Used 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Consumer Reviews
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One of the best cars I've owned
Having owned at least 20 cars in my time, the Montero Sport is hands down one of my favorites. It has it all in terms of reliability, versatility, dependability, and value, and it looks pretty decent to boot. Having just turned 140,000 miles, I can honestly say nothing has gone wrong with the car, it still gets around 19 MPG combined, and I've only done the recommended maintenance. The interior is simple yet durable, and stands up to the daily abuse my two young kids submit to it. If I could find another Montero with fewer miles, I would purchase another one without hesitation and own two.
The most honest Montero Sport review you'll read
My dad bought this car brand new in 2002. That was the golden era of SUV's, so I was surprised he picked the Montero Sport. Since the beginning, it's never been a "wow" car. The interior is extraordinarily basic. Looks very outdated now. The exterior looks cool, but not as cool as other SUV's from the same time. We took trips across country with it and it never gave us major issues. He passed it down to me two years ago with 147k miles. He never did major work on it. Routine stuff like brakes and fluids. But I think he replaced the entire rear axel because it went out. In the past two years I've replaced the thermostat, valve cover gasket, alternator, battery, struts, tires and spark plugs. After 150k miles that kind of stuff is to be expected. Never had major issues with the engine or transmission. Mitsubishi reliability is pretty good. The ride height compared to the wheel base is a little off. It's tall and narrow so it gets sketchy at high speeds. They come with a torsion bar suspension so I raised the front 1.5". It sits much better and even fits 31" all terrain tires. It's pretty reliable and has nostalgia to me because of the road trips we took with it. I even named mine "Monty." I've contemplated selling it but the resale value is atrocious. It's worth it to me to keep it. Most of the ones you see on the road are beat to hell. So find one that's been taken care of and has low miles. This is a basic SUV so don't expect luxury or anything over the top. But if you're looking for a good budget SUV, a Montero Sport is a decent choice. It would also make a great first car.
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- Value
- 2002 Mitsubishi Montero SportMSRP: $4,295232 mi away
- XLS 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,399714 mi away
- XLS 4dr SUVMSRP: $1,9901,024 mi away
It's a Jeep thing--You WOULD understand
I'm 53 years old and had reconstructive spinal surgery. I got rid of a Cherokee country after too many problems. I have always disliked driving but now I drive as often as I can. Extremely comfortable, the A.C. will chill you out, and if you think it's a bit top heavy, SLOW DOWN for cryin' out loud. You're probably an Explorer owner or you still have your old MG in your blood. Stick to the speed limits and use some good old fashioned common sense. You can't turn a corner in any city, going 50 mph in anything safely. Go buy a Schwinn and learn to drive all over again.
nice all around suv
suprisingly a pretty quiet and smooth ride around town. the steering is a bit sloppy on the freeway but not terrible. the looks are a 10. my wife loves it and feels very safe. we purchased the base es model with an upgrade option. the seats are firm but comfy, adn the stadium type seating in the rear is a nice touch. when all is said and done, we are really happy about our purchase.
2002 Montero sport
This has been a great SUV for my family. Very reliable and fun to drive. I wish they would bring back the design.
Glad I made this choice!!
Lovin' the Sport. I've heard all of the bad reviews about the lack of power and the sluggish transmission...hey, if you're looking for a speedster, stop looking for SUVs. There is ample power, and I feel that the steering is sharp. I've been on some long hauls already with it...4000 miles so far, and I still get enjoyment out of the winding roads.
Looks good...Drives well.
I did a lot of research before buying this car. Turns out it's one of the best decisions i've made. The car handles really well. I was suprised by how well the handling felt when i put it in 4WD in the snow. Plus, it look great on the outside. At times, i feel the pick up could be better (especially when merging onto the highway) but then again, you can't expect any SUV to have the pick up of a sports car. Overall, great car. Would recommend to all my friends.
its ok
Im 18 and my grandparents recently gave me their 2002 Montero Sport Limited. I must say it rides rough in the back seat but overall its good. it has 180000 miles and they havent done much but replace the radiator. i was 9 or 10 wen they bought it. I love my truck it saves gas, room for my friends and its enough storage for college moving lol
46,000 trouble free miles
We bought our Mitsubishi Montero Sport new in 2003 as a 2002 leftover model. We drove several different brands, Nissan, Toyota, even a big Chevy & Ford, and the big Montero. I liked the way this truck drove best. But I do like a "tight" chassis better than a swaying, "unconnected" feeling ride. I got that from the Toyota & big SUV's. Its accelleration is good. We have never had a problem with onramps or passing uphill. And I like the transmission. It downshifts when I want it to, and holds the gear for as long as I want it to (almost reads my mind). I hate automatics that upshift too early. The build quality seems to be top notch, too, almost comparable to our 2002 Honda Odyssey. There are no rattles, odd noises, or anything to complain about.
underpowered
This car has been overly reliable but utterly boring, we've had this car since new and it's rarely had any issues which has been great, but I regret not getting the 3.5 liter as this has no power when you put people in the car, it's designed for people under 5'10 since proper posture for anyone taller requires you to hunch over to see out the windows, you also need to squeeze into the doors, there's not enough cup holders, no ample storage. I know these are popular for off-road use and that's the only thing they'd be good for, it's uncomfortable and shouldn't be allowed to transport more than three small adults.
wOw!!!
My wife & I just purchased this beautiful vehicle and are definitely pleased. The exterior (black) is really nice.
OverPriced
This car is a bit overpriced for what you get. I owned a previous Jeep GC and it had a lot more options for the price. The 0 down, 0 interest 0 payments for 1 yrs got me in but that was it. The car needs the XLS package at the LS price. This is what the other SUV's offer. Not as wide as the others.
2002 Montero Sport
I loved my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I found it got very good gas mileage for an SUV if taken care of. After 50,000 miles, it was still getting around 18-20 mpg. It was fun to drive and worked well through several winter storms. I enjoyed having this truck!
Great Off-Road Vehicle
Although not a power-wagon on the highway, my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD has been the best off-road vehicle I have ever owned, and the list is long. I have not been able to get this vehicle stuck, and I have driven it into some areas I had no reason being in. I especially enjoy pulling Jeeps out of trouble, then telling them I never shifted into full 4WD. The expressions on the owners' faces are priceless.
Long Term Montero Sport Report
I got burned on a used minivan and had to quickly trade for something else. Mitsubishi had a large financial incentive on the '02 Montero Sport (which hurt them later on) so I bought one. While my wife can have the luxury and creature comforts in her ride, I use my car to get me where I want to go. And based on that alone, the Montero Sport does that reasonably well. It's basic transportation, nothing more or less. Its ride is OK, nothing spectacular. The interior comfort is OK, nothing spectacular. The engine and tranny are OK, nothing spectacular. It's a gas hog. I wrecked it in 2004 and it was expensive to fix the front end. I hope to get 125,000 miles out of it.
Rides Comfortably
I wanted an SUV to do some occasional hauling of things that wouldn't fit in the back seat of a car. But I also wanted a smooth ride like a car. I found it in this Montero Sport. I bought it used with 33000 miles and it now has 74000. The only thing that I've had to replace were the front wheel bearings and original tires. I've been very pleased with the reliabilty, smooth ride and 18-19 MPG with the 3.5 liter engine.
Nice SUV!
So far so good! It does feel a bit underpowered even with the 3.5 liter engine, but I guess I'm not expecting a race car either. It seems to hold highway speeds very well and doesn't bounce you around like some other truck based SUV's will. To me, it's perfect for a "mostly on the road" SUV with it's softer spring rates, etc. (I can't remember the last time I needed to "climb over a boulder"). Anyway, I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone that isn't chasing billy goats up the sides of mountains!
Awesome truck!!
I love my new Montero sport but with the 3.0 v6 it needs more power
Best mid-sized SUV in the world!!!
Best mid-sized SUV in the world!!!
Depreciation Blues
No problems to complain about with the vehicle. However I was totally shocked at the rate of depreciation when I decided to refinance to a lower interest rate. I like many others jumped on the zero down, zero payments with zero interest for one year deal with thoughts of refinancing with my credit union when the year was up.To my surprise the vehicle had droped in value by about 10K in only one year. Buyers beware of the 'snake oil' deals, you'll pay high interest through the Mits Finance Corp, and if you want to refinance after a year good luck! The key is to pay on it during the 'free' year (which negates the whole advantage)
Great Good Looking Car
This car was purchased when my daughter was learning to drive. We liked it so much that we took it on most trips to sporting tournaments, etc. The red color is so pretty going down the road, and we liked the way you could see everything better riding up higher compared to the cars. This cars has been trouble free and we have almost 100K. Nice engine power and ride. My daughter is loving it at college now. It should last her even after that!
Great SUV
This has been a great family SUV. It stores a ton of baby stuff when we head to grandma & grandpa's house. 20K now and not one problem. Owned a Mighty Max for 11 years and never had a problem so I would expect nothing less for the Montero Sport.
Very reliable
The Montero sport is a great truck. Currently have 212,000 miles and planning on keeping my montero for a long time. The quality is top notch, zero complaints.
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Don't miss out
We bought this vehicle not expecting to keep it. Drive it a year or 2 and then move on. But this car has been excellent!!! It rides great and the AWD version is incredible in snowy conditions. I can verify this since we live in the country and have to travel a few miles on snow covered gravel roads. This vehicle is very reliable and fun to drive. If you can get your hands on one of these, then you should go for it!
Montero sport
Great SUV -- no mechanical problems, but problems with cross winds at highway speeds.
My Favorite SUV
I love my XLS! Handles great, hardly feel when it shifts. The A/C is outstanding, I'm in marching band and after our 4 hour practices in the hot sun, getting in this A/C is great - it gets cold quickly.
Good Truck, Need Improvements
The Dealer can no fix the alignment, everytime i bring it in, it will pull to the right or left when they are done, still need alignment to get fixed. Fuel economy is expected to be poor, try to squeeze a lot of horse power out of a small V6, but it's ok, peppy. I would have thought after spending 32K on this, I would have auto headlights, and heated side mirros, but these can be improved on. Truck looks cool, great color combo. Seats are really stiff, there are other SUV's around the same price that are more comfortable.
Excellent Family Vehicle
We bought this SUV a month before having our first baby and we love it. It has a huge trunk to put everything we need to travel with the baby, and it is quite comfortable. It hasn't had any problems and the body style and alloys make it look very nice.
Do your homework
I decided to trade my 2WD 4 yr. old 4Runner for the AWD/4WD Sport. I read the reviews and checked out re-sale values before I bought. The Sport rides better, is quieter, and has more power. My 4Runner had a much harser ride. I wish the Sport had tighter steering. I intend to drive my Sport over 100,000 miles. I think the re-sale at that point will be only a little less, and it cost $4,000 less, than than a 4Runner similarly equiped. I pull some boats and find the Sport a perfect compromise between comfort and utility. My Sport has had no problems to date. IF that continues (my 4Runner was "bulletproof"), I'll stay very happy with my choice.
Hey, its not the best, but its darn good
Although Mitsubishi cars have had problems in the past, such as flipping over, i think that it all depends on how u drive. The Montero Sport is one of the best looking SUV's on the road and the awesome interior gadgets are actually useful and awesome! Stering is quick to respond and the brakes are excellent for a big car like this! If u are looking for a good deal, nice looking SUV, and aren't too hyped on the safety this SUV is for u!
Junk. Junk. Junk.
84k miles and already having tons of problems. Power steering pump leaking, Valve cover gaskets leaking, Lifters are ticking, Transmission acts strange, and I've already had to replace pretty much every suspension part and now the AC is going. What next?? and I have always maintained it!! I bought it because the price was right and I love the style of the Montero. I should have bought an xterra or 4runner. I will never buy another Mitsubishi again!!!
Not a happy camper
Looks great but that's about it. Needs a larger engine. A slight fish-tail with wind gust. Can't spend that kind of money for this junk.
Awesome so far
I'm a junior in high school and i drive a black '02 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. It is my second vehicle. I have always loved the look of these SUVs. I think they have an awesome bold masculine look. I feel really safe when I'm driving it and it's really comfortable. I drive a lot to go see family in other areas of the state for long amounts of time, and I never get a sore back or anything. It's like sitting in the lay z boy at home. The ride is not insanely smooth like a Lexus or a Lincoln, but it's nothing like the Isuzu Rodeo that I test drove, which was so uncomfortable. I felt like I was riding my bike when I drove the Rodeo. Before this, I drove a '00 Civic so the gas milage is total opposite, but it is not bad for an SUV. I love it
If you want more power, get the 3.5L
The Montero Sport is absolutely the best SUV I've owned. I'll admit the financing got me to bite at first, but this vehicle turned out to be one of the best auto-buying decisions I've ever made. Great ride (for a truck), excellent storage, plenty of power, stylish looks, fantastic stereo system, well-equipped options, easy to shift into 4WD, and fun to drive. The rear view mirrors are large and offer clear vision; the blind spot zone on this vehicle is minimal. Compared to other SUVs, the Montero Sport is one of the best unknown values in the SUV world. Let's face it, Mits is not the marketing powerhouse of the industry.
Lemon
I purchased my car used in 2011. It had exactly 100,000 when I purchased it. It currently has 178,000. Since 2011 I have had to replace the following: Brakes, Rotors, Front hubs, transfer case, transmission, radiator, power steering pump, all hoses and belts, tires, main bolt on crank shaft after it broke off, ac compressor, turn signal switch. Things still broken: 4 wheel drive, horn, and other small issues. I take very good care of my vehicles. I do all the regular maintenance. This car has cost me right at $10,000 in repairs not including regular maintenance. This has been nothing but trouble for me.
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sport
The lady of the house loved the styling of this thing, my only issue with her buying any new vehicle was it must be capable of towing our boat of 3,000 plus pounds. So since she loved the styling of this suv, and it would tow this boat better than my ford taurus, i signed for it.
montero sport
this is a smooth riding quiet suv.the interior is well laid out. no long reaches for controls. the gas mileage is a little weak (16) miles per gallon but the comfort on long trips more than makes up for it!
Great SUV
I have an old Mitsubishi Montero that has 174,000 miles. I was so amazed with its performance bought the New 2002. I'm sure I'll get the same performance if not better. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is quiet comfortable and has power when you get on the freeway you move. No Dogs here when it comes to engine performance.
Montero Sport - Performance is Fine!
We checked out reviews on the Montero prior to buying. I seemed to notice two common characteristics: best hwy driver, and most sluggish. We are tickled with the way our Montero rides. As far as performance, you could put a Vette, a Mustang Cobra, and a Viper together, and ONE of them is going to be called the "most sluggish!" If you're a good ole' boy who wants to run the mud flaps into the ground back in the holler, than maybe the Montero is not for you! However, if you want a rugged, dependable, family sized, good-looking vehicle that WILL get you from Point A to Point B in an expeditious manner, than the Montero or Montero Sport is a good choice!
Content with my Montero Sport LS
Bought my Montero Sport LS a year ago and I have been very please with it. I have about 10500 miles on the V6 auto, 4dr. 2WD, LS. I only changed the oil every 3000 miles. NO problem what so ever has accurred. I was attracted to the vehicle based on the style, room inside and the test drive. I normally keep my vehicle for about 10 to 14 years. I have a 1990 Chev. Silveroda, V6 with 151200 miles on it and it still runs great.
Mitsu Montero Sport 2002
The 2002 Montero Sport is a fun vehicle to drive, but the engine is sluggish at times. It seems as thought the 3.0L V6 cannot pull hills. It continually shifts gears searching for the correct gear. Also, there is a constant raddling noise in the front driver and rear passenger wheel. When we took it back to the dealer, they said that it is the normal sound for an SUV. I have had other SUV's and have never heard anything like this.
Great Suv for family
Bought a 2000 Montero LS with the 1.9% finance available at the time. The Suv has been great. My family has used it for several vacations (roomy) I think that the 3.0 is good enough. I only wish the gas mileage was better.
my first SUV
The Montero Sport LS is a very good vehicle. It has style, good power with just the standard v-6, and seems quite reliable. Of course, with less than 6000 miles on it so far the reliability hasn't really been challenged yet. My major issues so far are only 2: 1. Exterior finish. Quite delicate. I put a small mark on the door just by touching it lightly with my keys. Later I noticed some other marks under the same door, and I've no clue how they got there. 2. Handling. On dry roads it drives like a sportscar, but on a wet road it's scary. Don't know if it's the vechicle itself or maybe the tire design, but I don't like it.
2002 Montero sport-my 2nd one
excellent feel,nice solid ride even better than my 1999.Nice turning radious. Very versitale for hauling people or cargo.
So Far So Good
I bought the vehicle used at a fair deal. I have had no problems thus far. It rides like a car, very comfortable. Power/performance is noticably lacking but I did not purchase the vehicle to tow anything so it is not something I miss. I have yet to use the 4 wheel drive feature for any length of time. All in all it has been good to me.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS
Great vehicle! Much better than the vehicle it replaced in my household.
One of the best looking SUVs
I have recently owned a Escape. In my opinion the best small SUV on the market. Since, the 0% financing incentatives I decided to upgrade my car. I like the looks of the Monterro Sport LTD. It handle the farily nice, noticable slower on take off than the Escape and more of an typical SUV drive feel. Economy is average to a little above average, in comparison to other SUVs. Main suggested improvements are tighter steering and revise the timing of the transmission. Overall so it seems like a nice car.
Great Car
My Montero Sport has been a really great car, I really think that they could have done some wonderfull things with this shape in a more powerfull engine option than the 3.5L v6 and also with more luxurious appointments and general interiour finish.
My first SUV
I love the look! The Blue/Gold two- tone is very classy, especially with the tan leather interior. It's also is QUIET! I hear virtually no road noise at all, even at highway speeds. The ride is also luxury car soft. I was concerned that I would get a "truck" ride in it, but it's actually quite the opposite. The only thing trucklike is the slight "sway" in a turn which comes from being up so high. I have the 3.5 engine, which seems to be adequate - not fast, but not underpowered either. To date I haven't had a problem with build quality or reliability, so I give it high marks here too.
Happy with the purchase!
essentially happy with the vehicle. Have had previous SUV's and this by far is the better in the price range. no major problems with the car so far. Feels solid, powers well, and drives almost like a car. My wife enjoys the feel as well.