One-Year Tests

2001 Mitsubishi MonteroBy now, everyone's heard the brouhaha over Consumer Reports' testing of the Montero and its alleged high rollover risk. Many of you have contacted us about it. All we can tell you is what we've experienced so far. Yes, the Montero is a heavy, tall vehicle, with a higher-than-average center of gravity. And yes, we've mentioned that it exhibits more body roll than we'd like. This is the case with many sport/utilities, and those who drive them need to be aware of how the laws of physics impose an effect on their handling characteristics. Driven aggressively enough, any vehicle can be provoked into potentially dangerous behavior. However, the Montero performed adequately during our standard slalom and skidpad test regimen. We've not attempted to verify the validity of CR's testing process, nor duplicate the conditions they allege. We'll let you know if our experience warrants any additional testing, but none is planned at this point. Other than that, the 15,000-mile service ran us a none-too-cheap $335.47, but included a lot of stuff. No other problems to report.

Logbook Quote"I really like the Montero, but filling the big gas tank these days is a killer."-John Kiewicz

2001 Infiniti QX4Our time with Mr. Que is nearing an end, and we've lived with it long enough to get a real feel for what it's all about. Loves: nice materials usage, wonderful HID headlights, crisp audio package, sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, and good powertrain performance. Not-so-loves: lame HVAC controls, fake wood instead of real (though it looks good), no third-row seat (only a disadvantage for some), and rear drum brakes (just a plain disadvantage). The transmission began slipping at around 14,000 miles, especially between first and second gears. It was close to its next service interval anyway, so into the dealer it went. Infiniti had recently released a service bulletin and an updated electronic-transmission control module; the repair was handled in one day, under warranty, and that was absolutely that. The usual 15K-mandated oil change, filters, fluids, adjustments, a fuel-injection-system flush, and inspections ran us another $266.86. The Q is as good as new, as it heads toward its final days in the MT garage.

Logbook Quote"All credit to Infiniti for building a well-trimmed SUV with composure."-Mike Nicks