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:

• 

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

  its a perfect car

• 

  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.

• 

  These are awesome! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Rick - November 15 - 3:03 pm

  Hi folks! These Monteros are really great SUVs! They are very stylish. We put 67K miles on ours without a single problem. Their seats are roomy & it is loaded with features. Some Hondas need tranny work, some Toyota engines have sludge issues, some Nissans need frequent sensors, but we have had Mitsubishis since 1983 & they are so trouble-free. The ride was choppy & unnerving though. Power is adequate if you dont tow, but underpowered a bit if you do. Mitsubishi is under appreciated & they build an outstanding vehicle!

• 

  248,582 original miles and still going strong!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mjd11 - October 30 - 4:11 pm

  i bought my 2003 montero LTD in 2004 with 25,000 miles and since 200,000 + miles in the odometer and let me tell it has never let me stranded no where! only do the regular basic maintenance (oil, oil filter,air filter,battery,brakes, etc) and the off road capability one of the best off road vehicle you can buy.But where it falls short is in horseporwer is slugish when accelerating and the mpg i think can be improve im getting max and light footed on highway speed is 19.1.but overall is the most reliable (and i have had toyotas)and comfortable ,i would recommended it to everybody.

• 

  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!

• 

  New Owner - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Yvonne - September 22 - 4:23 pm

  I am a new owner and therefore can only tell you about 1,000 miles worth of information. The interior is leather, warm and spacious. I use the SUV for shopping, beach and mini excursions. I have grandchildren, so I need the space. However when alone or with a friend I have all I need. One complaint is about the middle head rest on the back of the middle seat. It blocked my vision. So I removed and wella! So far so good! I LOVE IT!

• 

  Love My New Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By EdwardTN - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Looked at lots of SUVs and chose the Montero for all of the standard features that seem to be options on the others...which made the price tag very comparable. I got the XLS with the touring package. I live on a mountain and the Montero performed unbelievably during a recent snowstorm. I literally drove straight up the mountain around stuck cars and trucks as if there was no snow at all. The infinity sound system sounds great and the sunroof is HUGE! I especially like the escaine seating surfaces, whch can best be described as perforated suede. I will update my review, but so far I woould definately recommend this vehicle to anyone.

• 

  Awesome - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By lattal - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this baby many times in a gravel pit filled with mud and I cant get stuck even if I wanted to. It has good power.

• 

  The best SUV out there - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Adrian - August 13 - 10:43 pm

  My dad had purchased this Montero Limited in silver and it was fully loaded with all the options. He really enjoys driving this car because it was his favorite car when he did his research. For me I love this SUV. If Mitsubishi would add a V8 then the gas mileage would be much worse. But since its a V6 you can actually add parts to the engine to make it faster. The best thing about this Montero is the moonroof it has. Its very big and stylish. You can also add stepbars to make it better looking and much easier to get in. No problems. Mitsubishi did a nice job on the Montero. But the 2003 and newer look uglier now. Also you can and I recommend install an alarm with car starter.

• 

  READ if you wanna know if this is ok - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By nycguy27 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Mitsubishi product. I love it. Period. Mitsu is infamous for their garbage GALANT and shoddy ECLIPSE. Never had a tipsy moment (read Car and Driver not Consumer Report). The luxury appointments are good. If you like the style...need a 4 wheeler that can ride like a car.....and dont wanna blow your cash on depreciating assets....get this car. I will have this vehicle for countless miles....its RELIABLE and made 100% in JAPAN - which for Mitsu is a good thing.