• The Mitsubishi Montero offered a rugged, affordable SUV package.suv suspension image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
  
  Mitsubishi introduced its Montero Sport mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) to the marketplace for the 1997 model year. This SUV was built on a traditional ladder-beam truck style chassis providing off-road ability. Production of the Montero Sport lasted through the 2004 model year when it was phased out to make room for the car-based Endeavor SUV.
  
  

ES and LS Engine

• The Montero Sport ES and LS trim levels come equipped with a naturally aspirated 3-liter V-6 engine. This 24-valve SOHC motor has a 3.59-inch bore, 2.99-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9-to-1. Output for this engine is rated at 165 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 186 feet-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.
  
  

XLS and LTD Engine

• The Montero Sport XLS and LTD trim levels come equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. This naturally aspirated 24-valve SOHC motor has a 3.66-inch bore, 3.38-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9-to-1. This engine produces 197 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 223 feet-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm.
  
  

Exterior Dimensions

• The Montero Sport sits on a 107.3-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 181.1 inches. This mid-size SUV's width measures 69.9 inches when equipped with optional fender flares, while its width is 66.7 inches when not equipped with the flares. This vehicle's height varies between 67.7 and 68.3 inches depending upon tire selection. The Montero Sport's turning diameter is 38.7 feet.
  
  

Interior Dimensions

• This Mitsubishi SUV offers 93.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 43.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Montero's cabin offers 38.9 inches of front headroom and 338.5 inches of rear headroom. Legroom up front measures 42.8 inches, while rear legroom is 33.5 inches. This SUV's interior offers 55.5 inches of shoulder room for front and rear occupants. Hip room up front is 53.1 inches, while it measures 50.8 inches for rear seat occupants.
  
  

Crash Test Data

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) frontal impact crash test earned the Montero Sport a four-star rating for driver protection and a three-star rating for passenger protection. The NHTSA's side impact crash test yielded five-star safety ratings for front and rear occupant protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) frontal offset test resulted in a "Good" rating, which is the IIHS's highest safety accolade.
  
  

Fuel Economy

• The 3-liter engined Montero Sport yields 18 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway when equipped with rear-wheel drive, while the four-wheel drive model with the 3-liter engine is rated at 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. The 3.5-liter engined model with rear-wheel drive is rated at 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, while the four-wheel drive model with 3.5-liter motor yields 16 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.