2001 Mitsubishi Montero 4WD Limited

The arrival of the 2001 Montero marked the start of a new era in Mitsubishi's history as a builder of sport-utility vehicles. Originally introduced in 1983 and last redesigned in 1992, the previous Monteros reflected design concepts of a bygone time when SUVs were used by only a handful of dedicated off-roaders who motored in far-off corners of the globe. Monteros performed flawlessly in that capacity, successfully enduring where others had failed. Along the way, they distinguished themselves with multiple victories in the most demanding of all trials-by-fire, the grueling Paris-Dakar rally. But the game has changed dramatically in the past few years, and even the Gen II version's notable strengths paled in light of the current suburban SUV paradigm. Its field-worthy body-on-frame architecture, for example, was seen as unrefined and truck-like, while its tall profile and slab sides made even minor crosswinds a little too exciting.

Longer wheelbase, wider stance and lower overall height give the new Montero additional stability while contributing to a more contemporary appearance.

Mitsubishi's greatest challenge in creating a suitable successor for this venerable member of its lineup was to retain the Montero's core strengths while adding the sophistication and road manners today's SUV owners expect. Having recently spent time in a new top-of-the-line Montero 4WD Limited, we can confirm that despite its slick looks and numerous advanced engineering touches, it remains as tough as ever but far more palatable to live with on a daily basis.


The Montero's transformation process begins at its very core, where a unibody structure replaces the previous ladder frame. This design change yields a vehicle with three times more torsional stiffness than before and far greater resistance to crash impacts. Side stampings are now one piece instead of eight, and all panels are laser-welded and chemically bonded to ensure a trim weight while adding strength.

Flexibility is a strong suit of the new Montero, which features a slick third-row bench seat that folds away flat into the floor.

Complementing this internal makeover, Mitsubishi wrapped the 2001 Montero in sheetmetal that melds traditional with a distinct, new-edge flair. Despite a visually foreshortened nose, the Montero is actually 2.2 inches longer than before. A 2.3-inch wheelbase gain and huge 3.8- and 3.2-inch bumps in front/rear track greatly enhance its overall stability and dynamic qualities. One further result of this well-calculated stretch job is to net tangible pluses in every key interior dimension. The only net "minuses" occur in the overall height (-1.7 inches), step-in height (-1.9 inches) and turning circle (-1.3 feet).


Last, but hardly least, the new Montero rides on a fully independent suspension. Long a proponent of using independent front underpinnings, Mitsubishi now has ditched live axles entirely. Up front, double wishbones carry over, but coils replace torsion bars as the springing element. In the rear, the Montero is fitted with an all-new multiple-link design. Seasoning this mechanical mix is revised geometry, greater wheel travel, meaty 265/70SR16 all-season tires, and an all-new rack-and-pinion power steering system in place of the old recirculating-ball setup. It results in a SUV that's easier to maneuver and delivers a more confident feeling, regardless of where you may wander.