2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

"What is this we're riding in?" my holiday company inquired on our way home from the airport. "It's an, uh, um, oh…" I replied, my mind going as blank as my bank balance this time of year. Blame it on too much eggnog if you will. I blame it on the proliferation of all-seem-the-same truck-like sport utilities, this one among them.
It was - is - a Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.5XS, a new model in Montero Sport lineup this year aimed at the budget buyer who wants sporty styling (read: young). The Nissan X-Terra customer is its target and, to a lesser extent, those who might opt for a mini-sport utility. Physically, it resembles an Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport/Nissan Pathfinder/Toyota Forerunner, hence my momentary confusion.

But my own fuzziness doesn't necessarily reflect on the quality of this Montero Sport 3.5XS. As Mitsubishi's motto would suggest, once I "wake up and drive," I find elements to like here.

THE GOOD NEWS
The Montero Sport 3.5XS takes its name from the V6 displacing 3.5 liters. Heretofore available only on the full-size Montero or the most upscale Montero Sport model, this engine delivers 197 horses and 223 foot pounds of torque at just 3,500 rpm.

It's a worthy fit for this truck, laying down lots of power without being skittish. Credit in part goes to an excellent 4-speed automatic transmission, also standard equipment. Anyone shopping base-line sport utilities couldn't help but be impressed with its responsiveness.

A 3-link rear coil spring suspension manages the ride on this Sport 3.5XS, which comes as either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. I had the 2WD model, so off-roading was not an option. But shift-on-the-fly 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case certainly indicates the more rugged routes would not be a problem.

Cosmetically, the Montero Sport 3.5XS comes only clad in black or red, distinguished by matte black accents in fender flares, side steps, body molding, grille and roof rails. Fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and XS badging complete the look. It's not in-your-face youth like the X-Terra, but it does accomplish a little attitude.

Inside, you'll find a good bit of stuff as standard, adding value to the package. Power accessories, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, air conditioning, 6-speaker CD audio, multiple 12-volt outlets, etc. etc. are all on the list.

And speaking of stuff, the Montero Sport 3.5XS gives you good room to store it. The cargo bay offers 43.4 cubic feet of space with rear seat up, 79.3 with it down. The rear seat-backs also split and fold 60/40, and they recline for passenger comfort.

Last, but never least, all Montero Sports get safety enhancements this year, as well as some environmentally friendly adjustments.

THE BAD NEWS
Specifically, I dislike this Mitsubishi's steering. Overly boosted with power assist, it feels flimsy, under-responsive, soft. It's not what I expect in a sport vehicle of any description.

I also find the side steps more hindrance than help, making entrance/exit sort of a wide leap. When they're dirty (as was the case for our entire visit), they inevitably get crud all over your clothes.

Generally, I think this 3.5XS doesn't do enough to distinguish itself. It's very nice, but lacks the excitement this category demands.

GAS MILEAGE
EPA rated at 17 mpg city/21 highway

PRICE
Manufacturer's base, $26,637;
Price as tested, $27,157

IS IT WORTH IT?
I like what Mitsubishi seeks to do with this 3.5XS, namely affordability and sport. But I'm not knocked out with the end result. It's relatively dull outside vis-à-vis the competition and blends too much with the pack overall.

Bottom line: Despite a fine powertrain, this 3.5XS impresses me as a bit pricey, not for what it offers but for what it competes against. It's a less expensive entry into the Montero Sport lineup, yes, but its audience has more affordable vehicles from which to choose.