2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Still running after 10 years

By montysport (VA) on Thursday, May 24, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

Pros: "Comfortable, smooth brakes, reliable"

Cons: "Eats gas and oil, limited turn-radius"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this car in high school, and still have it after grad-school. At every critical stage of change in my life, it was a constant, reliable, friend. It survives long trips from VA to NC and back, and it still looks as good as it did when I drove it off the lot. Since it's a bigger car, the turning radius is small but steering and handling are good. Brakes are smooth and easy. It is HORRIBLE on gas - eats it like crazy - but it's actually comparable to peer suvs. Earlier on, its gas mileage was a lot better but now, with age and miles, it still gets 16 - 18 mpg hwy but takes oil every week. Side and read mirrors are a perfect size which eliminates blind spots and for a v6 suv the pick up isn't bad (but that kills the gas and oil). The steering and alignment have been off in the past 2 years as the car has a constant heavy tilt to the right and shakes on the highway at high speeds."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great Explorer / 4Runner AWD SUV Alternative

By Greg B (VA) on Wednesday, April 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

Pros: "Affordable, good daily driver"

Cons: "No deal breakers...doesn't iron my shirts."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned the Monstero since 2003 and have recommended the model to others, including my brother-in-law who owned one until his family outgrew the 4 - 5 passenger capacity of his Montero Sport. It has gotten me through Snowmaggedon and Carmaggedon in the DC-Metro Area. I've taken it off-roading and kept up with moderately (3" w/33s) lifted Jeeps. The Monstero is my daily driver in the DC-Metro Area. I have no issue getting into traffic. It's my family's long-trip vehicle. Although I have to put it on its side, I can carry 4'x8' sheets of plywood in the "truck"; granted I have to tie the hatch down. I can carry 15 bags of mulch w/the rear seats up; well over 30 with the rear seats down. Oil changes, new tires every 50 - 60k miles and new brakes when necessary have been the only real maintenance costs over the years. At the 7 year mark, I had to replace the hoses and belts. Gas mileage isn't great; I get ~300 miles to the tank. I'm 6' former Linebacker / Fullback and have no issues w/front-seat comfort. My friends are all 6' - 6'2" and are comfortable in the front"

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not a single issue

By jenal (AZ) on Tuesday, April 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

Pros: "very reliable and easy to maintain"

Cons: "no steering wheel controls and gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have taken my Montero Sport in for routine services (ie. belt changes, a/c charge) and have been told every time that I don't need them done. I have not spent a penny on repairs in the 9 years I have owned it. Oil changes, gas and tires, that's it!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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high maintenance vehicle

By gary (OH) on Thursday, March 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 175,400

Pros: "still runs good and good in bad weather,snow,etc."

Cons: "seats uncomfortable for trips of 4hours or more."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"high maintenance costs due to repairs very complicated and not for the average owner. replacement parts expensive due to low volume of sales. running boards rusted off at 150,000 mi. exhaust manifold replaced 114,000 mi. hard to find mechanics with experience on this vehicle, unless dealer, you know their prices."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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