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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  The best SCV for such a price - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Max Donlero - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Look, Im just a kid thats crazy about cars. I chose this vehicle because its a great 1. Its big, roomy, very attractive exterior (front). It is powerfull, Japanese maker, and it has foldown rear back seats! The comfort of the front seats is really excellent, the milage is really okay for a truck. Its just the best vehicle for the family for less then 40000!!!!!!

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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)

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  My best SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By donwoj - January 27 - 9:03 am

  I now have 126,000 miles on my Montero Limited. I have not had a single problem with it. It is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. I need a good off road vehicle that is comfortable for my daily commute. The Montero is awsome off road. I put around 1,000 off pavement miles on it annually and it kicks butt. It was born to be driven in dirt, mud, and snow. It has great storage. I take the third seat out and use the compartment for storing camping and hunting gear year round. I cant get rid of it because it still feels new. My dilema is that they will quit making them after 2006. I made up my mind that I will always own one, but I guess Mitsubishi messed that up for me.

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  Love My Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ray - January 16 - 12:36 am

  I rented a 2006 white Mitsubishi Montero SUV in Fort Lauderdale in October 2005 for 4 days. I fell in love with the entire structure and feel about this beautiful vehicle. The funny thing is that I didnt want to rent a SUV, I wanted a luxury car to drive on my vacation. I week after I got home I purchased a new 2006 Mitsubishi Montero for myself. I love it.

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  Great all around vehicle! - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Shirley Price - January 13 - 5:50 pm

  Tired of being pelted with cigarettes, pushed around by wind, and being srayed with garbage truck stuff I traded in my 2004 Toyota MR2 Spider for a Mitsubishi Montero Limited. The Limited has great pick up, a luxury car ride, and every creature comfort. I no longer fear aggressive / distraced drivers, bad weather, not so safe neighborhoods, or buying too many groceries. Its gas mileage isnt great, but I knew this before purchase. My cost for insurance was a surprise, I guess the rate assumes if I were to hit something it will be flattened. Maybe thats why I like her so much; the Montero is a great mixture of luxury, beauty and brawn.

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  Montero rocks - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dave Ratliff - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The best midsize suv on the planet. Kicks @$$!!!!!!!!

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  We like it - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Patricia Ansell - January 13 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun, sporty car to drive. Very comfortable with lots of luggage space. The only thing I dont like is that the back seat is not easy to put flat. It has alot of little storage places, and shopping bags have a holder so that they dont dump all over the back of the car. Interior is very nice. In fact, it is so nice that we havent allowed the dogs in yet, and they are the reason we bought an SUV.

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  I love my Montero !!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RJC - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Just sold my 1995 Montero with 150000 miles... not one repair of significance. Traded in for a new one because I could not resist the beautiful design and the price / value realtionship!

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  A fun car to Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jenks46 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive, I truly love it in fact its been one of my best cars ever. I had a dodge Caravan that I loved and now I dont know what I was thinking I have found my true love in cars, its just great.

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  Monty Number 3 - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Winston - January 11 - 6:13 pm

  It is funny how Montero owners tend to be fanatics about their trucks. It is also strange when reading complaints from "experts." Anyway, I love this truck. Not too big, not too small, Beautifull Interior, awesome stereo. Enough power for me. True truck but still has a great ride because of unibody construction and 4 wheel independant construction. Overpriced when new, unless you get a big discount. Funny thing, like the other reviewer I have 95 which has been incredibley reliable and is a big reason why I purchased a new one.