Mitsubishi Montero Sport History
by Sabah KarimiThe Mitsubishi Montero Sport is an sports utility vehicle built by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The vehicle was introduced to the United States market in 1982 and became popular not only in the United States, but also in Japan, the United Kingdom and South America. The SUV has become one of the most luxurious off-road vehicles on the market.
Identification
The Mitsubishi Challenger from Japan was renamed the Montero Sport for export markets. However, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport was known as the Mitsubishi Pajero in Spanish-speaking countries, and the Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom. A smaller-sized version of the vehicle was made available in select European markets to compete with other small and mid-sized SUVs. After 2006, the Montero Sport was renamed the Mitsubishi Challenger in North America. Production of the Challenger stopped in 2007, and the Montero Sport re-emerged in 2009.
Function
The Montero Sport is a powerful, all-terrain sports utility vehicle designed for driving through muddy, snowy and rainy conditions with ease. According to SUVReliability.com, this high-performance vehicle was designed with a powerful powertrain and suspension system, and was meant primarily for car enthusiasts who wanted a rugged, sporty vehicle for off-road adventures and leisure trips.
Generations
The first generation of the Montero Sport was built from 1982 to 1991. These vehicles were designed with a two- or four-door body style and a non-permanent four-wheel drive. First generation Montero Sports were built wit either a 2.4L, 3.0L or turbocharged 2.5L engine. The second generation Montero Sport was built from 1992 to 2000. These cars were less bulky and more streamlined in design than the first generation vehicles, and engine choices included a 3.0L V-6, 2.5L turbo-diesel and a 3.5L V6. Third generation Montero Sports were introduced in 2001, and production continued until 2006. These cars were the most luxurious of all generations, and engine choices included the 3.0L, 3.5L, 2.8L diesel (only available in developing markets) and 3.2L. In 2003, the 3.5L was replaced by a more powerful 3.8L engine. The 2009 Mitsubishi Montero Sport has a 3.5L six-cylinder gasoline engine, ABS brakes and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features
Standard features of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport include power windows and looks, air conditioning, power mirrors, 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, four-speed automatic transmission, multimode anti-lock brakes, child safety locks, chrome grilles and color-keyed bodyside molding.
Trim Levels
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport was available in four different trim levels: Montero Sport LS 2WD, Montero Sport LS A4WD, Montero Sport XLS 2WD and the Montero Sport XLS A4WD. Premium trim features and upgrades included a 210-watt audio system with eight speakers, all-wheel drive systems for off-road travel, and upgraded headlights.
Writer Bio
Sabah Karimi is a professional Web and print copywriter. She specializes in several niches including travel, fashion, beauty, health, fitness, lifestyle and small business. Karimi has an educational background in business administration and marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
