The Mitsubishi Montero Is an Alternative Land Cruiser 

It’s worth sitting through all Doug’s boring super car reviews, because every once in a while he drops a gem like this one and it makes it all worth while :)

Mitsubishi Pajero won the Paris Dakar 12 times, among others every year from 2001 to 2007. It got into the Guinness Book for this achievement. These were (and still are) awesome platforms for serious off-roading.

8:21 The transfer case system on this is called Super-Select, the 2H and 4H are both usable for everyday driving. This system allows you to shift from 2wd to 4wd up to 65 miles per hour. The transfer case uses a center differential, this makes the system more like an all wheel drive system. The 4HLc and 4 LLc is a center differential lock the makes it a true 4x4 system. This is selectable while moving but under 5 mph. The SR trim level had a rear air locking differential.

In Spain, Mitsubishi renamed it from Pajero to Montero during the second year of its existence. The reason was straightforward: "pajero" in the Spanish language (of Spain) literally means "wanker," and nobody wants to buy a car with that connotation. A Montero, on the other hand, refers to someone who organizes "monterías," a form of hunting. The Mitsubishi Montero was quite popular in Spain, while the name Shogun was reserved for the highest trim level.

Doug the kind of guy that trips over a wireless controller

We had one of these when I was a kid and it saved my life. We got in a 65mph head on collision that sent our Montero flipping head over heels 3 times and landing onto another car. My father was a cop at the time and heard the call over the radio as a fatality accident. We all walked away without a scratch.

Additional quirks 1. The left rear passenger door needs to be slammed shut harder versus other doors, even compared against the right rear door 2. The right rear bumper piece "droops" lower vs the left rear bumper piece 3. When it has it equipped, the 3-way adjustable shock absorbers are a treat 4. If you had a liquid filled inclinometer in the center stack, it will eventually leak (lol) 5. There are 2 doors underneath the middle row seats. Nornally you had the bottle jack and rods for it stowed there 6. For a 4x2 variant, the space for the gear lever made for a nice cubbyhole of sorts 7. You can fold flat the seats to make a bed. Never did try it though

These were extremely common in Puerto Rico, but they were both larger than most other cars offered in PR at the time, and were easy to steal - as a result, lots of parking garages had Montero only parking spots that were closer to security cameras and had taller ceilings.

We actually owned the face-lifted model of this vehicle with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel. I think the reason why the rear door had its own handle and lock is that some markets (like ours) had sideways facing seats (as opposed to the forward-facing ones in this vehicle). Four people can sit in the third row (instead of two), so having that rear-door handle and lock just made getting in an out so much easier. I love this car so much.

I love the Mitsubishi Pajero (The name of the Montero at my country, Brazil). It's just a really cool car. I honestly think that it's better than the Land Cruiser. Old Mitsubishis are awesome!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane Doug. My parents had 3 of these when I was a kid. First a SWB V6, then a LWB diesel, then finally a facelift LWB 2.8 diesel with the flared wheel arches. They were great cars in the 90’s.

Monteros are definitely unknown to most off road buyers, which is a good thing us enthusiast to get one at reasonable prices. These old school SUVs are bullet proof. The first gen has an amazing and fuel efficient 4 cylinder that is torquey and nearly indestructible! The 2nd gen is bigger and also very reliable. That's why you see them all over the place in Puerto Rico with rough roads and lots of mountains where any car takes a beating and few American cars survive. If u can find a first gen two door in good condition, restore it, lift it with big tires, fog lights, and new off road seats, you've got a hidden gem that'll last forever (and no one else will have one at any trail you visit)

Doug is the kind of guy who can inflate the cost of one of the last cheaper niche off-road vehicles with a single video title.

My dad bought a 97 Mitsubishi montero in 2004 but gave it away to friend around early December 2021. Throughout the years we had this beast, we managed to put over 360,000 miles and it’s still pushing strong till this day. That V6 is a tank, hardly had any engine issues with it. Incredible vehicle

This is one of the most capable vehicles ever, the last gen was brilliant off-road, the only problem that the last gen has is ground clearance, its little brother the Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport is also very capable, it's an SUV version of the Triton/Strada/L200 Pick-up truck that competes with the Hilux and it's SUV version the Fortuner.

We own all 3 generations of Monteros that were sold in the US. 89 LS, 98 Winter package and 02 Limited. They are absolutely awesome and great SUVs. Great video!

Our family vehicle growing up was a gold 1995 Montero with a stick shift. I think just a few made it into the US that year! I loved sitting the the rear jump seats. It was also shockingly off-road capable from the factory, especially compared to the Explorers and Grand Cherokees it was competing against.

Finally! Underrated cars. These were true status symbols here in Germany in the 90s

Here in the Philippines, we also call this vehicle PAJERO and was the best selling SUV from the 80s til the early 2000s, with the latter being the "Fieldmaster" variant. When the "Montero Sport" version came sometime in 2008, it also became among the best selling SUVs in the market (rivaling the Toyota Fortuner). Back in the 90s, the Pajero reigned supreme, for it's also a status symbol for most Filipinos. The only close "rival" that I could think of back then was the bulkier Nissan Patrol Safari.

I have a 1993 Montero that I inherited from my dad. He bought it new off the lot and was his baby for many years. Great memories of going on trails and him picking me up from elementary school in it. As we got older, we both used and abused it hard. It's on its second engine and third transmission now, and honestly needs a restoration to get into similar shape to the one in this video. I feel honored that I can continue keeping his Montero in my family and strengthen the legacy. What a badass vehicle!

Mitsubishi stopped making the Montero/Pajero in 2021. Kind of crazy that they ceased production in a world that is obsessed with cross-overs and SUV's. I believe the 3rd gen Montero/Pajero was the first serious off-roader that switched to fully independent suspension with a monocoque design with integrated ladder frame in 1999 before even Land Rover also made the switch to independent suspension and monocoque design in 2001.

You're going to send me into nostalgia overload - our family had a dark green '96 LS Montero for almost a decade. It's technically the first car I ever drove down our cul-de-sac as a kiddo.

If you see this car, RUN!! you will wind up going to work on time for 45 years. What a great little car

Great video, as always, Doug. The A/T Mode switch isn't a "sport mode" or "power switch". It simply disables first gear. Mitsubishi recommends using it especially on snow or ice to make it easier to start out from a dead stop. We have a Montero Sport, which also had this feature. It's actually a great feature to have in a wintry climate like ours here in Indiana. We use it frequently anytime there's especially slippery snow and ice. Would love to see you eventually review the Montero Sport as well, which was also an amazingly capable SUV with the exact same engine choices. If the Montero appeals to you, but you want something that has better highway manners, looks a little more handsome and has a lower roofline than I recommend a good look at the Montero Sport as well. Having owned both the 3.0L and 3.5L engine variants, I must say that the 3.5L is worth looking for. The 3.0L is a great engine, but it is SLOW!

They're everywhere in back home in Australia and I took mine everywhere all my friends land cruisers, patrols and Hiluxes went, no issues. Incredibly underrated offroader, no idea how they didn't take off here in the US

In Finland most of this generation Pajeros are/were manual turbodiesels... 😀 In Europe taillights were mounted on bumper and reverse lights and rear foglights are in those upper taillights, because some regulations (sparetire blocks taillights visibilty to some direcrion) ... Always hated the look of those Euro-taillights, it was common thing to mount extra set of taillights to bumper In Europe on many 4x4's because that regulation.

Finally someone is talking about this legend of a SUV! Wish you would also cover all the other generations of this SUV.

I'm glad you covered the Montero. I've had 2 of them (a 91 1st gen and a 99 2.5 Gen). My current 99 2.5 Gen is considered the most desirable model with the blistered fenders and RR diff locker. Mine's been regeared with 4.90 gears from a Montero Sport (4Runner equivalent) and has 33" tires, Billstein dampers with OME torsion bars and coil springs, ARB bumper with winch, etc. All the bushings have been replaced, the motor's been refreshed and all the fluids have been replaced. At 171k miles, it drives like it was brand new and has excellent highway manners. It has been such a reliable and practical vehicle whenever I consider selling it, I just can't justify it at all. It's too good at what it does to get rid of.

I have a 98 montero Dakar edition. In Puerto Rico in the 90's the montero was a very popular model and even the state police used it as a patrol vehicle. Very reliable and still lots of them are on the road.

A friend of mine had one of these. Absolute panzer of a vehicle. We took it off road everywhere in Nevada. It looked like a mad max vehicle after a few years including us having a few drinks too many one day and we painted it desert camo with krylon ( came out surprisingly well) It never let us down except for the occasional flat tire. Had over 300k miles before he rolled it down a hill that should have killed him.

Hello Doug! This is one of the most unusual car review I’ve ever seen. Never in a million years I had ever thought you would review a car like this😅. I’m from Sri Lanka originally and let me tell you something. This was the land cruiser before the Land Cruiser. The mk1 (80s) and mk2 models are the cars that ruled the roads from the 80s till early 2000s. Popularized by politicians, this car was the clout or the whip. Mitsubishi was the Toyota of the 70s and they were a wonder in my country. The old lancers were considered luxury since they were the earliest to come with petrol (gasoline) engines and Mitsubishi pajeros were earliest to come with proper air conditioning at that time making Mitsubishi as market leaders. Third gen pajeros were a rich people vehicle especially by businesspeople and industrialists due to its big and chubby look. Driving this car would make people assume you’re rich and successful. It was like the g63 AMG and had a hype among rich people. But the 4th gen couldn’t be as successful as the other 3 due to its skinny look and for people hyping for Land Cruiser Prados and land cruisers. The 2nd gen has 3 nicknames (inspector model (used as a cop car), computer body (high roof model) and finally the intercooler model (one with the intercooler, the real deal and the one everyone wants)). Even though around the world this is an old car due to its condition and for Mitsubishi loosing its cool, at that time they were the clout. My dads favourite car was a lancer at the time. Just like how we have Toyotas nowadays. And doug can you do a review about ram 1500 rebel/rebel gt? This would be very helpful since I might consider buying this in Dubai/oman.

My family have owned several monteros throughout the years and currently own two of them a 00 and a 06 …and I love them. Very underrated vehicles I was born in Puerto Rico and these things are literally all over the place over.it’s a shame that they weren’t more popular here in the states.

Oh how I miss my 94 montero! What I miss most was the air suspension front seats, old-school compass and altimeter in the gauge cluster and an adjustable air suspension that tightened up the ride or loosened it depending on what you want. It was a great car…. Thanks for the memories Doug!

These were very popular here in Brazil, ours were called Pajero like the japanese ones because no one knows about the pervy conotations, even though all out neighbors speak spanish. Anyway, one thing I remember from the ones here was that they had an artificial horizon on the dash where the compass is located on this one. Like an airplane. Very cool. Love these, indestructible cars.

Glad you finally reviewed one of these Doug. I suggested this in a comment awhile back. I had a 1995 Montero LS which was awesome. Shame you couldn't find one with a stock sunroof. It was actually very large and was over the back seat. Mitsubishi's 4WD system was actually pretty advanced because you could shift from RWD to AWD to 4WD high with the differential locked all on the fly.

The power mode raises the shift points and the hold mode is for taking off in 2nd gear when the road ir trail is slippery.

I had the 1st gen and loved it. The inclinometer gauge was neat. Looks like it was eliminated in the 2nd gen. The air ride driver seat was also pretty cool. It got a lot of attention as it was so different. Closest to it was the Isuzu trooper but it was boxier and rugged looking than the Isuzu.

In New Zealand, we also had this generation available with a 2.8L turbo intercooled diesel. The one we had also had a factory switch to change the shock firmness. Was an awesome old thing

I have a 2001 XLS that I've been puttering on for the last 3 years. Dark, dark metallic green, wrapped the hood, roof, rocker panels/lower doors, and the bulging fenders in matte black, blacked out the wheels, rear side windows, and hatch, are now like black mirrors, roof rack, painted the frame black, etc. Lots of extra lights. Now I'm working on the interior. It's amazing how many people come up to me in parking lots to look at Mitzi the Beast. Drives like a wallowing truck. Handles the Minnesota winters just fine.

I had a 2.8 Turbo diesel Diamond Pack. It looked immaculate. The kids loved the 3rd row seats. They’d jump in there instead of the middle. It was parked for a year. It started first time with a new battery and ran as smoothly as usual immediately. After a service it was like new again. Bullet proof car

Doug you missed the storage cubbies below the passenger seat. Also below the 2nd row seat there are a couple cubbies for storage of the jack and optional air locker. Also you can lay all the seating flat front to back to get a car length bed !

Love the Pajero. 15:49 there's a reason why the rear door has a grab handle and lock. In some markets, these were sold with a 9 seat configuration (2 on each side) with sideways facing seats. And that meant that the rear passengers could open the door to get out. This seating configuration was pretty common till mid 2010s here in India, especially in the cab market.

I like how when he’s talking about the lights that show which wheels are getting power he uses the rav4 as an example saying you wouldn’t see that in a modern crossover but the rav4 absolutely does show you what wheels are getting power.

I LOVED selling these in the mid-90's when I worked at CarMax. Every time someone came in asking for a 4runner or Grand Cherokee but didn't have the budget, I'd steer them to the Monteros, which we always seemed to have in stock (must have been a big lease/fleet vehicle back then?). They were so cool and capable with great creature comforts and those jump seats in the back. At 60% of the cost of a comparable 4Runner (and half the price of a Disco), these flew out the door and were easy to finance. Never owned one personally but they've always had a place in my heart.

I had one of these during college in Michigan. I thought it was so classy parked in the college lot but took it off road all the time. I called it the poor-mans Land Cruiser. Mine actually had a HUGE sunroof that was mostly over the back seats which I told everyone was a "safari roof". God such a cool car.

it's always interesting to see how the Montero wasn't that popular in the USA. But in some other countries, it became a hit that they decided to make a smaller version that share some components with the L200. The big version might be gone, but you at least can buy the Sport.

I bought my fist Montero in 2011 after being fed up with LR Disco crap (as much as I love Discos) It was a 97 LS almost identical to this one but in red. Loved it right away. A year later I bought a 95 SR (the one with the 3.5L DOHC , rear air locker , adjustable suspension and fender flares) Bought it with 200K miles and after a timing belt/WP service drove it until 2018 without skipping a beat all over the mountains in Colorado. The I bought a 3rd gen (2005 Limited) for the comfort and room (3rd kid was on the way). To my surprise it was 95% as capable but way more comfortable with the independent suspension and more modern drivetrain . It is still my daily driver to this day. I also have a modern BMW X5 which is very comfortable and sportier but my Monteros are unreplaceable and when there's 3 ft of snow on the ground or want to get lost in the Mountains I know which rig to take.

I had a Mitubishi Montero sport of that same era and I loved it. The interior was great and everything was right where it should be. It was rugged and super reliable. I would buy one of these in a heartbeat.

DO THE CYBERTRUCK

The Hyundai Galloper is not a version of the Mitsubishi. It’s a different car. It was sold in small numbers here in Brasil imported from Korea. The Montero/Pajero/shogun it’s and is a big hit here. It was sold since the 2nd Gen and if I not mistaken even manufacture here both with a Gasoline and Diesel versions

Awesome.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

Thank you for reviewing this! My father bought a 1995 Montero brand new when I was younger and enjoyed many road trips in that car. Going through the interior was very nostalgic for me

the sign of a capable off road vehicle is when it has differential locking options. no matter what the exterior styling indicates; if it doesn't have diff locking options it's just a big sedan or small minivan. if you know how to manage your diff locks and your hi/lo 4x4 system right you can extricate yourself from some pretty hairy conditions without much drama.

This generation was very popular in the Italian Alps where I live, especially the two-door version with the 2800 diesel I4. Some are still around today. In Europe the tail lights were actually in the bumper due to specific regulations, leaving the reverse lights in the main cluster.

I got 3 and love them. A 1988 2 door with 500k miles, a 1990 4 door with 356k miles and a 2001 with 200k miles. I love my Jeep Gladiator but my 2 door can climb up to places that a modified Jeep will go.

I had a 1999 limited which was the same gen. but added leather everything, infinity stereo w/10 disk changer, alloy wheels, moon roof that was half the roof. I loved this SUV you could put it in 4 wheel low with the center and rear differentials locked and drive up a ski slope! Last SUV I can think of with steel bumpers.

Such a beautiful and underrated SUV.

I’d take a Montero/Pajero over a Land Cruiser/Patrol anyday. I grew up with these

I have a 3rd gen, 3.2did and it's an absolute tank. I've pulled a semi truck, climbed mountains and swum with it. Its called a Pajero here. I was amazed when I found the tool box.

My uncle had one of these when growing up. This video unlocked so many memories of family trips.

That’s like calling a timex an alternative Rolex…

Thank you, Doug, for making this video. My father bought a brand new 1993 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SR back in 93. I grew up driving this vehicle, with or without permission 😅 I have a lot of great memories of that Montero! 🥹🥲

My dad owned the same one he had the 3.5. he also owned the first generation ... I love this car

A Mitsubishi video?! *Tears of joy* You should try out the third row in a second gen Outlander. Quite a quirk.

I moved from Canada to pakistan last year and currently own a 2006 model shogun. Its got a 3.2 turbodiesel engine. This thing is amazing! I got it for almost half of what a similar year land cruiser goes for. Its taken me on many long trips and up a few mountains on almost undriveable terrain. Absolutely amazing vehicles!

Wonderful review Doug, my family and I used 9 of these over the years and they included, first, second and third generation ones. Also used a Land cruiser, Patrol and serval land rovers. All had their own magic but the Mitsubishi was where the best memories were. The model you just drove also featured a bed as the front seats fold flat into the second row which then folds flat into the third row! A neat trick for any adventure plus a decent bed for two! :)

I’m going to bring my ‘97 Hyundai Galloper back to the US when I move back. I love this thing! The 5-speed manual and 2.5L NA diesel just chugs right along.

Doug is the kind of guy...who omits to tell the viewers about this car's glorious history at dakar rally.

So underrated! I have a Gen 2 SWB variant and it’s a mad little rig. Cruise control, adjustable suspension, locking diffs. The 90’s were great for 4WDs.

The good old times when Mitsubishi built over their Dakar victories.

Great cars! My mom had one when i lived in the BVI where you needed a good 4x4 to get around the steep hills and unpaved roads. Nothing could stop it and it never broke down!

I think the Montero is better than any other suv out there. Love this specific generation so much! Don’t come for me Land Cruiser fans 😅

I used to own a 1995 Montero exactly the same color. It was one of my favorite vehicles

We've had our 1995 2.8 TD intercooler since 2012. The lowest specced, no AC no power windows no cladding no central locking NOTHING and I absolutely love it. It's missing maybe an AC and lockers but so far it's served us well. I think I'll never replace it.

First time that I've actually finishied his video. Something new. Thanks for making a video about the Pajero.

My family only owned Isuzu SUV's growing up. Started with an 89 Trooper II and then a 93 then a VX. There's nothing like 90's/00's Japanese SUV.

I had one of these back in my 20's. I always thought it was severely underappreciated. I jumped mine off a berm multiple times, caught about 4 feet of air beneath the tires, and drove it to work the next day. I used to get comments from people that grew up in south America saying it was "the best V6 truck" Mine was identical to this one but had factory alloys.

Hey Doug…. Shhh! I’ve been looking for one of them this past week and I don’t want the prices to go crazy!

I have owned a few Mitsubishi Montero's (1995 & 2006) and also a 1999 3000GT. It's your friend Ismail Abdul up in Pontiac, Michigan USA 🇺🇸

Had an 88 Raider with 4 cyl, inclinometer, suspension seats, baja light bar, grille gard, taillight gards. Awesome truck that you could take anywhere but was tippy as heck, and i used to get it on 2 wheels playing with the inclinometer. Father almost bought a 96 SR version of the reviewed car, it was loaded. Bought a Land cruiser instead.

When I heard Montero it didn’t ring any bells but when I heard Pajero memories came back. In Romania the Pajero is quite well known and pretty respected by off-roading enthusiasts. It was years ago and it still is today. Great car, I’d love to own one

We had this exact model but with the 4m40 diesel engine. That thing was a tank, it was super reliable, fairly economical and very capable off road. Only issues we had was minor electrical issues. Otherwise it was a very solid SUV. Sad thing is it was totalled by our friend when they borrowed it, it rolled over a slope

My childhood is in those up-folding third row seats. My dad was obsessed with these. He owned a 1st gen, before I was born. Then he got a blue 2nd gen, which took us on several trips between '02 and '09. And then he bought a grey 2nd gen, again, don't know if it was a later, facelifted model, or just a higher trim... For a good 80% of all road trips I've been on in my life, I was sitting in those third row seats.

Doug - thank you!! for giving the Montero some justice! Finally !!

I still brag about my 1989 Montero best SUV ever. Drove it over 300 k miles without any major issues. It was hard working man's Land Rover. But I own a Range Rover lwb now.

We had a 1997 montero when I was a kid. I’ll never forget being at the Mitsubishi dealer with my parents and driving home looking out the big sunroof.

My first new car was a first gen Mitsubishi Montero. It had a 4 cylinder and a manual transmission, the cool sliding rear side windows, and A/C. That was it. I threw some 31 inch Mud Kings on it and off roaded the crap out of it. It really went just about anywhere I wanted it to go. It was a fantastic little truck.

They are one of the best vehicles. I have 2 of them and I'm 36 years old so reliable. Once I carry 16 people in one of them live in Jamaica.

Got a gen 3. Never loved a vehicle as much. Wider, smoother than the gen 2 which I wish I could afford to buy

This was my first car in 1999. So many memories!

nice to see doug outside!

I grew up riding around in a 94 3.0 pajero even lower spec than this one vinyl floors 5 seats wind-up windows manual mirrors, absolutely love it to bits

Our family had one and took it on road trips all across the west. Good times.

We had a Pajero model year 1994 between 1995 to 2000, the best off road vehicle I ever used. I really enjoyed driving it, even on regular roads. the only negative side is the horrific fuel consumption... thanks Doug for the memories!

My dad used to own one of these thru my early childhood, which led to one of the first ever words being “Square Car” and sparked my interest in cars as a toddler

I bought a 1996 JDM SWB Pajero 2800 TD manual trans in 2006. It was in mint condition with 40000kms. One of my favorite vehicles. I moved to the US in 2014 and had to sell it, i still miss it.

I owned a 1990 Montero for years, white, v6, huge sunroof. Thing was a tank. You sat up high like you're on safari and it was amazing off road. It easily outperformed the Land Rover Discovery II I replaced it with. Really miss my Montero. Don't see them around very often.

I used to rent one of these when my mountaineer was in the shop… I had to get to mountaintop communication stations that required 4x4. And the Montero worked amazingly.

Yoooo I have one of these '97 LS 3.5L and it's my fave car EVER. I put it on 33" tires, its a real whip! I've had a few people try to buy it off me when I drive around LA. I keep it real with two car seats in the back. I do all my own maintenance and have had ZERO issues. 🤗

My grandmother has a 1995 Montero LS just like that - I love it.