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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  merry christmas - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By blkdog - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I reasearched suvs for ayear or so. I always came back to the montero. In terms of price and size, and style, and the stares you get this is the best suv on the planet. who cares about going fast. The v-6 is adequate for me to get from point a to b.all the large suv are expensive compared to what i got on the limited. you dont need any props with the monty. it is already packaged. would buy another one. signed enough research! just do it

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  OK SUV, 12 mpg, Poor Mitsubishi Warranty Work - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Tundrapie - August 25 - 11:50 pm

  Major gripe first. My Montero had its paint applied very poorly from the factory around the rear window. The dealer acknowledge the problem. Mitsubishi corporate though said since it was after the normal warranty period they would not be able to pay for a fix even though it was faulty workmanship from the factory. That cost me several hunder dollars to fix on my own. Frankly I wouldnt buy another Mitsubishi because of this. Moving on, this is a very fun SUV to drive offroad, but it is as slow as molasis on road. 5 speed auto helps up to 50 then it just crawls. Abysmal gas mileage. Im a stickler for these things and mine gets 8 mpg city and 16 highway (22 mpg if I drive 55 mph!). Overall 12.

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  Dependability - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ray - August 12 - 10:26 pm

  I love this vehicle. I have 167,000 miles on this vehicle. The only money spent was on general maintenance items. No break downs or repairs. The timing belt is supposed to be changed every 60,000 miles, but I changed after 90,000 miles and only once thus far.I change oil every 6,000 miles. it does seem to take about a quart of oil every 2,000 miles.I purchased this vehicle with 27,000 miles on it.

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  Quarter million and still truckin - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By fritzknaak - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  I had to step up from a sedan back in 02 to handle kids. Got this and have never looked back. Seemed pricey at the time, with the full boat extra package I got, but Ive never owned a vehicle in my life thats given me more value back in quality. Ive burned through 5 sets of tires, more oil changes than I can count (its now starting to take a quart every 5k or so). Ive replaced bearings in the front on both sides and a muffler after 200k. Ive used it hard and it keeps on trucking. Ill be crossing the 250k threshold in a month or so, God willing. I truly wish Mitsubishi was still making these. Id get another in a heartbeat.

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  Great Family SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Montero Mac - July 16 - 9:13 am

  Very fun to drive! Quality is outstanding needs a bit more horsepower. If you are planning to tow a large boat or camper youll be disappointed.Great taxi for moms.

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  Excellent Vehicle!!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Sandman308 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Mitsubishi Montero the very day Consumer Reports rated it as "unacceptable". Would I make the same purchase again? ABSOLUTELY!!! I love my Montero. It drives like a dream. The comfort is second to none. The best part of being a Montero owner though is its look...I have had more people come up and tell me what an awesome looking vehicle I have. I love, love, love my Montero!

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  2002 Montero XLS - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Robert Walker - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because of its off road capabilities and I have not been disapointed. However a plastic panel has broken off with no other damage to show cause. The exterior of the truck cannot withstand off road trauma. The dealer says neglect and I say defective design. I lose.........

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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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  Good and Bad - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RickAS - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Plush, loaded with features, good looking, but gutless, prone to premature tire wear, bad gas mileage.

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  take a second look - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By saedid - May 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd montero but will probably be my last. The vehicle is unpowered and has lot of engine noise, the doors wont stay open, tires make for poor handling, and you feel and hear every little bump in the road. The whole dash vibrates significantly and rattles. The car seems to have very little insulation to keep out highway noise from noisy tires. Taken car to dealer about rattles, etc. but they say it normal. If this is normal Ill put my money elsewhere, maybe. I probably cant though because Ive had the car nine months and it is worth about $14,000.00 less than what I paid originally. My wifes 02 gmc envoy blows the montero away.