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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  Great Truck - Average Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By beaver_01186 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  We honestly wouldnt have bought any other SUV. We drove Explorers, Expeditions, GM, Suzuki, Mopar, Nissan, etc. Very smooth ride, you hear the bumps but dont feel them. The best 4wd system out there. I love the true full-time 4wd and the ability to manually select what I want. The interior design is a little puzzling. Poor center console design, no storage, no place for cell phone, horrible cupholders. Resale and residual values are also sore spots.

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  shoulda had a V8 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By SS - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Looks - tonka toy look sort of grows on you over time interior - a step above most of the other mid-price suvs. reclining back seats great for kids. 3rd row completely disappears, but only good for very occasiuonal kid use quality - too many issues - broken seals in awd system, breaks that wont release, power- terrible, the reason you ulimately regret the purchase advice - by an MDX or step up to a Land Cruiser

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  shoulda had a V8 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ss - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Looks - tonka toy look sort of grows on you over time interior - a step above most of the other mid-price suvs. reclining back seats great for kids. 3rd row completely disappears, but only good for very occasiuonal kid use quality - too many issues - broken seals in awd system, breaks that wont release, power- terrible, the reason you ulimately regret the purchase advice - by an MDX or step up to a Land Cruiser

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  Excellent choice. - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By JD - May 4 - 9:23 pm

  I have very specific yet opposing auto needs; weekdays I occasionally drive executive clients around LA/Hollywood; weekends I off-road, rock climb, surf, snowboard, camp, etc. After copious amounts of research, I purchased a new Carbon Grey Metallic Montero Limited. What an exceptional vehicle at a great price.

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  Ill be back! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Grhythm - May 4 - 6:26 pm

  After all of the fright in 2001 and 2002 over reported SUV roll-overs, I found that Montero received higher than average ratings from the NHTSA tests, which are available on the agency web site. I was conviced, the commercial hype was not what I should be basing an auto purchase on. I have never regretted my decision. The Montero has exceeded my expectations in dependability, durability, comfort, maintenance costs, and safety systems. Although Ive never crashed it, the brakes, lights, suspension and seat belts have given me no unusual issues. I have been completely satisfied with the truck. The engine, air conditioning, power roof and entertainment system still perform like new.

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  wow what a ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By miss salgado - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I came in and though to my self "It looks like a tank" but when I got in it I though wow its a palace. I havent had it to long but I feel confertable in it and it feels like the truck ajusted to me not the other way around.

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  i like the montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By savannah1 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  this is my second montero ltd. i just turned in my 2001 - made some sense with the financing deals and i was eager to get the larger engine. the 3.8 is a big difference

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  Great Rig - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Greg - April 16 - 7:26 pm

  The Montero is a great vehicle for both highway and backroad camping and fishing trips. It does great in the snow. I added Michelin XZX tires and it rides superbly. Also keep my packasport up on the roof rack and so its ready to go anytime. My truck has 89,000 miles and its been one of the best vehicles that Ive owned. Id buy one again!

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  My Second Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ronnie - April 5 - 4:26 pm

  This is my second Mitsubishi Montero, I still have my first one 1998). The performance is more than I need, I dont need more of a gas-eater when gas costs $3.00 per gallon. This Montero is fast, shift smoothly, has good fuel economy and I feel safe in it. If I were to tow anything, I have all the pep that I need. I compared the Montero to the Dodge Durango, but I have had past service problems with Dodge dealers. Ford Explorers double timing belt costs $2,000 to replace. The Volkswagen Touareg and BMW X5 are way out of my budget. Even the Toyotas in this segment are expensive. My Montero is a 2006 XLS. I got it at a "Buy It Here" lot in Puerto Rico. I paid $29,000 for it. I decided not to pay $34,000 for the Montero Limited with leather, moonroof, and wood dash. I didnt need the DVD system either.

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  Montaro Ltd world rated #1SUV, USA#? - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Diane Literski - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased due to world acclaim (known less in USA). In Europe & Australia rated “Overall Best Large 4WD” for performance, quality, safety and value. Toyota/Lexus 2nd, Mercedes ML320 3rd. First lge SUV with indep. rear suspension. Won Paris- Dakar rally the last few years. Not liking big vehicles -needed one for the family, this large vehicle handles as if much smaller- more like a car than SUV. Transmission as smooth as the 525i BMW previously owned. Good performance (V6). Fuel consumption good for size - a real 15-17 mpg (city). Build quality very good. Dash a little plain. After 36,000 miles in 18 months - Happy.