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A decade ago, the Mitsubishi Montero foretold today's booming class of "mini"
sport-utility vehicles. Also badged as the Dodge Raider, the 1986 Montero was
small, economical, and fun. Today, several newcomers occupy the mini class. The
Montero has grown up, and is neither small nor economical.
Fun? Well... I drove a '96 Montero SR from Chicago to the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race in Hayward, Wisconsin. At 74 inches high, the Montero is taller than I. Rooftop ski loading was a challenge. Sidesteps are optional, but were absent from the test vehicle. During one jaunt we puts skis inside, where they fit, but not easily. This "seven-passenger" vehicle, filled with luggage and skis, becomes a four-passenger hauler, tops. The Montero's emphasis is comfort. A $1,659 wood-and-leather package made the Montero feel like some opulent men's club. Cupholders are everywhere. Shoulder and leg room are beyond reproach. Third row passengers, however, complained of a knees-in-the-chest feeling. Head room is huge, as you'd expect such a lofty vehicle. An enormous sun roof, oddly, is positioned two feet behind the driver. But it venilates the whole interior nicely. Other oddities include unduly prominent battery and temp gauges. Beside them is an often-inaccurate electronic compass, which got confused by cloverleaf highway interchanges. The stereo controls were difficult to reach. A three-setting switch lets the driver change the stiffness of the suspension. This really works, and it's really useful. The soft setting was perfect for cruising on I-94. The "hard" enabled me to slalom my way down twisty back roads with speed. Power is plentiful with the 24-valve V6. Four-wheel drive can be selected at speeds up to 62 miles per hour, but is not permanently engaged. Thankfully--fuel economy was dismal even on the highwy. Standard mud-snow tires dispatched Wisconsin's deepest snow almost with disdain. Off-road or on, the Montero feels truck-like, safe, and secure. But fun? If you want fun, pull over and strap on your skis. 1996 Mitsubishi MonteroEngines: 3.0 V6, 177 hp; l 5.5 V6, 215 hp Copyright 1996, The New York Times Magazine Group. All rights reserved. |