1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport More sport and plenty of utility. By Ray Thursby, New Car Test Drive .com

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a slightly smaller, sportier sport-utility than the big Montero. It combines the toughness of its big brother with good looks, while not skimping on luxury features or necessary ruggedness. Montero Sport is designed to deliver good ride quality and comfort on the road, while retaining the wherewithal to carry the more adventurous deep into the woods.

The so-called compact sport-utility market is a crowded field. Mitsubishi's five-passenger Montero Sport competes directly with the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport. Domestic contenders in this group include Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada. Mitsubishi's big seven-passenger Montero luxury sport-utility, on the other hand, carries a steeper price tag.