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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  misubishi montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By carl luck - June 21 - 2:00 am

  the montero does everthing i want an suv to do. it,s easy to drive for my wife and is useful to her also. i like it for not only looks, but for convience for using for work, such as getting items in and out of the suv is not to big or to small it is just right.

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  My Second Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Curt - June 17 - 1:03 am

  I searchd for months before I decided on my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. My 1995 Montie was totaled by a drunk. I was able to get the Limited model which has just enough features for me. I tow with it and use it in the New England snow. I also like that there are not a million of these on the road, at least not in the US.

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  Better Than the Rest - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Greg Sampson - June 2 - 4:53 pm

  Ive driven my Montero for over 33,000 miles now and love it as much as the day I bought it. The exterior styling is attractive and the interior is just plain beautiful with high quality materials and design layout. It will haul a ton of gear with the back seats down and go almost anywhere. I am pleased with the acceleration, braking, handling and fuel economy (about 21 mpg on long trips). Check it on Edmunds.com against the other 2003 competition, like the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Chevy (any of their SUVs), Nissan Pathfinder and even Toyota 4Runner. None rate higher in customer satisfaction. It is just an overall better vehicle. I have never had a problem with it.

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  Great decision to get one - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By jun - May 31 - 5:06 pm

  Its really a great experience for having a Montero which I just get 2 weeks ago. Ive been driving my daughters new Pilot, and its so amazing to know & feel the driving comfort of my 2004 Montero almost the same.

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  Montero Limited - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By L. Sandoval - May 17 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this Montero brand new. Zero mechanical problems to date. Good first time Japanese car owner experience. I would recommend this truck to anybody looking for a good reliable SUV in this category. Truck has not been to the dealer not even once for repairs or under warranty. Third row seat is good enough for the kids and nephews.

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  More than esctatic - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dplumley - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After testing about 10 SUVs (and no worthy candidates for purchase in sight), I was immediately hooked on the Montero Limited. After owning it for 5 months, I love it even more than the day I drove it off the lot! It drives as smooth and fun as it looks, and is also as tough and well engineered as it looks (tested this in a serious collision - I walked away without a scratch thanks to the excellent impact absorbtion design). I have no idea why reviews of this vehicle are poor. I already plan, in 12 years, to trade this one in for whatever Montero Limited exists at that time. I only hope the price is as good then as it is now!!!!

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  Love my Monty - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Monty Lover - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Truthfully there are only two minor things that Id say. The engine really doesnt give you enough zing when you want to accelerate hard. And its gas mileage doesnt make me exactly "excited". That said, more power would decrease the gas mileage even more. And while this IS an SUV, I knew what I was getting into when it comes to paying at the pump before I purchased it. Want higher mileage, get a compact!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Betsey and Keith - April 29 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at an Explorer and a Cherokee and the Montero and found this one-year old Montero Limited. We loved driving it, got it for a good price and decided we wanted it. I went from driving a Firebird to this so I am very pleased with the head/leg room. I LOVE the exterior look (one thing I couldnt convince my husband on about the explorer). It has adequate get-up-and-go and manages very nicely. We love it, couldnt ask for a better SUV.

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  Trust mitsu engines. - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Chapin - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I come from another country Guatemala, where mitsubishi trucks are popular, Ive known owners with trucks from the late 70s and still those guys will not let go those trucks. I enjoyed my 1995 and now my 2001 montero, I wish those trucks will have more power and better gas mileage. I know this montero will last long, long years of good performance and few problems.

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  GOooo Monty - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dukiedog - April 5 - 10:00 am

  this monty is a joy to drive around town or long tours. Were looking forward to along trip off road. Fit, finish and pricing by Mitsubishi is superb.