Mitsubishi Montero Sport History

BY SABAH KARIMI
The 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.