The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer


Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi For 2001

By Carey Russ

Model year 2001 got off to an early start at Mitsubishi with the introduction of the Eclipse Spyder and latest-generation Montero sport-utility in mid-2000. The Montero Sport has safety and power enhancements. Diamante sedans, Galant sedans, and the Mirage sedans and coupes have minor changes for 2001

Montero
"All-new" barely begins to describe the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. The name is about the only similarity to any previous Montero. The new vehicle has a car-like unit-construction chassis and fully-independent suspension, common in the small SUV class but unheard of in its full-size class. It's lighter, roomier, and far more rigid than the old Montero, with improved handling on or off the road. Even with 1.7 additional inches of ground clearance, step-in height is lowered by 1.9 inches. There is room inside for seven people, and the third-row seat completely disappears into the floor for increased cargo capacity. Power is from a revised version of Mitsubishi's 3.5-liter, 200-hp V6. Two trim levels are offered, XLS and Limited. The XLS has a four-speed automatic transmission and a conventional dual-range part-time four-wheel drive system. The Limited has a five-speed automatic with "Sportronic" manual shift mode and the sophisticated electronically-controlled "ActiveTrac" multi-mode 4WD system.

Eclipse
When the newest Eclipse coupe debuted last year, a convertible version was inevitable. And so the Eclipse Spyder was introduced in time for last Summer. It features the same "geo-mechanical" styling as the coupe and chassis reinforcements to make up for the loss of the roof. The fully-lined, power-operated top has a glass backlight with a built-in defroster element for all-season use. Like the Eclipse coupe, the Spyder has more interior space than the previous version. Engine choices are a torquey 147-hp 2.4-liter four or a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6, both available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic "Sportronic" transmission. The Eclipse coupe is unchanged.

Montero Sport
The second-generation of Mitsubishi's mid-size Montero Sport SUV was new last year. This year it has structural enhancements for greater occupant protection. All models are available in 4x4 form, and the top-of-the-line Limited and sporty 3.5XS get the 3.5-liter engine from the Montero.

Mitsubishi Specifications 2001

Montero
ENGINE
3.5-liter V6
Peak horsepower:    200 @ 5000 rpm
Peak torque, lb-ft: 235 @ 3000 rpm

DRIVE TRAIN
Part-time dual-range or multi-mode four-wheel drive
 4 - speed automatic
 5 - speed automatic

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Unit construction
Front suspension: independent double wishbone
Rear suspension:  independent double wishbone

BRAKES
4-wheel antilock disc

EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY
City / Highway: 13/17
Fuel tank:      23.8 gallons

Eclipse Spyder
ENGINE
2.4-liter inline four-cylinder
Peak horsepower:    147 @ 5500 rpm
Peak torque, lb-ft: 158 @ 4000 rpm
3.0-liter V6
Peak horsepower:    200 @ 5500 rpm
Peak torque, lb-ft: 205 @ 4000 rpm

DRIVE TRAIN
Front engine, front-wheel drive
 4 - speed automatic
 5 - speed manual

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Unit construction 
Front suspension: independent MacPherson strut
Rear suspension:  independent multilink

BRAKES
I4: disc/drum   V6: 4-wheel antilock disc

EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY
City / Highway: I4: 20/27  V6: 19/26
Fuel tank:      16.4 gallons
More Information from the Manufacturer