1997 Mitsubishi Montero Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I bought my 1995 brand new in January 1996. Last one in the city with a 5 speed manual and I've never regretted it once. The Montero has been totally reliable for over 13 years. I still haven't even replaced the clutch! I've owned Nissan, Acura, Toyota and Mitsubishi has outlasted them all. Gas mileage runs about 19 in town and up to 21 on the road. You can't beat it on the trails; it's really built for off road, skid plates under everything and great approach angles. It isn't a plush truck but is quite comfortable, I especially like the front captain seats. The "safari" roof is huge, but unfortunately, not over the driver but more towards the back seat. Enough room for most people and a good amount of gear. Performance was never exciting and has fallen off over 180,000 miles, but you learn to work with what you have. It's a shame that Mits no longer sells these. I bought a 2008 Pathfinder SE Offroad and although it's very nice, I am nervous about taking it too far away from the road. You can't go wrong if you can find one.
VS
Critical Review
Bought this vehicle new and drove it for 144,000 miles. Had to replace brake roters multiple times due to poor design (not because I abused the braking). This opinion was confirmed by a trusted mechanic. Additionally, the car developed a consistent oil leak that doesn't speak well for the engine's future longevity. The car's slim width make it rollover prone, but that isn't a problem if it is driven carefully around curves at the proper speed. On the positive side, this is a very good looking SUV and I often received compliments from others if that is important to you. It also did well the few times I went off road in snow or sand. Don't count on a lot of room with the flip down third row seating - only enough space for small children's legs, not adults. Overall, while I drove it for 144,000 miles, I was disappointed that I couldn't expect another 100K given a dim future based upon how the car was performing at this stage.
1997 Montero Reviews
Showing 8 of 111 reviews.
Dependable vehicle for work or a family. I bought this off the show room floor and am still driving it 25 years later.
Safety, reliable, styling, and great value
Lack of Mitsubishi dealerships
Had 2001 XLS for 21 years and 200k miles. I always did routine maintenance and find it to be extremely reliable. The past few years average between $700-$2,000 in repairs and maintenance including 180k and 200k. Drivability, love the seat position with good line of sight, very small turning radius, and handles moderate off-roading with ease. I haven’t tried Dakar Ralky but hear the montero won more races than any SUV in its division. Currently looking to buy a second one as I have three teenage drivers and trust the safety factor and reliability. Enough safety features to protect love ones without so much technology you’ll regret the cost to maintain.
The only gripe I have with this vehicle is the valve seals are not reliable? This inturns causes the blue tail pipe smoke.
All around good vehicle
Are there problems with it going into four-wheel d
I recently bought this SUV and I think it's great it's got great styling for performances is outstanding and it's real comfortable to drive
Never lStops
Expensive to work on but not really...
An absolute Living Legend... Doesn't need paved roads to get you home.
WONT GIVE UP
SLOW
absolutely un stoppable,lacks power but who cares, 4wd wont die, through jumps,water and mud. this thing is wild, inside is cheap as heck and power windows always fail. But thats ok to!! tows my quads to the desert and the skis to the lake. sometimes it dies but it starts right back up!!!!! i havent changed the oil in 20k miles it burns so much i just add to it every week.leaks water but i just add stop leak and fixed that right up!!! No joke for cheap you can pick one of these up and beat the heck out of it and it will get you back home!!! BUY ONE.
comfy, roomy, decent millage for age, and sturdy!
doesnt like cold starts, finding online help horid
I bought this as my first car, for only 900 bucks, granted for 900 bucks im not expecting really ANYTHING but working... this thing is a total beast and it doesnt matter what you do to it, it will keep ticking... granted it doesnt like cold starts on a cold morning, when i bought it the alternators fuse was dead, and i didnt realize it, so im currently replacing the battery and fuse. dont think this is a thing about the car, my car has over 300k miles on it, its been beat and worn, its interior is filthy (probably used as a work truck on a construction site looking at the dirt) but seriously this thing is great, i love the room, even after all this time, all the seals are perfect even on the moon roof, i personally love the seats, very comfy, its rather spartan, my cruise control doesnt work, but again... 900 dollars for a car with over 300k on its mileage...honestly im really happy with it, its a car im not worried about a friend hopping in with dirty shoes, its a car if something goes wrong "oh well" ill just say... its a temp car, but with how this thing is made, i have officially decided that suvs are for me, granted less gas mileage, but its so well made, and for all the problems it has, its completely worth buying! also have fun finding ANYTHING on the montero ls, everything you will find is on the pajero... to this day i have no idea whats the difference... there is one... apparently... but if you need the manuals, dont look up third party manual sites, mitsubishi actually has all the manuals for the montero that youll ever need, and there are 'some' helpful videos out there... though i wish there were more and better ones... all in all i like it for a first car for a junker :D
I bought my 1996 Montero new in 1996. We are a family of 6. The far rear seats were great for the 5 and 6 year old -- but not so great ten years later at 15 and 16. Very comfortable. Great 4 wheel drive. No major engine or transmission work. Began to burn oil at 200,000. 1 quart every 4,000 miles of so. At 350,000 miles i still drove across country. At 356,000 it started a tapping sound -- the cam shaft went out of sync. My mechanic urged me to stop -- "you've got more than your money's worth." So the Montero lasted 18 years and 356,00 miles. The body was perfect after all those miles - not a spec of rust and the paint shined. Loved it.
