2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.5XS: Power and Youth

Mitsubishi says the new 3.5XS is for younger buyers who might not have considered purchasing a Montero Sport in the past. The 2001 3.5XS will sport features not found on the Sport LS model. Key features of the new 3.5XS include:

• A 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides 197 horsepower with 223 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm.

• Structural enhancements designed to help deflect the force of an offset crash away from the vehicle?s occupants. 

• A driver?s seat belt pretensioner and a lower anchor and tethers for children (LATCH) child safety seat system.

• A low-emission vehicle (LEV) rating for all 50 states, along with an on-board fuel vapor recovery system. 

• Available in two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD).

Previously, the 3.5-liter V6 was only available on the seven-passenger Montero luxury and Montero Sport Limited models. With the introduction of the 3.5XS, more horsepower and performance are available to buyers who may not want the luxury options.

As with other Montero models, the 3.5XS features a three-link rear coil spring suspension for both on- and off-road travel. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard and integrates Mitsubishi?s adaptive shift control system, which is designed to improve shift quality and responsiveness during varying driving situations and engine speeds. Available in Solano Black or Phoenix Red, the 2001 Montero Sport 3.5XS is priced at $26,637 for the two-wheel drive model, and at $28,667 for the four-wheel drive version.(All photos: Mitsubishi Motors Corp.)Check out http://www.nhtsa.gov to see how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the vehicle.<