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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  Good bang for the buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dcmooreesq - August 15 - 5:40 pm

  Bought my 2003 Montero used (driven 1 year), so took advantage of a great price cut. Was in virtually new condition. Well put together, workmanship is very good. Runs great. V6 has adequate power for me, I dont tow. Fuel economy is okay for an SUV. Very reliable and roomy. I rarely go offroad, but this thing is one of the more capable stock 4x4s. Handles snow and dirt just fine. The Infinity radio system is okay. Controls and gauges are well laid out. For what I paid, Im very happy. Too bad Mitsu has decided to stop selling the Monty in the US.

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  Like the Montero Sport Lmtd AWD - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Margot - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Had mine since June. Its done great and worked for every need weve had so far--big trips, urban commutes, hauling kayaks, plants, groceries, pets. Only wish is for better gas mileage, which holds for any midsize or larger SUV.

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  Never Again - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By majic - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I will never own a SUV like this one again. The gas mileage is terrible. When cursing on the Expressway at 85 mph the engine is reving at almost 4,00 rpm. that third row seat is useless, even to small children... The Depreciation is terrible.

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  Happy with my 01 - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dookie! - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 01 XLS 4spd in 11/01 due to the rep. of earlier Montys and a 0% loan. ~66k miles later despite a few faults Im quite pleased. The bad: Needs more power. Towing ~3500lbs of car/trailer Im thankful for climbing lanes! ~17mpg avg. w/OEM tires (~15 now w/265/75LT ATs). Excessive driveline lash. Plastic skidplates. Resale is miserable, but Ill be keeping it. Local dealer network sucks. The good: Not a single problem (Im diligent about maintenance). Brakes went ~55k and work very well (better w/aftermarket pads & fluid). Great ride and handling. Killer sunroof! *Very* capable offroad, but Ive installed real skidplates, 2" OME lift, and tires

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  REPLACE SENSOR AND REAR HEATING PIPE - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By CYRIL - July 12 - 10:00 am

  STARTED HAVING MINOR PROBLEMS FROM 25K MILES.AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES THE SUV BROKE DOWN. THE DEALER INFORMED ME HAT MY REAR HEATING HOSE BROKE CAUSING THE ANTIFREEZE TO WASTE CAUSING OVERHEATING AND ENGINE DAMAGE. SHORTLY BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTT OFF, I INSPECTED MY THERMOSTAT DISPALY FOR ANY OF TROULBLE WITH OVERHEATING- EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. THE THERMOSTAT HAD FAILED! MITSI DENIED MY CLAIM ON THE GROUND THAT EVEN THOUGH THE POWERTRAIN WAS COVERED, THE REAR HOSE PIPE THAT BROKE WAS NOT COVERED. MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT MITSHI.USED A PLASTIC PIPE TO CONNECT THE REAR HEATING PIPE TO THE EVER-HOT RADIATOR. THUS ANY EXTENDED USAGE OF THE REAR HEATING WOULD NATURALLY CAUSE A DAMAGE. I AM SUEING

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  Review Title - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Macho - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Handles badly in bad weather.

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  140k later - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Brian John - June 26 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this with 17k on it, the dealer had replaced the brakes already. At the time it was the only 7 passenger SUV built on a car frame. It drives great but eats brakes and tires. Gas mileage is 18-22 with less aggressive road tires. I had an issue with the antifreeze disappearing because of a broken cheap plastic T that hooked up to the rear heat. This blew out the cam seals. Right front wheel bearings exploded under 100k. Overall, a good family truckster that should go another 150.

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  My first foreign buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Todd2 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Would buy again, and really like the rate/incentives thru Mitsu Motors. Distinct style going down the road. Great climate controls cruise and stereo. Needs a little more front leg room. Interior trim on doors and seats coming off and loose. Love the hiding third row seat (dont use it much anyway). Needs a V-8. Oil change is very difficult.

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  The BEST truck in the snow!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By PHISH - June 5 - 11:10 am

  I bought a 2001 Montero in 2005 w/42,000 miles on it. We just traded it in with 84000 miles because we just needed a change. It was the best truck I have ever had. Lots of room, comfortable ride, amazing in the snow, great ground clearance, great on the highway and the 01 seems like its faster than an 05 I recently drove.The only major expensive was the timing belt at 70,000 miles but my ex. warranty picked it up. I would recommend this truck to anyone and would buy it again. If youre in the market for one... Dont let the miles on this truck fool you. I would buy one with 100,000 miles on it in a heartbeat.

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  Bang for the buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ABS - May 27 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Montero my choice was clear, and I was spotted that day! My trade was dying and I needed an SUV fast. When the salesman showed me the fold into a bed seats it blew my mind! If Mitsubishi would advertise it more I know it would be a top seller.