1996 Mitsubishi Montero Review
1996 Mitsubishi Montero Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Refinements result in a better SUV this year. A passenger airbag has been installed, optional side steps make it easier to clamber aboard and split-fold second-row seats increase versatility. New colors, new seat fabrics and better audio systems round out the package.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero LS 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$285/mo for Montero LS
Montero LS
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Marketed since 1983, Mitsubishi's compact sport-utility ranks as an old-timer in its field, though the current four-door version has only been around since '89. Straight-up styling surrounds a spacious interior for five, but climbing aboard a Montero isn't so easy. Optional for 1996 are side steps that make this task much more manageable. These sizable sport-utes stand rather tall--more than six feet from ground to roof--a profile that doesn't exactly help when it's time to undertake a sharp corner. Though refined and well-built, with seating for seven, Monteros hardly rank as bargain-priced, either, despite their extensive equipment lists.
Mitsubishi has seen fit to make some substantial refinements to its premium SUV. A passenger airbag has been added, as well as new seat fabrics. Backlit gauges marked with white numerals are more legible, and the compass has been redesigned. The second-row seat is now a split-fold affair, offering more utility in an already versatile vehicle. New audio systems also debut. Outside, new colors compliment the newly optional side steps and hard shell spare tire cover.
Beneath the hood of an LS edition sits a smooth 24-valve, 3.0-liter V6. Either five-speed manual shift or an automatic transmission is available. For more demanding tasks, Mitsubishi continues to offer a stronger dual-cam 3.5-liter engine, whipping up 214 horsepower, but only in the costly SR model, which comes solely with the four-speed automatic transmission. Electronically controlled automatics feature three-mode operation: Power, Normal, and Hold (which avoids first-gear operation on ice, snow, or muddy surfaces).
Active Trac four-wheel-drive can be shifted "on the fly," or set up to operate all the time. All-disc brakes are standard, but only the SR has Multi-Mode antilock braking (optional in the LS version). A power sunroof, too, is either standard or optional, depending on the model. Prior Monteros could tow as much as 4,000 pounds, but the current peak rating is 5,000. A variable shock-absorber system, optional on the SR, 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 1996 Mitsubishi Montero.
5 star(62%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(4%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Going, and going, and still going.....
monterobaby, 11/04/2011
1995 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
I have a 1995 Montero LS with 200,000 and still going strong.
Oil leak and timing belt fixed, purrrsss like a kitten.
Awesome rig in the winter!
Also pulls jet ski's in the summer!
I NEVER want to get rid of it...EVER!!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Reliable - Off Road Classic
Dave, 04/05/2008
1995 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
Purchased my Montero new 13 years ago - have 210,000 miles on it now and have driven it all over the western states from New Mexico and Colorado to Canada and Alaska and I love this SUV. There is not another vehicle that can get to all the rivers that I like to fish. And I know, I own an auto repair business and have looked for a vehicle to replace this one and can't find it. My wife … drives a '99 Land Cruiser that we like, but it isn't as good at getting into the remote country. Have had normal problems with parts (antenna, timing belt, etc.) but the entire drive train is original and still working great. LS model with 3.0 is underpowered but SR with 3.5 DOHC provides decent power.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best Car We've Ever Owned
8YR Montero Owner, 06/24/2004
1996 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
I really regret selling this car. We
had it for 8 years and it was the best,
most reliable, most comfortable vehicle
we have ever owned. It worked
flawlessly, and only ever had very minor
problems with it. I would highly
recommend a Montero to anyone, and am
considering buying another. The vehicle
I replaced it with just doesn't come
close to the Montero. It's very … capable
both off road and on. I've driven this
back and forth from Los Angeles to
Vancouver multiple times as well as used
it for a daily commuter. I can't say
enough good things about this car. If
you're in the market for an SUV put the
Montero on your short list.
4.13 out of 5 stars
bullet proof
jonsand, 03/26/2002
1995 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
this is by far the best auto I have owned. that includes porches & mercedes
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero, so we've included reviews for other years of the Montero since its last redesign.
1996 Montero Highlights
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $285/month |
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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