2006 Mitsubishi Montero in Mobile, AL - $0

Around the world, the Montero has a reputation as a powerful luxury sport utility with go-anywhere, do-anything ability. Specially race-prepared versions of the Montero conquered the grueling 6,000 mile Paris-to-Dakar Rally with 17 years of trophies to prove it.

Combining style and luxury with world-renowned off-road ruggedness, the Mitsubishi Montero SUV is an adaptable vehicle, ideally suited for those who indulge in family trips, treks across untamed deserts or the valet line at the nightclub.

Subtly restyled for 2003, the Montero boasts a new grille, front fascia and new headlights. The side cladding was also freshened to give the SUV a smoother, sleeker appearance and complements the integrated side steps. The rear taillights were revised to reflect a cleaner, sharper appearance.

Available as a five-door wagon, the Montero is offered in XLS and Limited trim levels. Power is generated by a 3.8L SOHC V-6 and power is transferred to the ground by a electronically controlled five-speed Sportronic Sequential Shift automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and a standard oil cooler. A manual gearbox is not offered.

Mitsubishi's ActiveTrac 4WD is standard on both XLS and Limited. ActiveTrac offers the luxury of four different drive modes: two-wheel drive; shift-on-the-fly all-wheel drive that automatically apportions power among all four wheels to gain maximum traction, and conventional four-wheel drive in high or low modes. The conventional four-wheel drive is achieved by a shift of the transfer case level which locks the center differential.

On the road, the Mitsubishi SUV is very reassuring to the point of being comforting -- regardless of road conditions. The powertrain is responsive, delivering a seamless rush of power whenever needed.

Handling and performance are safe and sure. A major reason for this is that the underpinnings of this Mitsubishi are as rugged as the interior is luxurious. A sturdy body-on-ladder frame provides a rigid platform allowing a more supple and sophisticated suspension design.

A fully independent front suspension with unequal-length double wishbones and torsion bars provides much of the toughness while allowing extra-long suspension travel so the tires can individually climb over rocks and ruts without a loss of control.

The rear suspension is configured with a stability-enhancing live axle located by three links and suspended by progressive-taper coil springs. The result is maximum wheel travel while maintaining predictable handing and control. Stabilizer bars are used front and rear to reduce body roll when cornering and to enhance overall handling control.

The front and rear suspensions also have the benefit of separate subframes -- a boxed structure in the front and an open-box structure with a tubular cross member in the rear. Both subframes are extremely rigid platforms that provide a solid foundation for the suspension and steering, but in turn provide isolation from the vehicle's body in order to filter out road noise and surface harshness.

The interior of the cabin surprises and delights driver and passengers alike. First, the Montero can carry up to seven passengers or a maximum of 67 cubic feet of cargo. A commanding view of the road is combined with displays and controls that are easy to read and use. A unique dash-mounted LCD information center combines compass, outside temperature, miles-to-empty, date and time.

The flexibility of the 50/50 split second row seat can individually fold down or go forward, while the third row seats easily fold down into the floor and out of the way when not in use. Three 12-volt accessory outlets -- the dashboard, in the console and the cargo area combined with a cargo-door tool kit -- make the Montero ready for just about anything.

Quick vehicle stats

2003 Mitsubishi Montero SUV

Wheelbase: 109.7; overall length: 190.2; width: 74.8; height: 71.5 -- measurements in inches

Engine: 3.8L SOHC 24-valve V-6 -- 215 hp at 5,500 rpm and 248 lbs-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed Sportronic Sequential Shift with adaptive shift control

EPA fuel economy: 15 city/19 highway using regular unleaded gasoline.

Cargo capacity: 96.4 cu. ft (XLS), 91.7 cu. ft (Limited)

Payload capacity: 1,367 pounds (XLS), 1,301 pounds (Limited)

Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

Safety equipment

Dual front airbags, driver and front passenger side-impact airbags, active kid and traction control, remote keyless entry with security alarm, anti-theft engine immobilizer, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, side-guard door beams, full-size spare tire and skid plates for front end transfer case and fuel tank. Limited adds tire pressure monitoring system and integrated fog lights.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 7-year/100,000 mile

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero SUV starts from $32,487 for the XLS and $36,597 for the Limited. Destination charge adds $560.

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