New Car Review of the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle.

Description: Mid-Size SUV
Base MSRP Range: $34,999
Invoice Price Range: $32,469

A new design for Montero emerged in 2001 with fresh lines drawn over a unibody structure containing plush fittings in a spacious cabin and powerful mechanicals. The enlarged passenger compartment brought more room for people as well as cargo, providing three rows of seats with the two back ones folding flat to the floor to expand the space for more gear. Two trim levels work for 2004 issues with XLS and Limited. For power, a single-cam 3.8-liter V6 engine drops below the shapely hood. Also, both trims stock Mitsubishi's Active Trac four-wheel-drive (4WD) mechanism with push-button switching between rear two-wheel-drive (2WD), AWD, and high or low range of 4WD. All tie together to a five-speed Sportronic automatic with clutch-less manual mode. Also working is a Dynamic Skid Control (DSC) system with computer-managed braking called Active Brake Traction Control (ABTC). Additional gear clusters in optional packages, including a power glass sunroof, seats trimmed in! suede-like Ecsaine, leather-wrapped steering wheel and Infinity Premium sound. A tire pressure monitoring system has been added to the list of standards and a rear seat entertainment system is now available.