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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  Lovin my Mitzu! - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By schaefer - February 13 - 3:56 pm

  I absolutely love the way my SUV looks. I drive around town, carting my 3 girls here and there. There is plenty of room, and I get tons of compliments from males and females. My husband added some sporty wheels which really finished the look. The only complaint I would have is that the side step rail is too thin. It is harder to use than to just hop out on your own. My favorite thing about it would have to be the HUGE sunroof! I just love it, and so do the kids! We cant wait to drive it to Florida this summer.

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  Test drive - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Leod - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I just got the Limited for the test drive. I like the way the vehicle looks, but I expected the interior quality to be a little bit better, especially the plastics and the switches on the front doors. I would prefer the spare tire to be stored somewhere else, because it makes the vehicle look a bit too long. The driving was good, acceleration and handling was sufficient. For me this vehicle is a little to big, but at the other hand the gas milage is comparable to my Grand Cherokee with I6 engine.

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  Great for off roading & passenger riding too - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Klpm - December 3 - 7:45 pm

  This has been a good running car. Interior comfort is good but 3 row seat is tight for adults but grandkids fit ok. Love the off road capabilities. Have taken it places & have never had to use more than high 4. Gas mileage is not great. Average 15 miles around town. Overall look is a little quirky but there is excellent visability all around with no blind spots. Windows appear slightly larger than other SUVs. Too bad Mitsubishi quick making this model.

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  Love it - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By cdub - September 13 - 1:13 pm

  We were about to throw our hat into the MDX sweepstakes but could not stomach the extra five grand (as well as the yupster appeal) Except for gas mileage, could not have made a better decision. Solid in snow and rain, nice ride, ton of space, very nice interior elements, intuitive gauges, great seats, nice stereo and 0% financing closed the deal. Take a very hard look at look at what you get for the $$ when you compare to Explorer Eddie Bauer and Envoy)

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  Rompn Monty - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Rompn Monty - July 29 - 2:00 am

  After 36k miles and 1.5 years of ownership, all I can say is that I am glad I chose the Montero. The dealer did replace the moulding on the drivers side passenger door (the drivers door was pinching the moulding). The brakes have a tendancy to "glaze" after 6k miles. When the brakes are clean, this thing can stop like it ran over super glue. An inherent problem with every Monty (new body) is that there is a whirle/rattle sound from under the car when you are stopped and the car is in park. The dealer thought it was a rock guard. It turns out that it was some pulley tension mechanism in the engine that they are going to replace.

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  Loving this truck! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Peter Rosas - July 27 - 6:12 am

  I bought this 2002 Montero Limited with 115,000 miles on it, I have put 2000 miles on it so it now has 117,000 it was well taken care of, carfax didnt have a lot of info on it but inside the glove box there was a lot of info from the previous owner. That was my deciding factor. Its quite on the freeway, it has plenty of power to merge on the freeway, viability is also really good. The seats are comfortable too, and best of all the family is happy, my wife wants to steal it from me. It did have 2 manufacture recalls, one on the headlights and one for the gas tank if the vehicle should roll over. Both fixed by the dealer, I had them check out the suspension, shocks and everything else, they said it was all original but that everything was in perfect working order. A lot of people complain about milage, and I will say its not the best, but Im good with it, especially with gas prices here in Phoenix at 221. for premium. Id buy it again.

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  Good SUV, but a few small things... - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bgov1 - July 15 - 5:40 am

  I purchased this car at auction from someone who took very good care of it. bought with around 60-70k, now have 89k miles. Eats gas- on a long trip I got 14 mpg with the standard off road tires it comes with- which make for a rough, kind of loud ride. GREAT car in snow! Can plow through just about anything you give it. Great through mud, over logs, and some water! As another person mentioned, the front right bearing went out. The glove box comes loose and rattles around, especially in very cold weather. The headliner scratches VERY easily. and the seat belt clips that hold the belts in the third row (from banging around) break off VERY easily if you dont remember to take belts out.

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  A Good Choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By corcione - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Powerful and sturdy. The heavy weight and wide track keeps the vehical glued to the road. Rear spare tire sticks out further than the bumper, which makes it vulnerable to even a slow 5 to 10 MPH bumper bash. This vulnerability could cause major damage to the rear door even at slow speeds. Over all a great choice. However, all SUVs are over priced and that is the fault of customer demand. If customers were not willing to the pay big bucks, then prices would be lower.

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  You get your moneys worth - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By pratman - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for just about a year now. The ride is very comfortable, the performance is uncanny, and the looks are..well..worth a thousand words. Great buy..!!

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  An SUV to consider - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mitsudriver - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice Styling graceful looks and commanding cabin