2001 Mitsubishi Montero

Suspension
First and foremost, Mitsubishi's engineers scrapped the ladder frame and set their supercomputers to work on an all-new unibody structure. Now the side panels of the Montero are made in a single stamping (as opposed to eight on the outgoing model) and all panels are laser-welded and chemically bonded for a rigid, lightweight, and vibration-free body. Along with three times the torsional stiffness of the Y2K truck and the readily apparent advances in refinement, Mitsubishi claims increased crashworthiness as well.


Styling has gone from eighties edge to New Edge, and the already spacious Montero has grown considerably. Wheelbase and overall length are up more than two inches, and while gains were made in front and rear headroom, overall height is down 1.7 inches. Most important, a nearly 4-inch gain in tread-width cures this Japanese SUV of its previous high-seas ride manners.

The sole engine offering is the familiar 3.5-liter V-6, which is rated at 200 horsepower and 235 ft-lb of torque.

The advantage of independent suspension is most apparent on the road, where ride quality and handling are surprisingly good for an SUV. Under the one-piece body/frame is an all-new suspension. Mitsubishi was one of the first utility manufacturers to prove that independent front suspension has a place in rugged conditions, and this Asian automaker has now ditched live axles entirely for independent suspension all-around. The advantage of independent suspension is most apparent on the road, where ride quality and handling are surprisingly good for an SUV. Nonetheless, the 2001 Montero rides with more ground clearance, more wheel travel, and even lower step-in height than the already-respectable second-generation model. Critical as well to the Montero's deft on-pavement performance is the new rack-and-pinion steering gear, which delivers more direct response than the previous steering box. Parking lot acrobatics are easier, too, thanks to a reduced turning circle.

Powertrain
Under the hood is the familiar 3.5-liter V-6. Rated at 200 horsepower and 235 ft-lb of torque, the motor is more than sufficient around town and does its job smoothly, although it's not blazingly quick. In the previous model, 0-60 times hovered just over 10 seconds—and the new truck is 111 pounds heavier. Now two transmissions will be offered, both automatic. The 4-speed carries over from the outgoing model but gains some computer wizardry for smoother, better-timed shifts. Debuting on the top-spec Montero Limited is a new 5-speed autobox with what Mitsubishi calls Sportronic quasi-manual shifting. Typically, we leave these things in Drive and yearn for a real manual transmission, but in an SUV the system seems to make more sense as it allows the driver to hold a particular gear for slippery conditions or towing. (On that note, towing specs are not yet available, but we expect the 2001 Montero to haul 5,000 pounds as before. Both transmissions benefit from standard oil coolers, as well.)

Braking
Braking is strong and secure, thanks to vented discs at all four corners. New this year is a multi-mode ABS, which provides the typical anti-lock properties on pavement without interfering with off-road driving, as ABS sometimes can. Electronic brake force distribution and a new electro-hydraulic power assist (replacing the large vacuum diaphragm behind the master cylinder) work together for linear response and good pedal feel.