1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2000 Mitsubishi Montero
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1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero ▼
- Price Range: $1,100 - $6,000
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- 4WD traction
- Quietness
- Ride
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration (215-horsepower engine)
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration (151-horsepower engine)
- Entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 1992, Montero retained the 4-door body and 3.0-liter V6 of the prior generation, adding eight horsepower (now 151). Base, RS, and luxury LS models had 5-speed manual shift or optional 4-speed automatic; the sportier SR was automatic only. The 4x4 wagon had a side-hinged, swing-open rear door. The SR edition had fender flares and a 31-inch wheel/tire package. All models got new "Active-Trac" on-demand, full-time 4-wheel drive with shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD. Automatic-locking front hubs permitted use of 4WD on dry pavement. Also standard were 4-wheel disc brakes, with antilocking optional for the SR, and standard on LS.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero SR automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Mitsubishi Montero:
Availability of antilock braking expanded this year, now standard on the SR as well as the LS, and optional on the RS. A leather/wood cabin trim package became available, including hide trimmed seats, steering wheel, and door panels; plus burled-wood dashboard accents.
1994 Mitsubishi Montero:
A driver-side airbag went into 1994 Monteros, which could get a larger dual-cam V6 rated at 215 horsepower (standard in SR). All models now had 7-passenger seating, with the addition of a 2-person, third-row bench. Base and RS Monteros were gone.
1995 Mitsubishi Montero:
For '95, a more powerful (177-horsepower) engine with four valves per cylinder entered base LS models. California vehicles got a 168-horsepower engine. The SR again used a dual-cam 3.5-liter engine with 215 horsepower.
1996 Mitsubishi Montero:
Dual airbags came in 1996 on both the base LS and upscale SR Monteros. The folding 3-place middle bench seat added a split backrest for greater hauling versatility.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero:
All '97s got a single-cam, 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The LS lost its 5-speed manual transmission.
1998 Mitsubishi Montero:
Just one regular Montero model remained for '98, wearing a "safari-style" facelift. Also, antilock brakes are now standard.
1999 Mitsubishi Montero:
Other than declining sales, nothing was new for the Montero.
2000 Mitsubishi Montero:
An upscale Endeavor edition joined this year, featuring wood interior trim, heated leather seats, a power driver's seat, heated mirrors, and power sunroof. Base models gained a security system with keyless entry, a CD player, and a roof rack.
Our road test for the 1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The 3.0-liter V6 is smooth and quiet, but could use a bit more muscle. Acceleration with the base engine, even in 177-horsepower form, is adequate rather than spirited. Passing power also ranks as adequate. With automatic, steep grades cause noticeable slowing and a lot of busy shifting. Fuel economy is on the dismal side: we averaged 16.5 mpg in city/highway driving. An SR with the 215-horsepower engine accelerated to 60 mph in a brisk 10.0 seconds. Economy sagged to a gloomy 13.8 mpg. Mitsubishi's Active-Trac 4WD system is convenient and easy to use. Montero is still one of the better-riding 4x4s, even more stable in corners than earlier versions, thanks to a slightly wider stance. A Montero doesn't feel as agile as a Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, showing more body lean in turns and even a slight tipsy sensation. Wavy surfaces produce little bouncing, but the firm suspension does not absorb bumps well. The dashboard made everything easy to see, reach, and use, but the Multi Meter is little more than a gimmick. Passenger and cargo space are abundant, but the Montero sits high off the ground, so it's difficult to get in and out. Montero has more than enough cargo space for several grocery bags. Stowing the jump seats against the sidewalls creates a long, wide cargo area.
Value for the Money
Despite some appealing features, Montero has not been at the top of our sport-utility list, when compared with such domestic rivals as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy, which tend to be more carlike.
Despite some appealing features, Montero has not been at the top of our sport-utility list, when compared with such domestic rivals as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy, which tend to be more carlike.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero SR automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Montero includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Montero .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Dashboard lights:
The check-engine light may come on when the vehicle is driven at wide-open throttle. (1997)
Manual transmission:
Hard shifting, gear clash, may come from the manual transmission due to a failure of the first-second gear synchronizers, while screeching noises are due to failed second-third synchros. (1992-95)
Paint/body:
Paint on the roof rack fades and peels. (1992-93)
Steering problems:
Shudder while cornering may be minimized by adding Mitsubishi Limited Slip Differential Additive to the rear differential. (1997)
Vehicle noise:
Popping noise during slow speed maneuvers may be caused by the torsion bar hitting the frame. (1992-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $825 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $930 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $645 |
| Exhaust System | $370 |
| Radiator | $665 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $300 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $405 |
| Universal Joints | $1,180 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Montero details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| Montero | $5,800-6,900 | $5,000-6,000 | $2,400-2,900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Montero | $4,800-5,800 | $4,000-4,900 | $1,800-2,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Montero | $3,900-4,800 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| Montero | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1996 | |||
| Montero | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1995 | |||
| Montero | $2,400-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1994 | |||
| Montero | $2,000-2,700 | $1,400-1,900 | $300-500 |
| 1993 | |||
| Montero | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| Montero | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Montero include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.2-188.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7-73.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 73.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4265 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 72.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 24.3 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For its first season on this form, the Montero had only one engine: a 3.0-liter, overhead-cam V6 that made 151 horsepower. A larger (3.5-liter) V6 with dual overhead cams and 215 horsepower joined for 1994. A year later, the 3.0-liter base engine gained 26 horsepower (rated 177). For 1997, the sole engine was a single-overhead-cam, 3.5-liter V6 with a 200-horsepower rating. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the early base model, RS, and LS; 4-speed automatic standard on the SR.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 151 | 174 | 5-speed manual: 15/18 4-speed automatic: 15/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15.6 |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 177 | 188 | 5-speed manual: 15/18 4-speed automatic: 15/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 16.5 |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 213 | 200 | 228-235 | 4-speed automatic: 16/19 | 4-speed automatic: 15.5 |
| dohc V6 | 3.5 / 213 | 215 | 228 | 4-speed automatic: 14/18 | 4-speed automatic: 13.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Montero include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Montero |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-2000 Mitsubishi Montero directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992-93:
During conditions of full-lock steering and full-suspension travel, front brake hose can crack, resulting in leakage.
1992-94 sold in Puerto Rico:
Front brake hose can crack during full-lock steering and full suspension travel, resulting in fluid leakage.
1994-98:
Accessory cargo mats interfere with latching integrity of the folding third seats.
1997-98:
Front brake lines can develop pinholes due to chafing; brake fluid can leak, resulting in deteriorated performance and illumination of indicator lamp.
1998-00:
Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
1999 w/4WD and automatic:
Transmission fluid could be vented onto hot exhaust system as a result of unanticipated heat generation.
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