2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 Mitsubishi Montero
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2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero ▼
- Price Range: $6,900 - $17,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger room
- Cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration
- Ride
- Steering/handling
Vehicle Highlights
Mitsubishi's full-size sport utility vehicle got a major redesign for 2001. Longer, lower and wider than the 1992-2000 generation, the SUV gained a new independent rear suspension. Unlike most full-size SUVs, the Montero had unibody construction instead of a body-on-frame design. It also had a right-hinged cargo door instead of a liftgate or tailgate, but lacked the V8 engine that powered most big SUVs. The previous version's 3.5-liter V6 engine returned, but delivering slightly more torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive went into the base XLS model. Mitsubishi's upscale Montero Limited featured a five-speed automatic with a separate manual-shifting gate, plus ActiveTrac four-wheel drive that could be used on dry pavement. Both models included low-range gearing and rode on 16-inch alloy wheels. Antilock all-disc braking and front side airbags were standard. The Limited came with leather upholstery, heated power front seats, and a sunroof. Seven-passenger seating included a two-place third-row bench that could be removed or folded into the rear cargo floor. Competitors included the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Limited Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Mitsubishi Montero:
Available suedelike upholstery and revised exterior trim highlighted 2002 changes to the larger of Mitsubishi's two SUVs. New XLS options included rear air conditioning, a power front passenger seat, and a Touring Package that added ultrasuede seat trim and a sunroof. The XLS gained chrome grille accents this year, while the Limited's grille and trim were now color-keyed.
2003 Mitsubishi Montero:
Upgraded powertrains and an antiskid system were new for 2003, along with cosmetic revisions. The new, bigger 3.8-liter V6 engine produced 215 horsepower (up 15) and yielded 13 additional pounds-feet of torque. This year, the XLS adopted the Limited's five-speed automatic transmission with its manual shift gate. The XLS also upgraded to the Limited's ActiveTrac four-wheel-drive system, which can be used on dry pavement. Mitsubishi's new antiskid system included traction control, and was included in both models. Body cladding was revised, and a new grille flaunted the Mitsubishi logo. The split second-row bench seat gained a center headrest and three-point seatbelt. Integrated running boards were lighted on the Limited, which added a tire-pressure monitor. Rear air conditioning was optional for both models.
2004 Mitsubishi Montero:
Front side airbags are optional instead of standard on the 2004 Montero. Mitsubishi did, however, add a tire-pressure monitor to the list of Montero's standard equipment this year.
2005 Mitsubishi Montero:
Mitsubishi's Montero exchanges standard 16-inch wheels for 17s in its only change for 2005.
2006 Mitsubishi Montero:
There were no significant changes for the 2006 Montero.
Our road test for the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration with a Montero borders on sluggish. The automatic transmission can be manually shifted to help keep pace with fast-moving traffic, but the Montero really needs a brawnier V8, as in most rivals. Fuel economy is tolerable, however. A test Limited averaged 17.1 mpg using regular fuel. Ride quality and handling earn no prizes. You get a curiously stiff ride, and the big tires clearly transmit even small bumps to the SUV's occupants. Still, the suspension does limit wallowing that allows only minor fore/aft pitching. Steering is precise if slightly overassisted, but the Montero is not happy on curvy roads. A slightly tippy sensation will compel many drivers to slow down. Gusty crosswinds induce mild wandering a highway speeds. Engines are decently quiet for cruising, but rather raucous when pushed. Tire roar is significant, except on smooth asphalt. Wind rush rises sharply with speed, too. Although the dashboard looks busy, it works well enough, though small icons for "doors ajar" and 2WD/4WD operation are hard to see at times. Interior materials feel sturdy and controls have smooth action. Front seats are comfortably spacious. Driver positioning is high and commanding, but some long-legged drivers might prefer more rearward seat travel. The second-row bench carries three adults with little crowding. Narrow floor passages impede entry/exit, but the relatively low step-in is appreciated. So is the Montero's convenient fold-away third-row seat, though it's cramped except for preteens. Cargo room is abundant. Some people won't like the right-hinged cargo door, but load height is reasonably low and seat-folding is easy. Inside are two roomy dashboard gloveboxes, map pockets, and a handy between-the-seats cubby.
Value for the Money
Three rows of seats, solid construction, and reasonable fuel economy for a full-size SUV are among the Montero's attractions. Unfortunately, those benefits are overshadowed by mediocre acceleration; too much body lean in turns; and a harsh, trucky ride.
Three rows of seats, solid construction, and reasonable fuel economy for a full-size SUV are among the Montero's attractions. Unfortunately, those benefits are overshadowed by mediocre acceleration; too much body lean in turns; and a harsh, trucky ride.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Limited Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
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.
Audio system:
Using novelty-type CDs, copied CDs, or those with poorly affixed labels may severely damage the player. (2001-03)
Dashboard lights:
If the transmission overheats and turns on the "A/T TEMPÓ light, the oil pan should be replaced with a larger one. (2000-01)
Power seat:
The wiring harness under the driver's seat may chafe and short out blowing a fusible link causing loss of power seat, power windows, and power sunroof. (2001-02)
Transmission leak:
The transmission cooler (inside the radiator) may crack and leak, allowing transmission fluid into the coolant and coolant into the transmission. The company recalled early production models to replace the radiator. (2001)
Wheels:
Water gets into wheel bearings causing premature wear and noise; revised bearings are available. (2001-03)
Wheels:
Shifting into or out of four-wheel drive while moving may cause it to get stuck in 4H (4-wheel high) range unless the shift forks are adjusted to prevent the problem. (2001)
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 | $410 |
| Alternator | $375 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,915 |
| Brakes | $375 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $455 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,490 |
| Exhaust System | $455 |
| Radiator | $555 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $665 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $310 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Montero Limited | $17,500-19,000 | $16,100-17,500 | $11,200-12,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| Montero Limited | $15,000-16,300 | $13,700-14,800 | $9,500-10,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| Montero Limited | $13,300-14,500 | $12,100-13,200 | $7,800-8,600 |
| Montero XLS | $10,500-11,700 | $9,500-10,500 | $5,600-6,200 |
| 2002 | |||
| Montero Limited | $11,500-12,500 | $10,400-11,300 | $6,300-6,900 |
| Montero XLS | $8,800-9,900 | $7,900-8,900 | $4,600-5,100 |
| 2001 | |||
| Montero Limited | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
| Montero XLS | $7,700-8,700 | $6,900-7,800 | $3,900-4,400 |
|
|
|||
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. | 109.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4600 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 96.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.8 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 2001-02, the Montero used a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 200 horsepower, driving a four- or five-speed automatic transmission, depending on model. The XLS had part-time 4WD, versus ActiveTrac 4WD for the Limited. A 3.8-liter V6 rated at 215 horsepower debuted for 2003, with a five-speed automatic transmission. Both Montero models now used ActiveTrac four-wheel drive.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 213 | 200 | 235 | 4-speed automatic: 15/19 5-speed automatic: 14/19 |
4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.8 / 234 | 215 | 248 | 5-speed automatic: 15/19 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
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
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001:
Some vehicle's passenger-side outside mirrors may not comply with the requirements of FMVSS 111. Dealers will replace the rearview mirror.
2001:
The hydraulic brake-booster accumulator may have been improperly manufactured and could leak, resulting in an abnormal noise from the left side of the dash panel when the brakes are applied, and possibly a delayed first-time brake-boost assist after the vehicle has been parked for a period of time. Dealers will install an improved accumulator.
2001-04:
Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
2002-04:
When some vehicles with a full fuel tank are parked facing upward on a slope, the fuel leveling valve may not seal properly and fuel could leak onto the ground.
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