Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero. I don’t know much about the current 4th generation Montero — it’s not available in the States — but my favorite is still the 2nd generation, produced 1992–1999, and known to enthusiasts as the “Gen 2.”
I got a message on the site recently asking me what I like about it. Here’s the short answer.
It’s a capable truck for my needs, i.e., exploring moderate trails (no rock crawling) for a week or two at a time. I like the design of both the interior and exterior better than I did that of the 80-series Land Cruisers. I also like its part-time 4-wheel-drive system. I can run in 4-high, 4-low, 2WD, or 4-high with an open center diff (all wheel drive). The ability to switch into 2WD allows the Montero to get about 19 mpg on the highway which, while not great, is better than the 12–14 mpg I would have gotten in the Land Cruiser.
Also, I love driving a stick and the base model Gen 2 Montero was available with a 5 speed. That sealed the deal. I think it was the only mid-1990s, domestic SUV which had that option.
The Gen 2 Montero is the best-balanced SUV I could find. It makes a good daily driver and it’s never let me down on the trail.
Thanks for the video, Greg!
Nice write-up! Love those Monteros. After dreaming of an 80 series LC for a long time, I ended up with a moderately built ’97 4Runner, chosen for the same reasons you outline above. With the 5 speed and IFS (on OME suspension), the 4Runner was just so much more fun to drive, and economical, than the LC. Even in the middle of snow season here in Minnesota, it’s a blast to run it in 2wd until safety and conditions demand 4wd. While I’m sure the LC has more top-end offroad capabilities and capacity, I’m happy with my choice as a DD and adventure vehicle. Sounds like the Montero would also fit the bill. Keep on truckin’!
Thanks, Scott. And thanks for the comment. Your 4Runner sounds like a good choice as well. So there was another domestic, mid-90s SUV available with a 5-spd. Have fun in the snow. I miss it sometimes — the driving, not the shoveling.