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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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Mike - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this SUV in 2005 for my wife as she liked the body style and size. Became my daily vehicle 1 year later. Purchased it with 64,000 miles and just buying another set of tires at 180,000!!! Have had minimal work done, mostly oil changes and basic maintenance. Use it mostly for business hauling clients to lunch and golf...excellent storage for long trips! Ride is great, could use new shocks now but all in all once this one meets its end I will look for another one with at least 75,000 miles and drive it until it falls too...

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  Montero #2 - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By saundra Anderson - May 12 - 4:13 am

  The Montero handles like a small car with SUV capabilities. It tows 5000 pounds without a problem. Its third seat is a bit cramped for an adult though. I dislike the spare tire on the tailgate because it makes the trailer hitch difficult to access. I plan to purchase Montero #3 soon.

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  A sad ending - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By chip - April 17 - 2:00 am

  What consumer reports didnt say is that this is one of the safest trucks in america today. My wife was hit in a head on collision going highway speed by a kid in a toyota corolla--she walked away with soreness. His car was completely destroyed. The insurance adjuster had to declare it a loss, but it did the job it was supposed to do. Were going back for another.

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  Nice Performance SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Austin - April 6 - 3:23 pm

  Relax and enjoy the drive. Great drive, great power. A tremendous high performance vehicle.

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  Very comfortable yet rugged vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By rs_rogers - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Had this truck for 16 months and can say that I really have no big complaint. I am very pleased with it. Extremely comfortable and capable for city and highway driving - as well as the roughest backcountry you can find. Seems like a very solid, safe vehicle. Very tight turning radius and easy to park.

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  Very Nice True Off-Road Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By BigRed1 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  No problem at all with stability or power issues. As nice as it looks, this is a real off-road vehicle, not an enlarged autobahn sportscar like the X5. The steering and braking systems are a true pleasure to use, along with the Sportronic gear shifter. The field- of-view is outstanding. Unbelievably roomy for passengers in back(forget that 3rd row seat, use the space for lots of gear). Fog lights and big windows work great in low visiblity conditions.

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  dd - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Robert Ostean - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the truck..would def buy another.. have never even come close to tipping this thing over and if it had a problem with tipping, i wouldve experienced already.....

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  Will miss Monteros - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DWHOUSES - March 3 - 11:33 pm

  This is my 4th Montero. I take them to about 150,000 miles & get another one. They are bulletproof, luxurious, reasonably economical (I get a solid 18 MPG) and distinctive looking. I will be ready for another in 2008 and am devasted that they arent made any more. I cant think of any other SUV that provided the space, quality, comfort and style for anywhere near the price. Its a LandCruiser for 2/3rds the price.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RobDel - March 2 - 4:50 pm

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it with 52000 miles on it and it now has 122000 miles with out any major or minor repairs. Vehicle rides great, fun to drive, gets good gas mileage and is an all around great SUV. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. In fact I will buy another one when I wear this one out.

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  Love my limited montero - great for moms - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By lxc - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I really appreciate that I can stow the rear seat under the floor and gain that cargo space And I love being able to expand seating capacity so easy. I totally disagree that the rear seat is useless My kids love it Lets face it Im not going to drive cross country with an adult back there but who would The seats flip very easily to get the kids in and out Its great on the highway and around town And its not so big that I need a flagger to get me into a parking space Its great for lugging the kids their stuff and friends around and looks great not the mother ship (aka minivan) and its not like driving a grayhound (Giant SUV)