2000 Mitsubishi Nativa LX review from Dominican Republic

Air conditioner compressor required a refill @8500 miles.

Dead battery @ 12000 miles.

This is the so-called Nativa, a decaffeinated version of the Montero Sport with no sporting pretensions at all.

The interior quality is average in the best of cases, with a notorious abuse of hard plastics.

The steering wheel resembles the ones used by budget Japaneses cars in the early 80's.

Regarding the brakes, the most remarkable aspect is that the vehicle transmits the sensation of being unable to stop despite how hard you push.

The handling is awful - the steering being excessively soft and loose. The vehicle constantly shakes while advancing over rough pavements. The poor handling and steering makes it difficult to control the vehicle at speeds over 100km/h, thus affecting the security in general.

The ultra-soft suspension seems not to aid a lot in this respect.

The engine delivers plenty of power quickly - but is not really efficient in terms of fuel consumption. Very fuel-thirsty.

Ineffective brakes along with pathetic handling abilities renders the vehicle ideal for getting the kids to school everyday with their luncheons and the family pet, or for going out to a picnic with your wife and mother-in-law on a Sunday afternoon in the nearest municipal park. Usage as a serious SUV or mild off-road work is definitely not recommended.