Overview & Reviews

The Mitsubishi Montero never quite became a household name in the United States, but fans of true SUVs, whose attention extends beyond America's borders know what it's about. Fact is, this rugged rock-hopper has been off-roading its way around the world for decades and taking home more than a few trophies in the famously grueling Dakar Rally in the process. Mitsubishi has built up plenty of respect for the name Montero -- or Pajero, as this midsize SUV is known in other global markets.

In the three generations and 24 years that the Montero was sold here, Mitsubishi moved it upscale in terms of size, power and class. But all the way through, the Montero never lost its roots as an off-road-worthy vehicle. Four-wheel drive was always standard, and specialty items such as locking differentials and adjustable shock absorbers were available on the second-generation Montero.

Unfortunately, this off-road bias became increasingly at odds with the way many Americans drove their SUVs. The Mitsubishi Montero was tall, heavy and high off the ground, and consequently felt slow-witted on the street. For the third generation, Mitsubishi made fundamental shifts to the Montero's hardware and driving character in hopes of improving the vehicle's appeal. It wasn't enough, however, as this model suffered in regards to on-road performance, engine power and interior roominess. Furthermore, the Montero received some injurious publicity when Consumer Reports reported that this midsize SUV had a susceptibility to rolling over in high-speed turns.

While the Montero was reborn for a fourth life in other nations, Mitsubishi decided America's midsize SUV needs would be better filled by the more efficient, more street-oriented Endeavor crossover. That's a sentiment we share, though the Montero still deserves a look for those shoppers needing a used SUV with solid off-road credentials.

Most Recent Mitsubishi Montero

The third-generation Montero midsize SUV was sold from 2001-'06 and marked several key design changes over the previous generation. The most significant was a switch from body-on-frame to unibody construction to lighten and stiffen the chassis. The suspension was also revised and became fully independent for the first time. These changes, along with a switch from recirculating-ball steering to a more precise rack-and-pinion setup, promised that this model would be the best-riding, best on-road-driving Montero yet.

To a degree, it delivered. The new Mitsubishi Montero certainly dealt with bumps more forgivingly and handled with more precision than before. Off-road ability was still intact as well. However, it still lagged in too many key areas. First, the Montero used the same 3.5-liter V6 as before, and its 200 horsepower provided anemic acceleration at higher speeds. Its handling was also a letdown due to a combination of too-slow steering and excessive body lean, giving it a ponderous feel. We found little compensation in ride quality, which was on the stiff side.

We were more impressed by the Montero's interior, at least in appearance. Solid ergonomics, upscale materials and supremely comfortable front seats made the Montero feel like part of a more expensive class of SUV. Cargo space was generous, too. But comfort wasn't uniform throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were short on thigh support, and the Montero's standard third-row bench had legroom skimpy enough to cramp all but small children.

When this Montero debuted, there were two trim levels: XLS and Limited. The XLS came with a decent amount of equipment including air-conditioning, a CD stereo, power accessories, cruise control, antilock brakes and front seat side airbags. A four-speed automatic came paired to the V6 engine, and part-time four-wheel drive was standard. The Limited added a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, "Active Trac" full-time four-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential and upgraded interior appointments such as leather seats and an Infinity stereo.

In 2003, the XLS gained two useful items formerly reserved for the Limited: the five-speed transmission and Active Trac. Also in 2003, Monteros received a 3.8-liter V6 with 215 hp, a stability control system and a head restraint and a three-point belt for the center rear seat. For this model's final two years, Mitsubishi discontinued the XLS trim.

To anyone drawn to a Mitsubishi Montero, we recommend models from 2003 onwards. The added engine power helps to improve the vehicle's acceleration times slightly, while providing more usable torque for highway maneuvers, and the stability control system is a valuable safety feature. Additionally, the XLS's upgraded hardware put it on more equal footing with the Limited. Prior to that, the Limited makes a better choice.

Past Mitsubishi Montero Models

The second-generation Montero was sold from 1992-2000. Smaller than its predecessor in every way but height, this Montero was a traditional four-wheel-drive SUV with body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle.

Power initially came from a 3.0-liter V6 with 151 hp, available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. In 1994, a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 215 hp joined the lineup (with the automatic transmission only), and in 1995 the base 3.0-liter V6 got a boost to 177 hp. In 1997 both engines were discontinued in favor of a new single-cam 3.5-liter V6 with 200 hp, and the manual transmission disappeared.

Initially, the second-gen Mitsubishi Montero came in four trim levels: base, RS, LS and SR. The top two, LS and SR, came only with the automatic transmission and added amenities like power accessories, a tilt steering wheel and cruise control, plus optional electronic adjustable shock absorbers. The LS had antilock brakes from the start; the SR got them the next year. The SR could also be had with a rear differential with limited-slip and full locking capability.

For 1994, the Montero lineup was simplified to LS and SR lines, with the latter getting the new 3.5-liter V6 plus alloy wheels, antilock brakes, air-conditioning, a sunroof, CD stereo, keyless entry and in certain years, adjustable shocks and a locking rear differential. All Monteros now had seven-passenger seating and a driver-side front airbag. A passenger airbag was fitted in 1996, and in '98, Mitsubishi consolidated the trim lines into one well-equipped, slightly restyled model.

This Montero definitely drove more like a truck than did its successor: It was slow to move off the line, tippy in turns and sloppy in steering. Still, since there was no such thing as a "crossover" midsize SUV at the time, the Montero wasn't an entirely bad choice. Its interior was rather luxurious (if busily styled), its first two rows of seats were fairly comfortable and it was bigger and roomier than most rivals. Plus, rear passengers got a kick out of its gigantic sunroof. Only after the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder came along did the Montero start to seem dynamically primitive.

Because no Montero of this generation can hit 60 mph in fewer than 10 seconds, we'd recommend at least picking a sample with one of the two 3.5-liter V6s. The dual-cam version in the 1994-'96 SR would pack the most punch, though the single-cam version found in all Mitsubishi Monteros from 1997 onwards is nearly as quick, and the dual airbags and extra standard equipment of the later models are certainly pluses.

You could also go way back to the first-generation Mitsubishi Montero of 1983-'91. Its structure, mechanical layout and four-wheel-drive hardware were similar to the second-generation's, though it was a tad smaller and was available in two-door form through 1990. There was no third-row seat back then, and the interior has a dated, spartan appearance by today's standards.

User Reviews:

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  What a blast - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By val - December 16 - 2:50 pm

  We checked out all the SUVs on the market. We were tired of seeing the same ones on the road, so we checked out the Mitsubushi Montero. At first we didnt like the full size, but fell in love with it after we drove it. My husband is long waisted. The Montero has tons of headroom and legroom in the front and back. The back door opens and closes like a car door - well never hassle with a hatch opening again. Our friends & family are sold on it as well. The back seats fold down for lots of storage. The 3rd row seat is handy for kids. Its gas mileage is decent. It is not cavernous like the Chevrolet Trailblazer though. It has good visibility. It is better looking than the "dog" Durango, but not as expensive as the Toyota Land Cruiser. One bad thing about this truck is that we have spent thousands of dollars on regular maintenance. Well consider that next time.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Duncan - December 10 - 1:06 am

  Excellent off road performance; especially in snow and ice. Top interior features, comparable to a Lexus. Could use more power, maybe a turbo diesel engine for mileage and performance. Uses 93 octane, probably a good thing but it does cost more, and makes me more fuel conscious. All around I am pretty happy.

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  2001 Montero LTD - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Frankfurter - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Next to my old 1969 Porsche 911, and for obviously different reasons, the Montero LTD is maybe the nicest car Ive owned. That comparison includes 3 Toyota 4-Runners - great cars but lacking the creature comforts of the Montero. Apart from a few factory recalls and a failed O2 sensor in the emissions system (ouch) this has run flawlessly for 39,000 miles and carried me comfortably all over south and central Texas where I drive in connection with my job. I have no complaints, a great car. Mitsubishis Diamond Advantage program is the best, my quasi-lease runs out in February 05 and I am keeping this vehicle, just love it.

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  Well Worth the Purchase - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jules - November 14 - 7:20 pm

  We had previously had the Mitsubishi Montero Limited as a rental (twice). When the long-legged teenage boys didnt complain about leg room and say "are we there yet" while driving in it, I knew it was the next vehicle for me. In 2003, I purchased the 20th Anniversary Edition and have not regretted it. I get better gas mileage than the sticker that was on it said I would. My co-workers love to have me drive for lunches as they have so much room. Due to my lower back problems, many of the SUVs were too bouncy for me. Ive never had a problem with the Montero - even on 1,800 mile trips.

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  The best from what I could find/afford - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By LeoSp - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I pick Montero Ltd, after previous accident where I was rear-ended my back was to sensative and not too many SUVs seats would make me comfortable. I sat and test drove many SUVs in mid-/high- 30Ks range and none of them could make comfortable a 62" man. The only one that I like was a Toyota Landcruiser those seat were perfect but price of $58K quickly spook me away. Mitsubishi delear was extremely sweet and I was able to get a loaded Montero Ltd with prefer package for $31K. Plus I got an execelent value on my trade-off. It is approximatelly 2 months since I own my Montero and I am completely satisfied.

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  One of the last real off-road SUVs - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By phonos - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great off-road, much better handling and confort than my 1986 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban. Wife even like to drive it. Beat out Land-Cruiser in one Austrailal off-road review

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  Best one yet - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mburger - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck, owed a jeep grand before and this is a world of difference. Runs beautifully.

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  MONTERO - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By TRACY - September 8 - 6:06 pm

  NOT a very powerful engine but just right for the package. Got caught in sleet storm with more than an inch of mire on the ground and did not miss a beat. Is kind of loud on the inside could use more sound technolgy.

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  24 mpg - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By jjtj - September 2 - 7:10 am

  Purchased car w/64,000 miles.Miles are now 285,000. "I" get 19 mpg in the Mountains and 24 mpg on the highway. Drives soft and very little noise.I did have a problem w/a squeaking out of the front car that Mitsubishi refunded me for. Drives great in the snow. So, good that the one and only time that I did get stuck,the person who helped me out told me that I should put the car on 4 wheel drive. I thought it was on all the time.

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  Not Just For The Dogs - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Denise` - August 26 - 2:00 am

  After looking to replace my Ford Explorer with another I just wasnt sold. Having three large dogs was a consideration as was having to drive clients. Unlike my previous SUVs I can fold down the seats to create the dog barrier; no more of those bulky fences, and the dogs can be closer to front seat passengers. The interior is classy and has drawn many a compliment, even from a pal whod recently purchased the Benz SUV. Handles like a dream in rain and snow; I ski so its been put to the test. We haul our motorcycle trailer with it and it doesnt slow us down a bit. Oh, did I mention the extra large sunroof...