MotorWeek | Retro Review: '92 Mitsubishi Montero SR

[@69mustang]

Bought mine brand new December 2000. Was the last of this body style. It has the 3.5l engine. Still use it daily with 200,500miles on original motor. Its burning plenty of engine oil but it still works great. Love it!

[@SANYUR]

Man, I miss the 1990's Japanese SUV's, Built like soldiers

[@davidaubin3902]

Agreed

[@dcjohnson2490]

They most certainly were. I kind of wish I owned one sometimes LOL

[@HIDHIFDB]

nowdays those SUV live in the form on crewcab "medium" size trucks

[@benjaminschmied7998]

Glad the 70 series land cruiser is still being made.

[@hankj.b]

@@HIDHIFDB Current Montero doesn’t use a truck platform and is a full-size SUV. Like it’s always been.

[@kgarba9253]

When Mitsubishi was relevant

[@ronaldderooij1774]

+Kevin Garbaccio Maybe you are right. But it is essentially a clash of cultures. Mitsubishi wants to go environmental, which the average American is allergic to. In America individuality reigns supreme in their culture. In Asiatic (and to a much lesser degree European) culture, the collective is more important than the individual. Hence Mitsubishi chooses to take responsibility for the global climate, whereas for American culture this is a much, much bigger leap to perform. However, if this means that Mitsubishi must pull out of the USA, they will pull out. I am not taking sides here. Just analysing.

[@CocoTaveras8975]

K Garba True.

[@ysfma755]

@@ronaldderooij1774 gasoline is also cheaper in the US. i think it plays a huge role for people to want high horsepower vehicle. the daily driving here involves a lot busy highway commuting and merging from the ramp. Being able to get up to speed with other vehicles is desirable. Personally i like mitsubishi. they are reliable. i have an outlander myself. i bought it for initial lower purchase price and made in japan quality.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

@@ysfma755 I live in a Rich country that has 17 million inhabitants and is barely bigger than New Jersey. I know what busy traffic is. You can do that easily with a Mitsubishi Mirage. Cars are very cultural. Status, "what the neighbour has". Very few people choose a car rationally. I agree that the expensive fuel here helps to drive more rational cars.

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

My dad had one of these. The damn thing was a tank -- weighed as much, was just as cumbersome, was just as sluggish, got the same fuel economy, and went wherever the fk the driver wanted it to go.

[@pratyushbiswas7582]

DroverChicago ,it was also given a rpg at top by monster garage,it is a tank

[@johnphilipdetorres8439]

It is also known as Mitsubishi Pajero here in the Philippines. It is highly popular until now in our country.

[@TheDalitis8]

@@johnphilipdetorres8439 This particular car, in its diesel version was the most popular vehicle in Cyprus throughout the 1990s.

[@mr.c493]

I would buy one of these new if it was available today!! Great interior and great features!!

[@jamessmallwood1522]

Still drive my 92 ls trooper...starts everytime in minus degree weather n a blast in snow...holding its own to these new suvs...built better also

[@TheBandit7613]

I rented one of these for a weekend back when. I lived in Colorado and had family coming to visit for Thanksgiving and they wouldn't fit in my Jeep. I was surprised at how nice this Montero was and how well it did in the snow. I would have liked one at the time but they were way too expensive for me back then.

[@pepesilvia4564]

These things were virtually indestructible. You still see them running around in South America without issues.

[@noahh914]

And they still are indestructible. Go to literally any rural spot in Europe and you'll find these things hauling pretty much anything around.

[@Xbox360Player350]

Panoramic sunroof back in 1992. Impressive

[@RichBordoni]

Everything new is old.

[@austinfrazier7325]

Plus adjustable shocks. Pretty damn advanced.

[@subieonelove2802]

on Japanese market this car had a hydro pneumatic suspension and you could adjust the height of the car

[@audioisgood]

I loved the Montero as a kid! Damn Japanese cars used to be such a great alternative to the norm.

[@johnphilipdetorres8439]

Even here in the Philippines until now.

[@brv002]

Back in the day when big 4X4 SUVs were a hot segment, wow! Now you see these stupid looking crossovers. I don't think anyone is going to reminisce about that.

[@Tbolt1000TForLife]

I miss those days. The heyday of REAL SUVs. I hate crossovers too. Not only do I hate the way they look, I also hate the I deal of a car-based utility vehicle with the transverse FWD layout.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

They represent the fraudulence and pretense of people in America today

[@flight2k5]

People said the same thing back then 🤣😂. Nostalgia is nostalgia.

[@johnphilipdetorres8439]

Back when Body On Frame SUVs dominate the US car market.

[@austinfrazier7325]

It’s amazing how well we had it back in the 90s with real 4x4 SUVs. Now it’s mostly crossover FWD. What happened?!

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

Most drivers never drive them off the road, that’s why.

[@CEOkiller]

I had one of these... it was a beast. Drove it through blizzards...

[@mikecadavero]

This car is called Pajero in the Philippines! This was really popular here! Awesome car!

[@PenttiHuttunenGlobetrotter]

Pajero in Finland as well

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

Also in Japan as Pajero. Also import JDM Righr Hand Drive Pajero to Canada, UK, NZ, Australia and the USA. But in the Philippines, we convert Pajero to Left Hand Drive.

[@Melvynjd]

Man i loved my Montero. The most reliable vehicle my family ever had. If only i could find one near me in good shape i would buy, but boy are they hard to find now a days. There pretty rare and specially here in Florida, you just don't see them anymore.

[@08is300]

I have a 2002 montero limited.. What a great suv..I love it.. It's unique and reliable, you don't see to many of them anymore.. Wish is a plus for me.

[@aviestrela]

Here in Europe there are plenty of used ones but mostly diesel. I myself have a short wheel base montero which will be fully restored this year. I can't sell it because it's part of the family

[@Acinc-lr2jp]

melvyn jimenez I have one, a 97 SR same color in the video. Reach out if your still interest in one. They are haaard to find and many mechanics won’t work on them.

[@adventuresofandy2095]

My ex wife sold it for 1K after we got divorced back in 2008. It was a 1996 SR. I still miss that car.

[@fernandorocha8459]

@@08is300 I love Mutsubishi Montero. Very nice and durable, confortable and endine V 151 hp, 174 LB-FT torque. Here in Brazil sold with Mitsubishi Pajero

[@mr.c493]

Car cigarette lighter, you don’t get those anymore. I still have mine on my ‘06 highlander. The Montero was always a good looking SUV.

[@daramony8777]

if mitsubishi make this car again i buy it . i do love this car

[@Interceptor810]

This was an absolute gem of a car

[@ivanhoe6366]

This is an absolute gem of a car. 😀

[@pratyushbiswas7582]

I just love old boxy pajeros,no matter what,better than even a Land Rover

[@fernandorocha8459]

Beautiful this Mitsubishi Montero

[@redlineraphael]

I own a '92 base model with a 5 speed manual

[@basshead.]

offroad car with a stick shift lol

[@TimeisReel]

This was a Cool SUV

[@bid84]

Back when Mitsubishi made great cars, and great ecstasy tablets come to think of it!

[@the80386]

the current pajero(montero) is still an excellent SUV

[@awakawiateazrutyialocinadn5207]

Then one French car maker made MMC (like Nissan) a cosmetic surgery though...

[@badran6290]

@@the80386 i tried 1999 and 2015 the older one is much better build quality.. much less shaking in dirt road

[@jay92889]

you're definitely an old school raver! M today is still wonderful!

[@zbrembo]

wow shift on the fly up to 62! That's nuts for back in the day!

[@l00tur]

Still insane today, I can't think of any 4WD system that does this.

[@twincammike8329]

I have 1999 2.8 diesel.. great Jeep go anywhere off road..and it will still do 112mph after all these years...

[@SenpaiSham]

Still drive this car !

[@aviestrela]

So do i

[@Sanpedranoazul]

How has it been? To bad fuel consumption is high!

[@evanmolden3157]

Same, ive got 35s on mine getting like 14mpg

[@Akakids.Driver]

So do i

[@kadent7320]

Does anyone still have there’s as of now?

[@robertforce888]

That looks really modern even for today

[@florinnyc6371]

Had a limited 2002 in USA. Great car but underpowered in the states. Can beat any snow or off-roading trails. Very comfy and good looking car. To bad they stop then after 06

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I daily drive a 99 Montero. Love this suv. Great awd system and even a rear locker.

[@blackonblackseven]

I had a 94 montero ls for my first car when I was 15. Awesome suv and it can literally drive you anywhere!

[@thatchman1015]

I’m about to turn 16 and I get the old Montero. I’m excited, but should I have any concerns?

[@noahh914]

@@thatchman1015 Lucky you, that must be one of the best first cars to own concerning coolness factor

[@Hellwins28]

A real tank with awesome reliability. Never disappoints you.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Nobody's ever going to say that about Mitsubishi in this lifetime

[@SataniaMcDowel]

@JosLewisWood Carpenter paid by who?

[@HIDHIFDB]

@@pontiacGXPfan The L200 pick up is very reliable the other cars well they are ok i guess

[@apprenticefelix7740]

@@pontiacGXPfan 90s only, now mitsub

[@theKevronHarris]

OMG...one of my relatives used to have a 1992-1998 Mitsubishi Montero SR similar to the one shown here! Thanks 4 posting and keep the train rolling with these AWESOME vintage reviews! :-)

[@bluegambit07]

I still got 1995 2.8tdi that i drive everyday to and from work ... very reliable and very cheap to maintain ..

[@dwilsonjr78]

With classic SUV's appreciating in value now, I predict the Mitsubishi Montero will be the next SUV to start appreciating in the near future. With Land Cruisers, Jeep Wagoneers, and Broncos getting more expensive, the Montero is a cheaper off road alternative, but they're slowly starting to become more popular now.

[@maozedong2186]

here in austria it is very difficult to find a good one, most of them rust away and land in africa . but when you find a (here called) pajero in good condition it is worth keeping it and also holds it value if not climbs up :)

[@MrBigisBack87]

Had one of these when I lived in the Caribbean for 6 months, loved my Pajero. Wanted to keep it and send it back to the US with me but decided to sell it.

[@steevemuse8590]

3:24 A friend of mine owned one . I didn't get to ride Montero , but sincerely I wanted to get Montero back then Montero was a big deal to even take random glances at in its gallery car dealers . I kinda liked the Montero family truthfully for their eyes , front bumper , smooth shiny skin glaring in sunlight 😚 . Montero 92' Baby with an uppity character, upward bumper as they nose , rounded head lights as they eyes , was an Uphill Battle for other car family but easy to climb rough terrains in a city full of ridges and hills which dominated car competitive sale . Montero is of course ever unforgettable even if I've suffered from extreme dementia . There's just an appeal to a car kinda like love at many daily sights including the first sight . The second time I see Montero was in Summer 2016 and Spring 2017 at 711 Store and every year I sight they're of the same year brand new love at glances . Lastly , the term Montero to me as a youth back then made sense in my esoteric thoughts at 8 years old either in French or Spanish because to" Monter" in French means to Mount and Ramp up as well .

[@MrBigisBack87]

My lost love, I miss my Pajero.

[@okilydokily53]

Had a loaded 92 SR. Miss those suspension seats...so comfortable to drive.

[@loneranger398]

Man I had a 2000 montero endeavor as my very first vehicle. It was a tank but it took me wherever the hell I wanted. I loved it!

[@scottstephen3125]

In the UK, this was called a Shogun. Most people here bought the 2.8 turbo diesel which was fantastic at towing!

[@YOTALIFE631]

love old monteros and old 4runners

[@johnphilipdetorres8439]

Me too. Even the Montero Sport (1997-2004) models.

[@6tonytiger]

I love this car one of the best car eve I have driven.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

A poor man's Land Rover, but way more reliable

[@cardude1992]

It was better than the range rover in every way other than interior materials which were durable but not luxurious and soft.

[@the80386]

Poor man's land rover? Not at all. More like wise man's land rover.

[@seancabal5088]

This is a legend now as it was before

[@XerxesTheGreatOne]

Why don't they bring back a vehicle like this. Why doesn't anyone build these vehicles anymore ffs... These were awesome!

[@alainbuerom8635]

they will be in the loosing end if they will produce an indestructible car again in terms of profit or sales

[@davidtrevino5211]

Global warming propaganda will stop production in its tracks quick...

[@cherokeelaketennessee7895]

Still a great looking SUV. I had an LS, always treated me good.

[@jvadv231]

The pajero is pajero.. Powerful reliable.. Mine is jdm swb pajero.. Its almost 29yrs old. But still kicking.. Loving offroad. All stock.

[@Rosso488]

I had one of these as a winter beater. Very dependable.

[@Acc0rd79]

I think Mitsubishi is on its way out of the USA, the cars they make are literally the cheapest you can get now that the EVO is gone. I would like to see them stay but they need to step it up a bit.

[@9890jsp]

People have known that for years. They pulled the galant & eclipse years ago, and the lancer hasn't evolved in 10 years. My friend bought a brand new GTS Lancer in 2009, and the CVT tranny died at 40k, the mivec at 90k. Mitsubishi replaced both at no cost which was cool, but now she has a Honda Accord Coupe. Mitsubishi reliability died when Chrysler stopped sharing with them, strangely enough. fun fact: the 2.4 4cylinder was a joint engine used in Dodge/Chrysler/Kia/Hyundai/Mitsubishi.

[@Acc0rd79]

9890jsp funny enough i would not mind if they left but I sort of miss Pontiac, they were just starting to make interesting cars again when they killed them off. Oh well, the world has to keep moving.

[@9890jsp]

+Acc0rd79 I miss Pontiac too. They were in the right direction with great cars at the end. Saab too, they were different. I will say, Mitsubishi made very solid trucks. Had they stuck to that, I think they'd still be around. it's a shame

[@Acc0rd79]

9890jsp I think letting the Evo go is the nail in the coffin for them. They say they are selling those cheap throw away vehicles at a high rate but they have very little profit margins on them so they aren't getting rich fast off of them. Time will tell but most economists are saying 5 years they are predicting them to pull out of the USA.

[@l00tur]

+9890jsp that's because GM was importing australian-made holdens. They weren't GM, like the GM we know in the states. The V8 lives in the land of down under, they just build a better V8 then we did.

[@SataniaMcDowel]

My uncle had 5 of them at the same time, all different trims and years incluiding the top of the line.

[@radionutio81ij79]

Im still driving my 1996 mitsubishi pajero 2.8 auto shorty had it 11 years purchased it in 2006, not had a problem with it wonderfull vehicle not ever failed the uk mot test and its built like a tank pity mitsubishi only seem to turn out car type suv vehicles these days.

[@peterjamieson2441]

I really appreciate these reviews

[@RocketGruntJesus]

this is the real suv has proven itself all around the world

[@robolsen3506]

I do wish that headlamp washers made a come back. I had a Volvo that had wipers, and it was great during crappy weather.

[@GT-gt4bf]

I love these.

[@NFSMAN50]

The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero and Montero sport was the most badass suv to exist!

[@americanking253]

back in 92 Montero was best and good looking SUV. high roof and big moon roof .soft ride like car.

[@starfox5919]

2022 and my montero is up and running ... is a badass 4x4 ✌

[@cousinjudeskitchen7146]

My aunt got this car brand new and kept it until 2009.

[@JAYBud88]

What happened to you Mitsubishi?

[@9890jsp]

Chrysler pulled out, they lost funding. Alot of people don't realize how heavily they depend on other carmakers. The 2.4 they use, was built by Dodge and Hyundai and sold as a "global engine". A 2008 Avenger, Sonata, Optima, Lancer for example.. all the exact same engine.

[@andys3275]

The 2.4 engine with the single cam was built by Mitsubishi and was used in the 90's galants, the. Refined and also used in 2000' galants, 3gen eclipses, Chrysler Sebring coupe and Dodge Stratus coupe. Never in a Hyundai; however the sonata's engine was a Mitsubishi design from the 90's. The 2.4 that Chrysler made was the 2.4 dohc found the the 90's and up Stratus, Sebring, the. Later in avenger. Worst engine ever built in my opinion. So Chrysler did not help Mitsubishi with any engines or cars. They only helped Mitsubishi by bringing them to the U.S market.

[@ramboj7924]

the great thing about 4x4's old and new is they are generally built to a higher standard than mainstream cars, while using stringer and longer lasting parts. they really are a great daily driver and arguable more fun than fast sports cars as you can use their maximum potential while speeding tickets or danger to other road users

[@itsaboutfam]

My 1998 Montero still performs very well and it definitely stands out among all these newer cars today. I wish I could get 18mpgs though😅

[@chip599XX_VGRLeader]

The 1992 Mitsubishi Montero was used by the Cat Burglar Nights as a Gang SUV

[@phils.3178]

That toolkit in the passenger door was sleek

[@rahulvinalnarayan9743]

When the Pajero and Montero was a powerhouse

[@JKRoss-zm3zu]

Обожал её , когда мне было 13 лет.

[@luismanuelvrf]

I went to primary school in one of those and it was so nice to be in it

[@cowboysrockthehowdy]

Yeah BBY! got a '95 SR with original engine and tranny with 338k miles. Things are beasts.

[@mega-hb4re]

When Mitsubishi had a purpose.

[@dcjohnson2490]

A $28k fully loaded 4x4 SUV in 1992 is an over $40k 3-row AWD crossover today.

[@Trussme96]

Do you guys have a review for the 90's Mercury Villager?

[@youssefabouhaibe957]

I have this tank till now

[@dustinknuckles4090]

I love the Montero. I have a 96 Montero sport that was the most perfect vehicle I've ever owned. Play looks like a little Tonka toy

[@hendo337]

too bad there isn't a test of the later 3.5l with 215hp they sold a year or two later.

[@evansautomotive307]

hendo337 they should do that one

[@yupyup4209]

Wow I love the looks and that you can drive it as open-diff AWD which is much better for snowy roads than 4WD with center diff locked

[@Minho_Lee1999]

In our country its called the Pajero. The pajero in other country is our montero.

[@masinquieto]

bought 94 ls one a month ago liked it so much that i went and bought a 97 and now im looking for a 98

[@SURF4LIFE84]

I drive mine everyday.1992 2.5tdi tank!

[@archechme]

they must have done something right, you see these a lot in the UK. Although, they're all diesels.

[@carwrtr1]

Now this is an SUV, like the Mercedes G-Wagen! This Mitsubishi is a fine truck, and I’d gladly own it!

[@maddesi2709]

True offroad monster

[@ronsmith9251]

I love these old Monteros, I'd like to see the current model come back to the States.

[@dkny7788]

I still have one, don't want to sell. Also had the previous version. Both are excellent machine.

[@EvanderSmart]

The Montero that came after this was a studly steed, but had a sorry car-based 200 HP V6 when it needed a V8. Great vehicle for an engine swap.

[@xnopyt13]

The best SUV in my opinion

[@brunarlex3909]

2018?

[@yengsabio5315]

Still a handsome lookin' utilitarian vehicle!

[@bigbenaugust]

Forget progress (and the third row), I'd take one over our 2015 CX-9. :)

[@blackonblackseven]

These came with a 3rd row jump seat option

[@BigWheel.]

Were these any good? Or reliable? I've been thinking of buying a late model Montero (late 90s early 00s) as a spare car for winter.

[@Roger-ob2ft]

I'm considering this vehicle for myself , I own a jeep patriot that I will pass to my wife and buy one of these babies for myself . I look forward to adding my own modifications to give it his own personality.

[@jpmartinez7]

A good friend of my family owned 2, they where extremely reliable, safe and comfortable. I think after 98 or 99 they started coming with 3 rows of seat

[@gtemnykh]

Didn't the SR get a DOHC 3.5L with one of those variable runner length intake manifolds? SOHC 3.0L as stated on lesser trims.

[@junnel8578]

Best montero/pajero ever

[@realdeal5712]

Buy since 2002 and still have it

[@VADELMAHILLO-tt9dx]

I LIKE IT MOSTLY 1983-1991. 1984-1992 MODELS

[@evanjones3260]

these things are great mud vehicles once they rust out too much for the road

[@offgridislandfamily]

Ironically, the 'boxy' is so hot right now.

[@DavidAndre657]

MW HITS: -- STYLING -- 4x4 SYSTEM -- RIDE -- INTERIOR -- ABS

[@michaelramsey82]

Did North America ever get the shorter 2-door (OK, 3-door) version? It was sold in many countries as the Pajero or Shogun in both 2- and 4-door versions (3- and 5-door, if you insist), but I don't think I've ever seen a 2-door model in the US or Canada.

[@redriver15262]

I learned how to drive in one of these! Lol

[@therealhustle9974]

The Montero, 3000gt, Galant VR4 and the Eclipse... now their lineup is a joke.

[@theKevronHarris]

The Real Hustle I agree. Mitsubishi needs to make Mitsubishi cars gr8 again with a whole-new lineup of sports cars, (roomy)sports sedans, and a whole lot more.

[@patrickmichaellangan576]

Joe Satriani (Professor Satch before Chickenfoot) on the CD player!

[@mr.c493]

My neighbor has one of this and is still going strong!!

[@civlyzed]

Nice, but it cost more than I made in 1992 lol.

[@renzoarganda6184]

LIL NAS X'S Real Name and song Came from this SUV