Used 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport SUV Consumer Reviews
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very reliable
It's been a very solid vehicle. Not a single mechanical issue. It now has 85,000 miles on it. Some complaints I have are that after about an hour of driving I've got to get out and stretch my legs. The seat height is too low. It's definitely not a vehicle designed for a tall person. The roof is also quite low. The side steps aren't really functional so my seat is wearing because I essentially have to slide in and out. It handles great in the snow and does well off road. My sister bought an '03 Jeep grand Cherokee at the same time we bought our MS. They've had nothing but trouble with it. There's something to be said for the simple design of MS. Not a whole lot of gadgets that can break.
Excellent family hauler!
Those who have kids know that newborns need plenty of cargo room. This vehicle has plenty! My wife and I purchased this vehicle anticipating the birth of our first son. We made an excellent choice. The Montero Sport is the perfect family hauler for the following reasons: -Plenty of cargo space -Has the LATCH car seat anchors -Rear hatch opens upward to shelter you from the rain when you have to change your baby's diaper. -The deck height in the cargo area is perfect for changing your baby's diapers. (See the theme?) -Toddlers get dirty! The rear cargo area roof is tall enough enabling your toddler to stand. This makes impromptu clothes changes very easy. -Privacy glass helps with naps
- XLS 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,995845 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,9991,108 mi away
- ES 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,9951,612 mi away
CR Magazine Rating is Questionable!
I've been a subscriber of this magazine and I have been pretty much dependent on their evaluation when purchasing stuff, until I purchased my Montero Sport. The reason for this purhase - I got a very good deal, cheap considering that it's a limited 4x4 . Being aware that this vehicle is considered poor in their rating, I was surprised when I happened to drive it. It looks like the CR ratings are backwards. We have five adults in our household and in our garage there's an '02 Honda CR-V, '01 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 (which I drove most of the time before the MT Sport), &and a '04 Toyota Sienna XLS AWD. I find the MT Sport much better in acceleration and cornering than my 4Runner. Also, its ride is far better than car based CR-V's. I have had no recalls or trouble with my Mitsubishi yet.
A Very Nice SUV
I bought this a few months ago. The SUV is very nice to drive. The engine runs very smoothly for a three year old vehicle. There is enough room for five passengers and enough space for cargo too. the controls are easily accessible.
I love this ride!
On 2/28/2015 I purchased an 03 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS with 124,000 miles on it and one previous owner. I love this SUV because it is stylish but most importantly reliable. My sons father has one and I said if I ever had the chance to purchase another used vehicle this one is it because in it has never given him major problems. The only con is the gas consumption but I will take that any day over what I use to drive. The previous owner took excellent care of this vehicle and I will do the same. Everyone who sees it is surprised at how old it is because it still competes with newer modeled SUV's. It should have never been discontinued.
03 excelent buy
i have had the SUV almost 1 month and i am finding the montero sport just as easy to drive as my wifes car, but with better outside view of the road, even better then the minivan that we had.
2003 montero sport ES
I have had no problems with this SUV. I took it on a 1600 miles round trip from California to Colorado and back with 3 to 4 passengers continually. It performed very well. Great gas mileage as well on the trip.
I like my sport
I think it takes all the bugs out of the bigger Montero, it may not have the size but it has a nice drive. My a/c works things time!! Gas milage is great, and its working fine off road. I love it, would buy anther, this is my 3rd, but my first Sport.
montero sport
traded in a ford explorer(maint cost too high) this vehicle rides & handles better than the explorer, has better take off, better fuel economy, and hopefully i won't be at the repair shop every six weeks
Great
I previously owned a 2001 Nissan Xterra.It rode rough and was a gas hog average milage was 13.5. My Montero Sport rides alot smoother and gets 19 mpg. Also performance is much quicker than the Xterra and handles alot better also.
na
good all around suv. what I was looking for.
Nice Truck
I had this truck for a couple nounths now. I like the handling & confortable seats. Does excel. on job site & snow W/4X4. Graet towing capacity. Ave. 17.5MPG not that good.
I love my limited !
I had purchased my Montero Sport Limited back in 2002 and ever since then my life has been a lot easier. I own a business and also have two dogs so you can imagine the great amount of usage I have gotten out of my truck. By the way even with my two dogs my truck is still super new and ready for anything or anywhere I want it to go. I love driving it whether its to the beach or across the country or to let off some steam and just cruise..its all just a turn of the switch away. Thank you mitsu for making my ltruck!
What everyone should buy
Rates right up there with a 4Runner and Lexus RX300 except $5-10,000 less!
good to the last drop
I like this SUV, its comfortable, fun to drive, looks good, runs good. Handles the curves better than any other truck or SUV i've ever driven. And when it snows...no problem at all. The ABS have saved my a** a few times and the AWD can handle the worst weather better than anything else I've ever seen.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS 4WD
Great car, very dependable, it is very strudy in turns, doesn't lean into turns, even though it is an SUV, it behaves like a normal with minor differences. The only downfall is the mpg, compared to other cars very bad, but good compared to other SUV's.
great
love it, gives you lots of room for the family. confortable to take trips in and very smooth. take up some gas but which suv doesnt. great height, not to low like some suvs. like i mentioned, would be nice if it came with fog lights...
Great Car- I love it
I really enjoy this car, it has been perfect for me. I live in Colorado and use my Sport to go off road camping, up to the mountains through the snow, and also driving as I live in the city. It has been very reliable, no problems other than regular wear and tear. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an SUV. It has been great in the snow.
suv es sport 2003
excellent experience very sturdy and dependable very pleased have owned many cars this was a different direction and as it turns out, a good choice
Best buy ever
I purchased this vehicle used in 2005. I have driven it for 5 yrs this month. I have over 134,000 miles and beside tires and a battery (that was my own fault) I had a belt replaced that was worn and the transmission flushed to extent the life of this jewel. I use to buy a new car every couple of years. No more.
RELIABLE SUV
It is really a reliable car; saves you gas, great cargo space and I would say reliable when you get into an accident. Someone hit me really hard in the front of my Montero and it took the hit well; I believe it has great hard exterior. Reliable engine; I've always been back and forth with GMs, Fords, and other American cars -- I've read bad reviews and was very scared. This SUV has a very reliable engine even though I bought it as used car.
Too bad it's overlooked
So far I have really been more than satisfied owning this vehicle. It handles well and is comfortable. I like it's distinctive looks. Iread many reviews while doing my research and I find that it exceeds all expectations. I will certainly look to Mitsubishi for future purchases.
My Second One
Before the two Montero Sports, I drove a Volvo 850. This truck has only needed one minor thing in it's 60,000 mile history. Just change the oil and go. One winter (I run studded Nokians), it made it up the last 600' of my very steep driveway with 22" of unplowed snow! It took about four passes, but did it. My driving is split between city and highway. For mileage, I usually get 21 mpg in the summer and slightly less in the winter (studded tires). This is not bad for a big SUV. Of course, if you want to go 75 mph all day you won't get the same results. The 2003s are really AWD all the time (90/10), which probably accounts for the decent gas mileage, and lock into 4HI+LO when needed.
Great Vehicle
Great vehicle rides smoothly great features.
Reliable, 2nd time buyer
My daughter is driving my first Montero Sport, 180K miles and still going. We have never had any serious mechanical problems. We have done normal maintenance and it still runs and looks great. My 2003 is the same. I currently have 40K miles and it is great car for my business. I also have an Endeavor and love it!
Will keep for 10 years
Comfortable ride, good cd/cassette stereo, sunroof. It's just a good looking car and not one that everyone has.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
I love the style, comfort, and performance of my Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I t meets all the needs of my family of 3 teenagers and two professionals. Good buy and great SUV!
Best SUV on the road
I purchased the Monterro Sport ES in 2004 and have been very impressed approaching 40,000 miles. For an SUV of this size, the fuel economy can't be beat. 20 MPG is what I have been averaging after I put 8,000 miles on it. The a/c is ice cold, engine is reliable, rides quite, and is also has a rugged feel. Well worth the money!
Tiny, Cheap interior and Overpriced
Tilt wheel may work for some, I'm 6'4" and it's an effort to get past it. The outside mirrors are VERY narrow. The center brake light was tacked on for US versions on the upper part of the rear window...blocking the most important part of rear viewing. The engine crawls, vibrates and screams on its way up to speed. The stereo's mounted so low that I fumbled with the controls instead of taking my eyes off the road long enough to actually look at the display. The interior materials were fine, for a $8,000 Hundai. VERY CHEAP looking and feeling. Poor seating, no lateral support. Pass on this one and don't look back, sport.
scary to drive
I wish I'd listened to the advice another reviewer gave here on edmunds. He said the steering was "squirrely," and he was right! You can't take your eyes off the road for a second--this car will take you right off the road. And the sway in this thing makes my kids sick! No sway bar is available to correct it. Also, because the entire hatchback lifts up, it drips water right on you if it's been raining. Then, when you get home, your groceries fall out! I bought this because I liked the way it looked, but don't do it!
Fun and Problem-Free
Rugged, great looks Reliable and very smooth ride for an all-wheel drive suv
New Mitshu Sport
This vehicle is a sporty yet not too soft of a ride. The sound system and power sunroof are wonderful features! The engine is a bit of a putz but is quiet overall. There is sufficient leg room in the rear seat for passengers and enough room in the back for hauling "stuff". Great car!!
2003 LS 4WD
So far so good - only 500 miles on it but really love it. Great price for a mid-size compared to Toyota / Nissan.
Good Performance bad fuel economy
Good Performance bad fuel economy
My first foreign car
I was skeptical about buying a non american car, and an SUV to boot. I have been very impressed by safety and comfort features for a wonderful price that cannot be matched by the American competition.
Monterro sport
Good dependable car
Buy it
An overall great SUV for the money. recommend the 3.5L engine over the 3.0 L. Smart looking outside and comfortable inside. The gas mileage is not bad, getting 18 MPG overall.
A Lot More Truck
Was shopping for a Jeep Liberty and ended up with a Mitz MS LTD for less money and at 0%. Such a deal! Sorry Jeep, you loose.
A Great Vehicle
The Montero Sport has been a great SUV.The gas mileage is reasonably and the handling is great. It has great curb appeal.
If you buy anything else, you're stupid
I love it! no complaints at all!
Tough 4X4
Great vheicle for Alaska. The AWD is wonderful to have for Alaskan roads. Would like more trailer towing power. This is the 5th Montero I have owned.
Descent for it's purpose
Overall, a good vehicle. Could use more power and get better mileage. Good interior space and standard audio system. Rugged exterior design still looks good after all these years (better than the Endeavor). Bought it for the wife who just loves the looks. Not a bad ride for a truck-on-frame design.
Excellent Vehicle For The Price
Mitsubishi couldn't have made a better vehicle. Lots of standard features and well worth the money. It has the perfect engine for what it is used for wheather its off roading or every day highway use.
A Smaller and car like Montero
A decent car with montero like off road ability, lacks the montero 's 3rd row seats but looks more sporty.
THE MAX REPORT
THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND COST 105.00 FOR DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND LIGHT HARNESS CORROSSION IN UNDER A YEAR
montero sport
I thought that this car was very well built i liked it but i would have appreciated a better transmission and ho bout a little more speed?
Nice Truck
A very nice truck for the price. I also had a good sales experiance. Fun to drive.
Fun SUV, but Gas Mileage is Very Poor!
I've had my 2003 Montero Sport for a couple of months now. So far, I really enjoy driving this vehicle. It's very fun to drive and easy to handle. My only big complaint is the gas mileage; it's completely different than the sticker reads for city/highway. I average 10 miles per gallon, and the dealer told me AFTER I bought it that it was a gas-guzzler. Other than that, I like it.
Rugged
We love this vehicle! Excellent looks, Build construction is phenomenal! We compared the under body of four runners & pathfinder & this is definitely more substantial. Very thick skid plates. Also we measured the rear trailing arms, and this vehicle has the longest which translate to better off- road performance. The 3.5 liter provides good acceleration. This vehicle have lots of neat features.
Everything is great, but
I have really enjoyed this truck, the handling is great, the reliability is awesome, but the rear suspension is weak. Going over some bumps, it feels as if there aren't any schocks in the rear.