Years
The Mitsubishi Montero is a body-on-frame SUV that served as Mitsubishi's flagship four-wheel-drive vehicle in export markets, where it was sold alongside the smaller Montero Sport. Produced in four generations from 1982 to 2009, it was known as the Pajero in Japan and several other markets. The model used a ladder-frame chassis with part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive systems, giving it strong off-road capability. Typical strengths included durable mechanicals, generous interior space, and competitive towing capacity for its class.
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors traces its origins to 1917, when Mitsubishi Shipbuilding produced the Model A, Japan's first series-production passenger car, and the automotive operations were formally established as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company built a reputation for all-wheel-drive engineering through rally successes with the Pajero in the Dakar Rally and the Lancer Evolution in the World Rally Championship, and it introduced the GDI engine in 1996 as one of the first gasoline direct injection systems in mass production. It also produced the i-MiEV, an early mass-market electric vehicle, and the Outlander PHEV, a widely sold plug-in hybrid, though a 2016 fuel-economy testing scandal damaged its reputation and resulted in Nissan acquiring a controlling stake in the company.
Model: Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero is a body-on-frame SUV that served as Mitsubishi's flagship four-wheel-drive vehicle in export markets, where it was sold alongside the smaller Montero Sport. Produced in four generations from 1982 to 2009, it was known as the Pajero in Japan and several other markets. The model used a ladder-frame chassis with part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive systems, giving it strong off-road capability. Typical strengths included durable mechanicals, generous interior space, and competitive towing capacity for its class.
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2002-2004For 2002, the Montero received a mild restyling with updated front-end trim, while carrying over its 3.5L V6 engine and Super Select four-wheel drive system with only minor equipment changes through 2004. The model was discontinued from the U.S. market after the 2004 model year. Common service considerations include interval-based timing belt replacement on the 3.5L V6, along with periodic transmission and transfer case fluid changes. As these vehicles age, brake, suspension, and four-wheel-drive components typically require closer inspection and more frequent wear-item replacement.