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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  Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dubb28 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were initially loking at Tahoe, Expedition, Denali, Navigator. Tested the Limited fell in love. Mitsu sales/service outstanding. Got a fabolous deal on new 02. Features match the top of line SUV with a better price. Plenty of room, handles great, and can be taken everywhere from shopping, to the park, to off roading and camping to a night on town.

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  For some reason... we love this thing. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Shifty - July 7 - 5:03 am

  Its a lumbering, slow, hulking SUV - therefore, its everything I should hate to see sitting in my driveway. As die-hard VW owners for many years, we never quite understood the SUV thing but always liked the Monteros we saw on the road. When our second child came along we wanted a vehicle that could carry our entire family plus luggage and/or friends, but it still had to be fun (read: capable off-road). Suddenly the SUV made sense and we bought a Montero. Its been a great truck and we plan on keeping it for years to come.

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  Unique, Fun SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Beetle - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Montero. Also owned an 89 and a 94. Quality and Confort are great. New larger 3.7 litre engine is a big improvement. This is a HEAVY vehicle you feel safe in. Had it for about 4 weeks - and im not disappointed. A quality built and unique looking SUV.

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  Exnlt choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By twinn - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I read reviews that the Montero lacked power. Well, I am a senior citizen who no longer has to drive every vehicle like it is a Porsche. This vehicle has enough power for me. However, during mountain driving, the 5 speed auto will down shift to lower gears and it is a bit sluggish. Gas mileage is not that great, but it is an SUV and none of them get good gas mileage. The third row seat is not intended for adults to get in and out; it is for children or very flexible adults.

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  Montero miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Fairlane500_1957 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  With less then 1,000 miles on my new Montero I feel I have a few things to point out. I like the way this vehicle handles tight turning radius, firm ride, good power. Im anxious to see how it does pulling my camper. Its rated for 5,000 pounds towing and my camper only weighs 2,200 so it should pull it with ease. But well see when we hit the mountains. Thats the only concern that I had was the V-6 having the power I needed.

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  Great SUV!! Best Exterior Design! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By John G - March 29 - 3:30 pm

  I love my Montero XLS! Unbeatable exterior design and its attractive and practical on the inside too. Engine is powerful for a 3.8L V6 and the self-select 4WD has 4 settings for different driving conditions. Very comfortable and solid ride. Awesome sounds system and 3rd row seat. Good value versus the competition. I chose the Montero over the Pilot and 4Runner because of its styling, true 4WD feature and overall quality and value for money.

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  Pedigree... - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DakarFan - March 28 - 10:00 am

  How many SUVs can really claim the Paris-Dakar title. In the 2002 season alone, BMW X5; Mercedes ML-320, 430, 500; Land Cruiser etc. did not even come close. Top 6 positions were Monteros/Pajeros. The rest of the world knows what Im talkin about. The Aussies named it the best SUV in 2001, and they know their "outback". Around town its drives better than the 97 LS I used to own. Yes, it does need more power for its weight. So, I changed the cat-back exhaust and intake system. Now, I eat Ford Explorers alive! Now, if I could only get a hold on Ralliart suspensions....

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  4th Time around - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 4thOne Bought - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Montero - each traded at 100000-125000 miles. Each has been extremely reliable, particularly off road. Highway ride is smooth although this new one seems louder than my previous 98. With the 3rd seat out the rear is a cavern. The second seat is comfortable even on long trips. Even with the new larger engine it still seems a bit underpowered off the line but cruises effortlesly on the turnpikes. The 2 wheel/4 wheel/all wheel drive system is the best anywhere that I have experienced. It has the feel, fit and finish of a LandCruiser for a lot less money. This is a very underrated vehicle in the US.

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  Love my Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By momof3 - March 2 - 6:13 am

  I have owned my Montero XLS for 6 years and I have never regretted my purchase. Today I have 3 kids currently in car seats and my oldest (age 6) sits in the 3rd row. Because the car seats in the 2nd row stay there permanently I let my son in and out using the rear door which has never been an issue. I love all the space especially the tall roof. It is perfect for my husband who is over 6 ft tall. He borrowed my truck today and as I admired it as it drive off I thought "Wow-I still love my truck!" It has 96000 miles on it and I have never had any mechanical problems ever! It has good pick up, it is a quiet ride, and has tons of storage when the third row is tucked away. I love it!

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  ron montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ronlin - February 28 - 10:00 am

  great suv , plenty of room, power, greatr visibility from within, huge sun roof, third roe seat is good for separating the kids