1999 Mitsubishi Pajero io review from Singapore

Engine mounting revealed problems with the then new GDI engine, since the car would shake violently on the road in idle. Agent fixed the problem only after the next incident. Apparently we were not the only case in Singapore.

7 months after owning this jeep, the electronic mechanism on the gas pedal failed on the North-South Highway in Malaysia.

Apart from early problems, 4 years on, the jeep has served us well. Has not broken down since... and starts the first time.

Fuel consumption could be better.

Ride in the cabin on the highway is a little noisy at the back! Otherwise it is fine. The ride is generally hard and precise. Very jeepy if you are the sporty sort. Not for 'soft-roaders'.

Could do with better boot space. I have a sub-woofer in the boot... a little tight to have anything else.

Cabin is nice... finish is really good. Ergonomics excellent. Recently test-drove the Honda CRV and 2004 Toyota Rav4. Still prefer the finish of the io. Rav4 had the best ride though - but had tacky and even poor finish. The CRV was van-like in all senses. Great for people with long legs though! All in, all jeeps in this class have developed niches and strengths in the market.

The io is great in the front seats and mediocre in the back. Good for small families and bachelors! A no-status sports utility vehicle... decent for soft-offroading too. It is essentially a jeep. 2WD and 4WD differential is a plus feature not found on the other vehicles in its class.

Travels well on the highway. At roughly 105-110 km/h, GDI economy mode goes off - this allows the GDI engine to work overtime for mid-range speed overtaking to be effortless for a 1.8 litre engine. A plus point.

Pick-up speed not wonderful... but a powerful enough car for its size including a full load. Built like its big-brother Pajeros... great for going at high-speed on highways and offroad. The pedigree is there in this mid-sized jeep.

Critics generally hate this car though... and most owners recognise for what it is... a jeep for the city that still is a jeep through and through. Will maintain good looks in its class - and remember, it was after all designed by Pinifarina... lets not forget that!