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Great quality and functionality for an SUV. As good as vehicles twice its price. At 175000 miles its engine is still strong with no oil leaks. Repairs are normal - brakes, tires, fluid changes. Radiator developed a leak but that is expected with age. Never overheated even going up mountains in 100+ temps and AC going. Tows utility trailer well with no issues. Great all weather vehicle. 4WD is excellent. Comfortable and secure on highway.
Awesome Vehicle
Pros: The size
Cons: There isn't anything I don't like!
So sad they don't make these vehicles anymore!!!Pros: Artifical Intelligence controlled trasmission
Cons: Backs of seats have exposed leather and are not protected.
Advice: Have it professionally checked first, always use synthetic oil
I will keep this SUV forever it performs well enough with a 3.5L and gets very good mileage. The queston of performance? -- not every vehicle needs to be rated by dragstrip time, this is an SUV and performs as a SUV should very comfortably and reliably no matter if it is a long highway trip or snow covered off road long driveway that ends at a river. The braking and traction are reliable in any weather on any terrain. It's a shame Mitsubishi doesn't make this larger SUV anymore.Pros: Ability to drive well in snow
Cons: Gas Mileage
Advice: Before you buy one see if a new style will be coming out soon, its overdue!
This is by far one of my most favorite suv's this car can make it up my steep driveway even in the winter under harsh conditions. The car is a pig on gas but what can you expect from an suv? In the end the car is great but Mitsubishi had better change the style or the interior or they'll loose a lot of business, i had a 2003, and a 2001 and both are very similar to this.Pros: 2wd/awd/4wd/4wdlow and lock differential all in one vehicle...good stereo....large sunroof.
Cons: heavy weight....4700lbs
Advice: Look and compare and you will see that Mitsubishi Montero is the best in its class.
Good looks, comfortable and vast cargo space. Engine power is good. Excellent 4x4. For the money nothing comes close.Pros: The spacious and luxurious layout of the interior.
Cons: No cassette option.
Advice: If you have a business this vehicle does meet the 6000 lb. minimum for a commercial vehicle. Great depreciation as a tax write-off for the first hear we heard.
My wife just purchased one last week. The 2005 Montero drives as nicely as any luxury SUV. It does not feel like a truck at all (like the Expedition) yet not like a sedan (Lexus RX330, Honda Pilot). Acceleration is more than powerful enough for street and highway. There's power to climb hills and jet past traffic. Braking is smooth and steering is responsive. Visibility is excellent with a large windshield and large windows on each door including back, thus blind spots are limited. 4WD shifting is smooth and easy though we have done any driving off main road. I'm sure someone towing a boat may like a bigger and more responsive engine, but the average person looking for a luxury SUV but not wanting to pay the price for a Lexus LX or have to suffer with the plain Honda Pilot, will welcome this vehicle with open arms. Both the interior and exterior looks are excellent if compared with the Toyota Landcruiser, Lexus LX/GX/RX, Ford Expedition, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Jeep Cherokee, etc. The ONLY question is, are Mitsubishi Monteros dependable? We are placing our bets on the excellent bumper-to-bumper warranty (we purchased an extended 10 year/100k mile warranty just above invoice) and average ratings it received from most reviewers. We're hoping that it won't require too many trips to the service shop but if it does it'll all be covered. It's not at the top of the list for long term dependability (like Toyota and Honda) but neither is it at the bottom (like Mercedes/European and most American makes). This is pure luxury though for nearly half the cost of the Lexus LX. It is roomy and has a luxurious feel that you would expect with all leather, wood grain, power seats, and the 7 CD changer. Tons of room for passengers and cargo. Price is negotiable with dealers because the Montero is not as big a hit in the US as it is overseas (it's called the Pajero and is well known throughout the world)Pros: Car like Interior with great visibility
Cons: Fuel Consumption
Advice: Buy Used
I've been doing research on SUV's for some time now. I wanted an SUV that is fully loaded with leather interior, a third row seat, advanced 4x4 system, and all this at an affordable price. Montero was the answer. I picked up a managers demo model with only 5K miles on it and saved a great deal of money. My wife and I both like driving this vehicle. I have owned number of other cars, vans, and trucks but never felt like how I'm feeling with Montero. I just want to keep driving this thing. The only thing that's holding me back is the gas price and Montero's fuel economy which is high but not bad for an SUV though. Too bad that it's not highly recognized here in America. My cousin owns a turbo diesel in Fiji Islands. I have seen him take his second generation Monty on the hills without engaging into 4x4. The only time I have seen him use 4x4 was on a steep hill with moist soil condition. If your looking for advanced 4x4 capability, car like interior, and truck like handling, buy a Montero.