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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  No surprise why named KING OF OFFROAD - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bigk - December 8 - 10:16 pm

  The ride is so luxurious almost non-SUV like. The quality of material used is superior to all other vehicles in its class. For the price you will be happier than the Acura, Lexus RL300 and by all means happier than pathfinder, 4runner, explorer.... Test drive one for yourself and see the difference. I bought it on great reviews. Countries like Australia and China use this as their offroad vehicle of choice.

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  Montero - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Kloonce - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero is an exciting SUV both in style and performance. The interior componants are well placed and luxurious. They are comparable to the high end auto makers (Lexus, Infinity, Cadillac, etc.) I tend to disagree with the perception that the performance of the truck is limited by the size of the engine. It works for me. Good pick up and stays on the road.

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  Great Vehicle, Great Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By floridamonty - November 21 - 11:03 pm

  We bought our 2002 Montero XLS used in Dec. 2005 and are coming up soon on a year of ownership. We love the way it drives and it has plenty of power to tow my 4,000 lb. trailer when we go camping. We looked at plenty of other SUVs, but the used cost of these are so low when compared that you really get a lot of bang for your buck on this. The bad news for me...my wife gets to drive it most of the time and Im stuck with our 2dr SUV (though Im actually in the process of looking for another used Montero to replace the 2dr SUV I have to drive).

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  Montero Delivers - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By radio - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This rig has been a blast to drive. You wont find a bigger sunroof. Great warranty. Monteros fit in the garage; yet roomier than most other bigger models that cant. Sleek, cool, sophisticated dash. Great visiblity. Awesome stereo and handling. Terrific value for the money. Distincitve styling. Doesnt look like every other SUV on the road

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  excellent vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By sad - October 6 - 2:00 am

  what a vehicle to own

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  Wifey had to have it - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By South Tex - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Now I just love it too. 14 months of pure bliss. We thought we wanted a Sequoia, but we drove this home because we LIKED IT BETTER and it was considerably less. I find the thrid row seating fine for our infrequent use. THe styling sets it apart from everything else on the road. I just love the thing. Wish it got a little better milage.

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  real 4x4 - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Bob TN - August 25 - 9:30 pm

  Forget jeeps or land rovers, the Montero is better offroad than any car Ive ever been in. The 3.5L engine coupled with its five speed auto gets 0-60 in 7 to 8 seconds. I have never had one single issue with it in 95,000 miles. great truck, with ultra low axle ratio, my Montero can light up tires in 2wd but only hovers around 12 and 16 mpg

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Stephen R - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been my first SUVs and after lookng at several this one suited my needs in terms of having a good amount of space and not spending the money for an Escalade or Navigator. It is a very comftorable ride and isnt as bad on gas as some other larger SUVs. I am a little dissapointed in the overall handling for highway driving and I think they could improve the 3rd row seating.

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  The best - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By THE BEST - July 4 - 4:00 pm

  At time of purchase we lived at 3800 feet in a ski resort and operated an inn. This vehicle served all purposes very well. In 42,972 miles I used 2529 gallons of 87 octane gasoline. That figures almost 17 mpg overall. Large moon roof was super for photography standing in rear seat area.

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  Best SUV yet! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Clara - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Montero Limited and will keep buying as long as they are made! The comfortable, quiet ride, great turning radius, and dependability are wonderful. Dont believe any negative reviews. Great cargo space and seats 7 people very comfortably. The quality is better than you will find in any upscale SUV.