. Second set of tires. Had a little issue with AC, dumb alternator from Autozone caused issues, belts, and that is about it. Love it, looks mean with front bumper guard and big tires. Guzzles gas but its a beast driving and towing. Great used buy.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • First Car, 3.5 years, not a single problem

    I love this car, i am very sceptical about japenese cars, but this car is an exception! My mom drove it for about 1.5 years, then gave it to me. Even though i work at a detailing shop and can keep it nice, we havent had a single problem with the car yet, except for when a repair shop said they replaced the spark plugs for us (bear in mind the cam is over the engine so spark plugs is the only fix i cant do) they didnt replace the plugs, the engine stuttered a bit for a while and the check engine light was on, we brought it back. Apparently one of the plugs wasnt even firing at all and the thing was still puring like a kitten. Highly recommend this vehicle. Mine has 165,000 miles on it and still no problems!!!! and the photo of it i took, i didnt even mean for it to turn out this good but it turned out ad quality.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Off-roading
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great family vehicle

    We purchased our 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport used 2 years ago and have loved it! It is reliable, roomy, and comfortable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is available in 4 trim levels:

  • ES (2 styles)
  • LS (2 styles)
  • LTD (2 styles)
  • XLS (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 22 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport owners.

Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. 86.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.3
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