Large SUV; Built in Japan |
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Good condition price range: $1,200 – $4,200* |
1992 Mitsubishi Montero LS
1993 Mitsubishi Montero SR
1996 Mitsubishi Montero SR
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR
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Despite some appealing features, Montero has not been at the top of our sport-utility list, when compared with such domestic rivals as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy, which tend to be more carlike.
Overview
Redesigned for 1992, Montero retained the 4-door body and 3.0-liter V6 of the prior generation, adding eight horsepower (now 151). Base, RS, and luxury LS models had 5-speed manual shift or optional 4-speed automatic; the sportier SR was automatic only. The 4×4 wagon had a side-hinged, swing-open rear door. The SR edition had fender flares and a 31-inch wheel/tire package. All models got new “Active-Trac” on-demand, full-time 4-wheel drive with shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD. Automatic-locking front hubs permitted use of 4WD on dry pavement. Also standard were 4-wheel disc brakes, with antilocking optional for the SR, and standard on LS.
Yearly Updates
1993 Montero Availability of antilock braking expanded this year, now standard on the SR as well as the LS, and optional on the RS. A leather/wood cabin trim package became available, including hide trimmed seats, steering wheel, and door panels; plus burled-wood dashboard accents. |
1994 Montero A driver-side airbag went into 1994 Monteros, which could get a larger dual-cam V6 rated at 215 horsepower (standard in SR). All models now had 7-passenger seating, with the addition of a 2-person, third-row bench. Base and RS Monteros were gone. |
1995 Montero For ’95, a more powerful (177-horsepower) engine with four valves per cylinder entered base LS models. California vehicles got a 168-horsepower engine. The SR again used a dual-cam 3.5-liter engine with 215 horsepower. |
1996 Montero Dual airbags came in 1996 on both the base LS and upscale SR Monteros. The folding 3-place middle bench seat added a split backrest for greater hauling versatility. |
1997 Montero All ’97s got a single-cam, 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The LS lost its 5-speed manual transmission. |
1998 Montero Just one regular Montero model remained for ’98, wearing a “safari-style” facelift. Also, antilock brakes are now standard. |
1999 Montero Other than declining sales, nothing was new for the Montero. |
2000 Montero An upscale Endeavor edition joined this year, featuring wood interior trim, heated leather seats, a power driver’s seat, heated mirrors, and power sunroof. Base models gained a security system with keyless entry, a CD player, and a roof rack. |