1995 Mitsubishi Montero LS 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Incredibly Reliable 4WD

Faults:

Idle air control motor failed.

General Comments:

This has been an incredibly reliable car. I previously owned a 1990 Montero and liked it so much that I purchased a 1995 model. Both vehicles have been unbelievable reliable. They just never break. And for a 4WD that is pretty amazing.

It is true that maintenance is expensive for the dealer. However, I am a DIYer and have never let the dealer touch this car. I did a major tune up/timing belt change at 90,000 miles (way over due should have been at 60,000). It is a huge job to change the timing belt. About 4-6 hours. But, how can I complain about that when nothing else ever breaks on the car?

Not real powerful, but I don't drive this car like speed racer. Lots of storage space.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2003

13th Apr 2004, 17:00

I really love my new 1995 Montero LS (I often wonder what LS means though). It is extremely comfortable and perfect for families with small children.

My first purchase was in 2004 (last month) at 120,000 miles and the engine is still roaring. Parts can be a little expensive, but fortunately they last a long time. They are also not always available in my country.

I am not from the USA and would appreciate if any reader could suggest the best dealership (perhaps in Miami) where parts for this model are more easily accessible.

I am truly happy with my Montero.

1995 Mitsubishi Montero SR 3.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Mud-munching, ultra luxury, babe magnet!

Faults:

Mostly, the electrical system has given me problems.

The rear driver-side power window didn't work for the first few months I had it. It has since started working.

The powerseat got stuck and the dealer had to fix it.

I had to replace the power antenna staff, but that is not possible and the entire assembly had to be replaced ($$$$).

No major engine problems - does burn oil but doesn't produce smoke.

Very difficult to work on the car - must be taken to a mechanic every time something is wrong.

General Comments:

I love this car. I am seriously considering buying the 2000 model. It drives like a Mercedes and off-roads wonderfully!

I got after-market running rails, grille guard and fog lights. The styling for the factory options for those accessories really stink. The leather interior is awesome and the rear seat folds down so you can use it almost as a bed. Great for the romantic trip to the mountains.

The only engineering problem I must mention is the engine. The V6 really is not powerful enough to easily handle the weight of the car. The MPG is only about 12 or 14.

Hopefully Mitsubishi will begin offering V8s soon for the Montero.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2000

18th Apr 2001, 19:53

I have the same problems except for the engine problems.

7th Jan 2007, 20:05

I own a 1995 Montero LS, very dependable, well engineered, and off-road it is like a goat. It is difficult to work on parts of the car such as changing spark plugs (4 hours) and timing belt (16 hours). This vehicle was not designed to be easily disassembled!

14th Jul 2009, 16:39

I have a 95 Montero Sport 150k; numerous problems such as chronic brake problems, mostly calipers, ABS is gone, blows white smoke after idling, harmonic balancer separated, timing belt tensioner froze, not such a big deal to change timing belt 3 hours, A/C broke, blower broke.

Off road the vehicle runs great, kinda of a gas hog, sunroof leaks. I think this one was built on a Friday before a 3 day weekend after the workers smoked pot!!

24th Sep 2010, 16:49

Our Montero is great. Been through 2 kids, and still runs great. A/C will blow you out; it gets really cold.

One question; left blinker is stuck on. We think it's a switch. Any ideas? Thanks.