1998 Mitsubishi Montero Review
1998 Mitsubishi Montero Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Wonderful off-road agility, seven passenger seating, and powerful engine.
Cons
- Old-school design.
What’s new
A revised front bumper and grille, new fenders and new rear quarter panels mark the exterior changes. Inside is a new steering wheel, while the standard equipment list now includes ABS, air conditioning, third-row seats and alloy wheels.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero 4dr SUV 4WD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$288/mo for Montero Base
Montero Base
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Marketed since 1983, Mitsubishi's sport-utility ranks as an old-timer in its field, though the current four-door seven-passenger version has only been around since '89. This year, Mitsubishi updates its veteran mountain machine with standard antilock brakes, air conditioning and a host of minor equipment that should be standard on a vehicle at this price.
Active Trac four-wheel drive can be shifted "on the fly," or set up to operate all the time. A power sunroof is available with the Luxury Package. Prior Monteros could tow as much as 4,000 pounds, but the current peak rating is 5,000. A variable shock-absorber system has three settings: hard, medium and soft.
The Montero is an interesting blend of gee-whiz gadgetry, luxurious conveniences, go-anywhere capability and unique styling. While it is true that all this cool stuff comes at a premium, buyers considering other luxury sport-utility vehicles will want to drop by the Mitsubishi dealer and consider this one as well.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Mitsubishi Montero.
5 star(60%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Great SUV for under $5K
az66bug, 10/25/2013
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
Bought this Montero 2 years ago after doing allot of research for a reliable SUV for under $5K; this was one of 5 suggested.
I didn't want something big like a Expedition or small like a Escape and this fit the bill.
It had 141,000 miles and I knew it would need some money for maintenance items like timing belt, etc.
I only paid $3800.00 so had room to do these repairs.
Although I did … have a cooling issue that turned out to be the radiator, overall I am happy with this Montero.
It's a 3rd vehicle that I bought for hauling around the dogs and Home Depot runs that I drive allot more just because it's pretty fun to drive and simplistic in nature, which I like.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Good used rig
monteroguy, 09/05/2005
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
Bought my '97 Montero used with 98,000 miles on odometer. Spent some money to replace timing belt, leaking waterpump and new muffler. Needed a 4WD SUV to explore backwoods and unpaved roads. The Montero meets all the requirements very, very well. It is well built, tough and I still get 20 MPG on the highway! Reliability is still unknown to me as I have only owned it for two months. Did a … 1,100 mile drive with no problems what so ever. It took us every where and never complained. I am very happy with my decision to buy a Montero.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Gonna Miss that Old Dog
Jim, 01/19/2009
1998 Mitsubishi Montero 4dr SUV 4WD
Been driving Monteros for 15 years now and have had great reliability. Just blew a head gasket after 193800 miles on a great 1998 model. Sad to hear dealership say it'd cost 5-6000 min to get a rebuilt engine with 87k. I've had great experiences on hwy, beach, back roads and fields. Only thing I'd change would be the alarm system. Buying another brand SUV tonight but if I can find a … way to fix my old dog for a few $ I would love to keep her around- I like the look and the ride.
3.5 out of 5 stars
SUV for under $5K
az66bug, 08/05/2013
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
Bought this 1997 Montero (full-size) LS 2 years ago after a ton of research on a GOOD SUV under $5K.
I never heard of this SUV until I was researching and overall I'm impressed keeping in mind this is a 16yr old SUV.
I knew my requirements and knew I had to get the Montero under $5K if the timing belt wasn't replaced recently.
I found one locally with under 150,000 mile (141,236 to be … exact).
I had quite a bit of Maintenance work done, timing belt/water pump first, then within 6 months all the fluids and filters replaced.
This is my 3rd car and is only driven about 5k miles annually.
Although I've put some work into this Montero it's a rough tough SUV; truck like feel.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero, so we've included reviews for other years of the Montero since its last redesign.
1998 Montero Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $288/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 43.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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