1999 Mitsubishi Montero LS from North America - Comments

As of right now, the only thing that's wrong with the car is that it needs an alignment.

With this vehicle, you can feel every bump in the road with it.

Pulling a trailer that weighs less than 1000 pounds makes it use a half a tank of gas doing 70MPH on the highway.

When the thing's cold, you have to get the tach over 3 before it will shift.

Often when you step on the gas hard to pass somebody, the transmission will slip, and the dealer can't seem to find anything wrong with it.

And finally, you're supposed to be able to shift into 4 wheel drive while you're moving, well, not with this piece of junk, if you try to shift it while you're moving, all you hear is gears grinding.

First, I have a 95 Montero.

These vehicles are TRUCKS, first and foremost. not luxury cars. Travel to other parts of the world, and you will see the Montero (Pajero) used as police vehicles, oilfield trucks, service trucks, guide vehicles, etc. As such it is not designed to give you 30 M.P.G. The transmission shift points when cold are designed to warm the engine quicker, and it works well. the four wheel drive system is the best on the planet. bar none. if it does not shift into 4WD on the fly you either have a serious problem that the dealer needs to see, or you are trying to shift into locked, or LOW RANGE on the fly and you need to read the sticker on the door, or your owner's manual.You really need to understand the workings of the transfer case to fully appreciate it.

Just had to make one more comment on your review.

The 3.0 liter engine that you list as being in your truck has not been available since 1996.Maybe that is why it does not have enough power for you.

I guarantee you, that you will love this vehicle, if you try any other SUV in its class and same vintage other than that of TOYOTA, HONDA, ISUZU, MERCEDES BENZ and Land Rover (Defender/County).

Although I have to agree with you that it is Unfortunate that some dealers in some areas of the US are less than satisfactory. However it is not entirely the fault of the Manufacturer. I think if Mitsubishi is to remain competitive, they have to screen the dealer performance of services a little better than they have in the past. So;

1. Try another independent service shop of all foreign vehicles or a dealer in another city.

2. try understanding how a real SUV system works i.e. transfer case, gear ratios, differential, handling

3. Check you air pressure; try a better set of tires that match your requirements and terrain.

4. All SUV's are built differently to sedans, coups, and sports cars. (regard advertising that tell you otherwise with a grain of Salt)

5. if you dont like the handling of a SUV you may consider a Mini Van

6. By the way hardly any SUV at 70 MPH does well on Gas try 50-60 MPH range.

7. Some even recommend a properly matched and installed turbo that delivers a little lower RPM power.