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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  Go Buy One - You Wont Regret it! - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By WRM - April 4 - 2:13 am

  My wife wanted her SUV back after a year driving an economy car. I bought her a Montero Limited and she loves it - it is just the right SUV for a woman, she says. It is easy to drive, has a great warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance, it is comfortable, roomy, has easy to use 4WD, etc. She was so happy I brought this truck home. She had a Ford Explorer last time and said the Montero beats the Explorer by a mile. This SUV is well built, rides smoothly, looks great, and I like it too. I stand 63" tall and I can ride in this SUV no problem. Take the time to test drive this SUV and compare it to what you want to buy. Oh, my wife loves the rear tail gate. It swings out like a gate and is very easy to use. Try it out!

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  so far so great - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By eric287 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought our Limited with the premium pgk just a couple weeks ago. So far we love it. We shopped and shopped and then shopped some more. Came down to this and the Pilot. This was a few grand more, and I know the Honda will have better resale, but its styling was so dull and boring; both inside and out in our opinion. (A little more pizzaz, and Honda would have had us as customers I think.) Plus the Montero is a much more luxurious vehicle.

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  Great Value - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By accprof1 - February 2 - 4:53 pm

  We purchased a 2004 model with the DVD entertainment system and so far are very happy with the purchase. The primary reason for purchasing this vehicle was the value that we were getting for the price. We got a vehicle with an MSRP of $36,074 for $18,500 plus our trade-in, which was a 2000 Montero Sport LS with 64,500 miles. The $5,000 generous rebate from Mitsubishi made it all possible.

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  Mitsubishi Monterto 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By David Michielin - January 28 - 4:46 pm

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero drives well. My wife finds the vehicle very easy to drive and park. I particularly like its turning radius, it should be a police chase car. Im also very impressed with torque the engine puts out, but it does come at a price for fuel. The vehicle is still relatively new and I hope I can get better mileage on a tank of gas. The seats for the 6th and 7th passengers at the back are relatively cramped for an adult but fine for my 7 and 10 year olds and their friends.The sunroof is large, which is great in the summer time.

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  2002 Montero xls is Awesome !!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Sauel A. - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Has power, and handles like an eclipse this SUV rules !!!!!!!!!

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  True Quality - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 123456789 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car.

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  Wow! What a bargain! - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By john - December 15 - 8:46 pm

  My wife has wanted one of these since they changed in 2001. She finally got it and will not even let me drive it, except to do oil change. Very comfortable and responsive.

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  its all that i whanted - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By zeezo - December 7 - 10:00 am

  its a perfect car

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  SO FAR SO GOOD/GREAT - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By woodley - November 28 - 6:06 am

  My whole family has been thrilled with this SUV. The kids love the DVD, my wife likes the visibility, and I enjoy the power and handling. I Owned four Explorers previously, the 93,96,98,& 2000 XLTs, and I didnt know what we were missing. Who knew that my big screen TV brand could top FORD.

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  What a blast - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Tuxedo - October 21 - 10:00 am

  We splurged and went for the 20th Anniversary Edition...loaded with all the good stuff. Not much more than the Sport and well worth it. We looked at the Sport, Limited and XLS but decided the 20th Anniverary was the way to go. Pretty good gas mileage. Quality build, good looking, comfy. Doesnt look like every other SUV on the road. Mitsubishis been around forever so you can trust the brand. We love it!