"The full-size Montero does everything its supposed to very well, and with the SR trim, it does so very well. Power is excellent for a SUV, and the car-based engine (1996 was the last year for the 3.5L DOHC V6 in the SR) really shines on the highway, which is where (like most SUVs) it spends most of its time.

This truck replaced our mid-size German sports sedan, so as you would expect, we are pleased with its huge interior room to accommodate our growing family and their stuff, its indifference to large amounts of snow (we recently moved from upstate NY), and the feeling of security I have when the family is on board a tall 4 1/2 ton truck.

Also as you would expect, I miss what it isn't meant to do -- provide driving excitement. At least with the SR, I have tons of gadgets to entertain me, and the ride and seating are excellent. It feels sturdy, like it will be around forever.

Being a particularly tall SUV, it gives us nice road visibility, even around minivans and other SUVs. The angular, upright design and wide fendered body kit give it a rougher look than most SUVs, which is appealing (it looks like it WANTS to be taken off-road). Oh, one more conversation piece -- check out the HUGE sunroof (the brochure said its a carryover from the Montero's rally racing and safari heritage).

Gripes? Exhorbitant insurance cost, mediocre gas mileage, trendiness-inflated sticker price, lousy predicted resale value, along with a few other things you'd expect someone relatively new to SUV-ownership to complain about.

Probably the most outstanding thing though, is that no one will ever confuse the treatment they received from either Mitsubishi or their lower-class dealer network with one of the true luxury marques.

>From test drive to deal to delivery to service, working with the Mitsubishi network constantly reminds you that the $40K Montero is really an anomoly in their showroom. Go shopping for even the most lowly BMW, Audi or Infiniti, and its a whole new world of professionalism.

Overall though, I wanted a SUV that does what its supposed to do well, and I wanted something that not everyone has. The Montero nailed those goals with a fair amount of class and comfort as well.

Trouble free = no

Repairs = The essential hardware has had no problems, and doesn't feel like it will anytime in the reasonable future.

However, I've encountered a longer list of relatively minor trim-type stuff breaking than I expected. Everything from paint that scratches easily (on a supposedly "off-road vehicle," this is particularly disturbing), to a battery replacement at 24K miles, to the hinge on the center console breaking, to the rear door hinge drying up. Mostly small items covered under warranty, but irritating nevertheless when you have to arrange to bring it to the dealer, etc."