Mitsubishi has long been providing its users top-notch performance with the sport utility vehicle, Mitsubishi Montero. It is packed with luxury features and offers much space both for passengers and cargo. But many find the big Montero less appealing when it comes to style, compared to other vehicles of its class. In 1997, Mitsubishi introduced a smaller Montero, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, which is more stylish than the big Montero yet equally roomy, tough and competitive. This new SUV features a pleasant interior with many functional equipments, large and legible instruments and easy to reach controls.

 

The 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport uses the big Montero's chassis but had a shorter, lighter and lower body. This chassis provides stiff and lively ride especially on the highway. Handling is more stable with the Montero Sport, especially as it wheels through corners. It is achieved by the lower stance that makes body lean quite noticeable in turns. It has ample ground clearance that is quite advantageous off-road.

 

The first Montero Sport model is offered in 2WD ES trim, 2WD or 4WD LS trim, and 4WD XLS trim. These SUVs are equipped with the same engine, the trusted Mitsubishi 3.0 L V6 engine. The ES, however, is mounted with 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission is available for the ES and 4WD LS Mitsubishi Montero Sport while a four-speed automatic transmission is available with the rest of the Mitsubishi Montero.