1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Review
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Review





+1
Used Montero Sport for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Attractive new shape. Available V-6 engine.
Cons
- Sparse standard equipment level, small standard engine, and not much rear passenger room.
What’s new
This all-new entry from Mitsubishi is poised to steal sales in the ever-growing midsize sport-utility segment. Based on the same floorpan as the full-size Montero, the Montero Sport is shorter in length, lighter in weight and generally more nimble than its big brother.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES 4dr SUV and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available for Montero Sport ES
Montero Sport ES
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Mitsubishi was in the vanguard at the beginning of the sport-utility boom. Way back in 1989, when the Explorer had yet to be introduced, and the Grand Cherokee was little more than scribblings in a designer's notebook, the Montero had already evolved into a wonderfully practical four-door design that offered excellent utility and go-anywhere capability. As the years passed, however, the Montero moved further and further up-market as Mitsubishi lavished their only sport-ute with additional equipment and expensive gee-whiz components. Today the price of the Montero starts at just under $30,000 and doesn't include options such as a roof rack, air conditioning, antilock brakes, or floor mats.
Realizing that they were losing sales as a result of this steep price, Mitsubishi penned a new shape, placed it on a proven platform, and came up with a not-very-original name for a smaller, less-expensive SUV. The Montero Sport shares a frame with the larger Montero, which is a good thing for those seaking off-road capability, but is shorter overall due to decreased front and rear overhangs. The Montero Sport's cabin holds five passengers instead of the Montero's seven-passenger capability. Interestingly, however, is the fact that the Montero Sport's cargo space actually surpasses that of the full-size Montero.
The Montero Sport is available in three trim levels (we currently only have information on two of them), the ES, LS, and XLS. The Es is powered by a four-cylinder 134-horsepower engine. We doubt that many people will opt for this value leader, and think that it is the lineup to act merely as a customer-grabber in the Sunday new car ads. The most popular model will probably be the LS 4WD automatic. The base price of this truck is $24,415 (including destination charges), and includes a powerful V6 engine. Add preferred packages #3 and #4 and the price climbs to $26,207. If you want power door locks, windows, and mirrors, you'll need to drop an additional $829; the Montero's alleged value is diminishing quickly.
Nevertheless, it is possible to get a well-optioned Montero Sport for less than $30,000. We think that by staying under that magic number, people will flock to Mitsubishi dealerships to check out the this new SUV. Be sure to check out the Montero Sport's rear seat, however, we were disappointed by the short seat cushion and lack of leg room. If you've got lanky teenagers to cart around, this may not be the right truck.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
5 star(55%)
4 star(45%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
11 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Reliability Is It
Raleigh, 03/15/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS 4dr SUV 4WD
This is my 3rd Mitsubishi. I've enjoyed all of them. They have all been very reliable. I've never had any problems with any of them that have been major. The Montero Sport is a under powered but still fun to drive. I love the body style and the feel of the vehicle. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wanted to look good and have fun.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great Car to own
Kim, 07/24/2005
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4dr SUV 4WD
I bought this car relatively new (36K), and have never, ever had an issue with it. Lacks the power I need in the mountains, but otherwise on the highway and in town, is perfect. People have told me never to buy a car the first year it's developed, but this may be the best car I will ever own. Reliable, beautiful, spacious, I will drive it until it no longer drives.
3.75 out of 5 stars
# 1 Review
Ed D, 03/07/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4dr SUV 4WD
several times check engine light has come on for no reason. All in all car has been been trouble free. Engine needs more power.
4.38 out of 5 stars
great SUV
AceRick124, 04/27/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4dr SUV 4WD
bought at carmax 4/03 and drove for a
year. Completely trouble free. It
gets pretty good highway mileage, and
acceptable city mileage. Lots of room
for everything, and really
comfortable. The stereo is great
sounding. Love it!
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Related Used 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Ram 1500 2021 Review
- Ram 2500 2020 Review
- Ram 2500 2021 Review
- Ram 3500 2020 Review
- Ram 3500 2021 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Hyundai Ioniq Plugin Hybrid
- BMW M4 2023
- BMW X2 2022
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
- Porsche 718 Cayman 2024
- 2023 GT-R
- 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
- 2022 Durango
- 2023 Seltos
- 2022 Maserati DBS
Research recent models from same make
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Mitsu Mirage G4
- Mitsubishi Outlander Phev Hybrid
- Mirage Vehicle
- 2022 Outlander
- 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2024
- Mitsu Eclipse
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2022
Research similar vehicles
- Honda HRV
- 2023Hyundai Palisade
- Toyota 4 Runners
- Crosstrek Awd
- Toyota Highlander
- Lexus RX 350
- Benz Gle SUV
- Rivian R1S For Sale
- VW Atlas Car
- Kia Sportage Sportage
Other models
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class in Powell, OH
- New Lexus LS-500H for Sale in Martinsville, IN
- Used Lotus Exige in Windsor, CA
- New Lincoln Navigator for Sale in Elizabeth, NJ
- New Lexus NX-250 for Sale in Kearny, NJ
- Used Hyundai XG350 in Mount Prospect, IL
- Used Ford Transit-Connect in Uniontown, OH
- Used Infiniti QX55 in Warrenton, VA
- Used BMW M5-CS in Lakewood, CA
- Used Kia Niro-Plug-In-Hybrid in East Providence, RI