1999 Mitsubishi Pajero iO 5 door review from Australia and New Zealand
"The only small 4WD designed for serious four wheel driving"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Roof rack is attached using hooks instead of gutters. This makes it virtually impossible for roof rack manufacturers to design a system which can support any substantial weight. With the standard Mitsubishi equipment (Rola) my roof rack came off on a corrugated road, and when I upgraded to Thule racks it came off again when I hit a hole in the road. Weight was never more than 70kg.
Apart from this shortcoming, no problems whatsoever.
General comments?
Fantastic small car with real selectable 2WD/4WD with low range and central diff lock just like the larger pajeros. This means you can go places which are impossible using the constant 4WD system of other small 4WD cars.
The small 1.8L engine is economical, but adequate even when fully loaded.
Clearance is OK for it's size. The undercarriage is well protected.
Recommended reviews
  | 1999 - Pajero Exceed 3.5 petrol It does the job I bought it for - towing |
| 1995 - Pajero GLS turbo diesel Very practical all round economical family vehicle |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8L petrol Multi-point fuel i Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 19000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 55000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 18th May, 2002 |