You are here: Forums SUVs Mitsubishi Montero Mitsubishi Montero

Mitsubishi Montero

2809 messages,  Last post on Aug 03, 2009 at 1:46 PM

You are in the Mitsubishi Montero Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi Montero, SUV

Messages Page 6 of 281 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 281 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#51 of 2809 Montero by cct1 Oct 23, 2000 (4:03 pm)
Glad to see this page getting more use. I didn't get a triangle either. Oh well. There was an article in consumer reports several months ago (I think it was on the Jeep Grand Cherokee) comparing gas mileage on 2wd vs 4wd, and basically there was no difference. That being said, I agree with the Ryan--really no need to use it on dry pavement. I use 2H for normal driving, flip it into 4h when its raining or snowing. If you live in an area where it is dry all the time and you use 2H exclusively, its a good idea to flip it into 4H at least once a month to keep all the front wheel drive components well lubricated (read this somewhere on an earlier post.). Thanks for the info on the air conditioner--makes sense. With regard to options: Montero running boards are plastic and a bit too gaudy in my opinion with the body molding (I have pearl red and sudan beige two tone. The running boards would look ok if the vehicle was a solid color.) If I was going to put running boards on, I would probably go with (aftermarket) nerf bars--they seem to be both more functional and durable. I wouldn't by Mitsubishi air deflector for the sunroof--I was going to, until they gave me the price--it was way overpriced. I was going to put an aftermarket deflector on (believe it or not, my salesman recommended this as he thought the air deflector was overrpriced as well) but I think I'm going to hold off for now--I love the way my Monte looks, and I'm not a big fan of the air deflectors--too damn ugly. May change my mind in the spring though, as sunroof is fairly noisy open... I did get the cargo liner--fits nicely (made the dealer throw it in with the deal) but it took a while (and some heavy books in the liner) until it would lay absolutely flat. But at least I can put junk in the back now without worrying about ruining the carpet...
#52 of 2809 Montero vs. Trooper by phonos Oct 23, 2000 (9:50 pm)
Well, we made it back from the desert. No quail, but had a lot of fun driving dirt roads and a real "Jeep" Trail (Pinkham Canyon in Joshua Tree National Park). Both Monte and Trooper performed well. Put about 300 superficial scratches on both sides of both vehicles on the trail from wash willows, tamarisk, palo verde, and other desert vegetation. (At least, I hope they're superficial, and will buff out. That's what we told our wives). However, the missing paint on the bottom of the front bumper of the Monte is probably permanent, as is the 3 inch long and 3/4 inch deep dingy in the Trooper nerf bar. (Hey, it did just what it was supposed to to right? -- saved the door panel. Try and convince your wife of that one.) Will post more, including picture of being stupid on paint eating rock, later this week on 2001 Montero Board -phonos
#53 of 2809 by acolsen Oct 24, 2000 (2:02 am)
which has the better suspension. Montero or Trooper?
#54 of 2809 Montero vs. Trooper - acolsen by phonos Oct 24, 2000 (5:00 pm)
What do you mean by better? The Montero rides smoother due to the independent 4-wheel suspension as opposed to the solid rear axle on the Trooper. The Montero could be driven in comfort on rough road, at considerably higher speed. But, on the Trooper it was really easy to add 2 in. lift by adding longer variable rate springs to the rear and cranking up the pre-load on the torsion bars in the front. (Took all of an hour with one floor jack and you don't need a spring compressor.) The added lift and the larger more aggressive tread tires (305x75x16, Mud-Terrain) that were added makes it a little more capable off-road, especially in mud. Crawling under the Montero, it appears it would be fairly easy to add slightly longer, higher rate springs when available, (if you can find somplace to lift the body with a jack). So far, they have both been able to go on the same roads/trails without any major/minor problems other than a flat tire on the Trooper before the tire swap. I was all ready to buy an LS Trooper but couldn't find one without an optional sun roof. (I'm too tall for the lost 2 inches of head room, but wanted the standard electric seats in the LS). The Montero has a sun roof and I still have plenty of head room. So far, I am very, very pleased with the performance of the Montero, but I'm not sure it was worth the difference in price.
#55 of 2809 by brillmtb Oct 25, 2000 (11:39 pm)
Here is a quote from the Montero discussion. This guy does his homework.....I think "Purchased Montero Limited with autoclimate this past weekend. Spent alot of time checking out various other sport utilities (both on the web, and drove everything I was seriously considering in the city and highway at least once). Doing this made my decision relatively easy. I would strongly encourage anyone considering buying an suv to drive several different varieties before settling in on one--Montero was not initially my first choice, but after testing it vs. several other SUV's, it was my personal hands down winner. Here are my impressions of what I personally tested: RX-300: Pluses: Excellent ride, nice interior except for display in center console, gas mileage, reliability. Minuses: styling: this thing has two ovaries. In fact, it might have three. Looks like a station wagon. Small.   Mercedes ML 320: This was my first choice going in. Pluses: safety, relatively nice ride, 3rd row seats, black onyx is my favorite exterior color on any vehicle I've seen, relatively good gas mileage.  Minuses: Styling: Not as bad as RX-300; I give it one ovary and one testicle. relatively small, reliability issues, interior layout (especially location of cupholders and window controls) and center console less than ideal; price. Infinti QX4: Really was pleasantly suprised by this SUV. Wonderful engine, quiet, fairly nice ride But..small, and no matter how I adjusted the drivers seat, I could not get enough head room with the sunroof. Blah exterior..give it no ovaries or testicles--looks neutered (or spayed) Toyota 4-runner limited: Pluses: Nice looking--give it two testicles. Nice interior, reliabilty. Minuses:Drove this right after the Montero--this thing is small (only 67 inches wide vs. 73.9 for new montero), rides harsh, Underpowered, overpriced. Drove Durango, Explorer, Trooper, Jeep GC limited--took all of thiry seconds to eliminate these off the list.... Also looked at Ford expo/Tahoe but bigger than what I wanted/needed. (Anyway, would hold out for Seqouia in this class). Acura MDX: Would have considered this as well, but needed something sooner. Not crazy about the styling (admittedly, I've only seen pictures) but looks like it has at least one, possibly two ovaries; definitely no testicles. Land Cruiser: Thought about it--really like this SUV--but I just couldn't justify the pricetag. Only other minus to me is gas mileage. Montero Limited: Pluses: Personally love the exterior. This thing definitely has two cahones. Nice ride. Fantastic suspension. Love the interior. Relatively spacious. Advanced 4wd system. Nice stereo. 3rd row seat. Was worried about vibration, drove this thing several times at different speeds and conditions--absolutely no vibration at all. Can actually take this thing off road. Huge Moonroof. Lots of options for the money. Size perfect for my needs. Great interior layout with LOTS of storage space. Minuses: No liftgate. Tailgate window doesn't open. Slightly underpowered. Dealers won't come down much off sticker (but at least there is 3.9% financing). ? Reliability--but made dealer promise loaner (in writing) if any extended repairs. Bottom line: There are several good choices depending on what you're looking for. My only major issue with the Montero is reliability--I loved the vehicle enough that I'm willing to take the chance (if this thing is a dog, my next vehicle is a Lanccruiser). Time will tell.... "
#56 of 2809 by brillmtb Oct 25, 2000 (11:43 pm)
Added to what is discussed here I would say we have a lot of good info to go with in selecting the right SUV. Enjoy
#57 of 2809 Montero by alexp Oct 26, 2000 (1:39 pm)
Why reliability is the concern? Read all the posts that have misubishi in it and you will not find problems. Actiually, there are some, but it is not as global as other makes. Mitsubishi hid some recall info, but it was more of the "image" thing and the most outraged was the government, not the customers. I did my homework too, as in post #59, Lexus RX300 was my first choice, than ML320, 4Runner Limited and the last one Durango. After Lexus was eliminated from my plans, I looked at 2000 Montero Endeavour. I knew that new model was coming up, so I decided to wait a bit. When 2001 came out (I had a chance to drive it before dealers did) my list got very short. I bought 2001 Limited and I am positive that it will perform as the top names or better.
#58 of 2809 Montero reliability by cct1 Oct 27, 2000 (2:56 pm)
In response to post #61: That was my post that was quoted in #59. The reasons reliability is a concern to me include: 1. First year model. I know Mitsubishi tests the new Montero components at the Dakar rallies prior to incorperating them inon their "civilian" vehicles, which eases the worry a little. Always nervous about a completely redesigned first year model though.... 2. I agree with your assessment of the Mistubishi cover up thing. Mitsubishi was taking care of the problems (hence the lack of dissatified owners), they just weren't reporting the problems to the government. Disappointing on Mitsubishi's part, but I can live with it. 3. Looking at reliability data (consumer reports, message boards) its my opinion (and I am not an expert by any means) that Mitsubishi is better than American manufacturers with regard to reliability, but lags behind Toyota and possibly Nissan as well, but probably better than Isuzu. 4. With regard to performance, I agree with you one hundred percent. I think the Montero outclasses all its competitors with the exception of the Landcruiser, but when you look at value, I think the Toyota is way overpriced (for that matter, so is the 4runner). I have close to 3000 miles on mine, and I absolutely love it. No problems with it at all, so far. Always looking for reasons to drive it; can't wait 'til it snows. Hope it stays this way...Now if I could just find a way to keep my wife from driving it so much (she loves it too) and periodically saddling me with the damn minivan........
#59 of 2809 Montero by alexp Oct 27, 2000 (4:31 pm)
It is not first year, not really. It is the first year with the steering wheel mounted on the left. It was introduced in Japan and Australia 2 years ago. Is it lagging in quality behind the Toyota? not sure, but possible. Is it laggaing behind the Nissan? absolutely not. In the "tief" market Montero is second after the Land Cruiser. Toyota is spending way more money on advertising and its market share is bigger than Mitsubishi, however, in Asia Mitsubishi is considered on of the best. Main reason DC bought Mitsu it was to get technology and access to the asian market. It is little known that Mitsu is one of the most innovating automotive companies, but their financial moves always make them to sell patents instaed of utilizing them. The latest example is GDI engine. I did scout the net, searching for problems (problems that affect the consumers) and could not find much. I found more about Toyota and Mercedes than about Mitsubishi. I had started topic here some time ago "Problems with Mitsubishi", that was frozen due to the lack of response. Try alldata.com
#60 of 2809 Montero Reliability by ryan43 Oct 27, 2000 (10:56 pm)
In terms of reliability I'd say the Montero is about the best I could find from my research. It is made in Japan. One can take a look at its quality, fit and finish and see the difference. As far as the other Japs go (Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda) I have notice that the quality and reliability have gone down significantly since they started building their vehicles in North America. I've had Honda's that were built both from Japan and the US. Boy, can you tell the difference. Ten years ago(give or take) I thought it was unheard of for a company like Honda or Toyota to have recalls, defects, poor reliability, quality issues, customer complaints, hundreds of service bullitens per model. Today, just take a look at the NHSTA web site and you won't believe your eyes. To prove my point compare models still built in Japan (not many) and those made in the US. Night and day. Enough to make me take back my deposit on a new Honda Odyssey mini-van and buy the Mitsubishi. The Montero is built like all the JAP cars used to be in the good old days.

Messages Page 6 of 281 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 281 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums SUVs Mitsubishi Montero Mitsubishi Montero