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:

• 

  Car-lotta for Fun and Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By El Greco - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Great all-around SUV,esp.off-road.Ive owned Pajeros/Monteros since 84 in Saudi,China,Europe and USA.Theyre indestructible,provided you follow mfctrs maintenance schedule.I still have my 95 LS,and a new03 Ltd.The new one has a better engine/overall performance/comfort.However,it also has a useless side-board,puny horn,and,as the old one,not-exactly- useful 3rd row seats(at least they can disappear!).

• 

  2002 Montero LTD, aka "Ozzy" - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By asalini - March 25 - 10:00 am

  We shopped around for 6 months before finding this great SUV. The only one my husband felt comfortable in (most others didnt give enough head room). We love everything it does.

• 

  Montero Lmtd - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ashley Nycole - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Awesome handling on and off road. Exceptionally easy shifting (while driving)into 4whldrv. SAFE! Great for kids and adults. Incredible aesthetic design and beauty (interior and exterior)...unmatched! Massive sun roof, very Fun! Comfort like a big Easy! heated seats, plush leather, seat adjustments. Back seat even comfortable on Beach!!! Worth all $42,000!!!

• 

  05 Versus others - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By cmbianchi - March 18 - 11:03 pm

  Just got back from the Intl Car show and the Montero still outshines all others for $$. Sure hope Mits can bounce back from the $$ problems they are having, itd be a shame to lose this much capable SUV. There is still nothing on the market under or around $40,000 that gives what the Montero gives. Ive got an 03 and see no changes except for the DVD player vs the huge sunroof. I sure would like to see the montero compared to some of the other SUVs out there, or maybe there is a reason it isnt. It would put to shame some of the other dual color plastic interiors and exteriors.

• 

  2003 Montero Limited - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By the potts - March 16 - 7:10 pm

  We are so pleased with this vehicle, had to share the experience for future buyers contemplating the Montero. Jeep Cherokee and Infinitis were our comparison vehicles before finding the Montero. Once we drove the Montero, the others paled in comparison both in price and style. Third row seating is a super feature and used more than we would have expected. No lack of power and the shift of gears in auto mode is remarkably smooth.

• 

  What a ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dano - March 14 - 1:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2003 Montero XLS with 81,000 miles and it run like new. This truck has great power and passenger room. My kids love the big sun roof and I love the interior and exterior styling. I have always wanted this truck.

• 

  Cool Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ali family - February 18 - 2:00 am

  We bought our car a month ago, We were looking for a lincoln Navigator or a van. This car is great for Family trips to yosemite and to any other destination. What i like most about this great SUV is the Huge moonroof third row seat for the kids(kids love it), Roomy second row seat, infinite steroe and Magnificent exterior and iterior appearence.

• 

  Extremely satisfied - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ronald Elzy - February 10 - 9:16 pm

  This vehicle has only required routine maintenance. It has an extremely good ride and is very well equipped. I looked at quite a few "mid sized" SUVs the Mitsubishi has considerably more to offer!

• 

  Karate Moms dream - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By MN Mike - February 10 - 10:00 am

  A major reason we bought this vehicle over the competition is the financing available. This truck is a great suburban vehicle. In Minnesota, we get some slippery roads - I have started calling our Montero the "Billy Goat". Even on glare ice, the traction is phenominal - even in 2 wheel drive. When you slip it into 4 wheel, this thing seems to be able to tackle anything - we havent even had it in 4 wheel with the transfer case locked. Road noise is a little high and it likes to visit gas stations but otherwise we really like this vehicle.

• 

  Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Beaulieu - December 17 - 2:56 pm

  My wife and I love our Montero. The off-road handling is awesome, the independent suspention does a great job absorbing the bumps and keeping you in control. The engine has a bit less horsepower than other models but the gearing in the transmission makes up for it. The vehicle looks awesome, like your ready for the Paris-Dakar. With this one, we probably could run it! We have approximately 50,000 miles on it and have had NO warranty or miscelaneous issues at all with the vehicle. We have 2.5 year old triplet boys, we can fit all three in forward facing car seats in the 2nd row and still have the rear cargo area left. We picked the perfect vehicle for winter fun, beach fun and all round daily driving.