Used 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Montero, so we've included reviews for other years of the Montero since its last redesign.
Great SUV for under $5K
az66bug, 10/25/2013
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
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.
Good used rig
monteroguy, 09/05/2005
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
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See all 0 listingsSUV for under $5K
az66bug, 08/05/2013
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Car We've Ever Owned
8YR Montero Owner, 06/24/2004
1996 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Great, until you need parts
Coffee, 01/18/2010
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Love the truck in winter! Looks good and is holding up well except for a bolt walking out and bending out from the crank shaft to the harmonic balance. I almost had to replace the entire engine if they couldn't get the bolt out. Wish it were better on gas. It's a six, but sucks gas like an 8.
Best car I've ever owned
slver, 11/21/2009
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love this car! I bought it new in 97 and Im so happy its lasted. Its reliable, very little repair, small stuff, but mainly the typical brake and tire service required for midsize trucks. Living in Southern California, I mostly drive town and freeway but also some off-road in the mountains - nice to have during our heavy rains. At 100,000 miles, my mechanic says Ive only half used up the engine so heres looking at another happy 12 years!
Great Example of Japanese Quality
CarGuyandConsumer, 06/27/2002
1996 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Montero SR is the best SUV that I have ever owned. It feels solid in everything that it does. The 4 wheel drive system has NEVER failed me, and I live on the mountain side hills of snow country. Durring the winter, going down snow covered hills/roads can be even more difficult than going up, but my montero has never failed. Low range gearing is excellant and has amazing holding power. The locking differentials make driving up icy hills a breeze. The adjustable suspension helps improve vehicle controll on winding roads at high speeds (put it in hard mode).
'96 Montero - a True Offroad Vehicle
Bob Britz, 12/26/2006
1996 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this 1996 at three years old and 45,000 miles. It now has 175,000 miles and I have no vision to sell it. Approximately 23,000 of my 130,000 miles driven have been off road in the Sierra Nevada, Inyo, and Death Valley areas. Not light offroad, but 4WD locking hubs off road required stuff. I've changed the oil every 3,000 miles and had only one major repair when a part of the intake plenem broke off and caused internal valve damage. The car gets a consistent 15 mpg and has never left me stranded due to it's advanced 4WD dual locking hubs (a rare item on any SUV today) and its capacity radiators and transmission coolers. Mitsubishi outfitted this truck perfectly - not for soccer moms.
Workhorse Deluxe
Pee Wee Denton, 05/26/2017
1996 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is not sleek or dynamic from a visual concept but, it is reliable and a workhorse for the average family.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Love It.
Chernz, 09/14/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have found a vehicle that I love. I don't care for the new body style of the 2001's and newer. I have been very happy with this vehicle from day 1. I hunt, so I often take the vehicle off- road and my job requires much travel so I am on the highway with it as well....I love this car.
Glad To Own
TH, 08/13/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle over 3 years ago after graduating form college. Currently it has over 107,000 miles and I plan to get at least 100,000 more as I put in alot of miles in a day. The only major repairs i've had to make is replacing the timing belt which is part of the scheduled maintenance. Love the seating for seven and how it retains the truck like styling. Make no mistakes, if you want a nice ride and don't often go off road, don't get this vehicle. It is a truck and rides like one. That's why I like it so much. Performs well in deep snow (2.5'), rain and mud. Does lack some horsepower.
My Favorite Car to Date
jim, 03/29/2007
1996 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
What can I say? Hmmm, this was one of the best vehicles I ever owned. I hate to part with it, but it is time. I have not put much into the car except tires and batteries over the years. The paint has held up well and is still as shiny as the day I purchased it. I will miss my old friend.
Never Disappoints Me
JHW, 07/11/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This SUV is so good I just can't get rid of it. There is no legit reason for me to sell it and it won't die. Why pay tens of thousands of dollars on a newer SUV when this one is so solid and performs just the same? It's indestructible!
Amazing
l33tn00b, 03/03/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car i have drove for 1 year now... I am now 2nd owner of the car... first owner was my mom ;) It's really great... and of course safe ;)
reliable
gdt, 05/07/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
we bought this car new in late 96 we do not go off-road much but it does the job well when needed it has been very reliable we do all scheduled maintance it is not comfortable for long trips we had twins in college and this car really held a lot of stuff, especially with a luggage carrier on top the jump seats are more of a nuisance in that it robs the rear of space but if you have small kids, they would be fine the mileage is not great - around 16mpg around town
Thinking of a 2nd
atlcfp, 08/30/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this 97 model in early 1998. I have over 170,000 miles on her and she still accelerates briskly and is fun to drive. I am considering purchasing a 2000 model with the squared off wheelwells as this is the only version I find to be more appealing than my own. I am only considering selling it because at some point a majot part has to break... doesn't it? I have had no major problems and have been pleasantly surprised to be getting Honda mileage from a Mitsubishi. I have a long torso and have a difficult time finding an SUV with headroom. The Montero has bags of headroom. I am very happy to be looking for a 2nd Monetero.
Amazing vehicle
j-toocheap, 10/30/2011
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We were given this truck with 315,000 miles on it by a family member. We have had the truck for about 6 months and have put an additional 6,000 miles on it without incident. The truck drives like it is new and has a ton of power. The truck is a workhorse, having towed a camper many miles around the U.S. The previous owner was meticulous with maintenance and changed the oil with synthetic oil every 5,000 miles. The truck is from the south and still looks immaculate. We get lots of compliments when people see it for the first time and no one can believe that it has so much mileage on it.
Great Truck
Patrick, 08/15/2007
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a great truck. I drive it to school everyday and back, go hunting and off-roading in it and it holds up very nicely. The locking differentials really add 4-wheel drive power. Nice interior, extremely modular in the way you can flip up the seats. This truck is better in my opinion without the optional jump seats. The engine is very capable and very quiet.
Big Bang for the Buck !!!!
Brian, 10/13/2007
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We use this vehicle everyday. 160,000 miles and still going strong. 7psg seating for when you need it. Tows my boat and trailer perfect.
Best car I've ever owned!
Gian-Karlo Perez, 11/02/2016
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great value! Just keeps on running!
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Ron of Montgomery Alabama
Ron Sutton, 09/22/2007
1996 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Was used primarily for road travel with a load of product and brochures for Sales and Marketing for all DoD, Federal and State Government sales of computers and computer related equipment for a seven year period. It was an office on wheels. It never failed me or let me down in any way. Unfortunately my supporting Mitsubishi dealership closed in Montgomery, AL. I have had to let some things go for lack of a competent and trustworthy repair facility. I am having to take the vehicle to different repair facilities for different types of maintenance requirements. I'm due for a timing belt change and have found a recommended facility finally. I'm ordering most of the parts myself.
Best Auto I've Owned
BD, 12/11/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Montero for almost 4 years and I still love it! I take it everywhere: in the snow, sand, mountains, and on long road trips (2,000 miles+). Never had a problem, with proper care it will last another 30 years. The strength of the Montero is better than anything I have seen. Almost impossible to damage.
Dream Come True
Loki, 08/20/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This SUV is the King of SUV's...simple love it....beats any other SUV today on the road, even tough it is 5 Year old....Very very happy and satisfied with the SUV,,its a Dream Come True for me. Great vehicle
Very good
Bob in IL, 01/27/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Many SUV's speak of their off-road abilities, but this truck delivers. (There's a reason it's won the Dakar Rally so often!) By no means is this a "shopping mall" SUV, and for this reason, if you don't plan to "use" this truck, there are many more SUV options for you that would seem to be more appropriate. It's not the prettiest truck out there, but it is very practical and tough, and it's drivetrain linkage is top notch. I've gotten through some very difficult situations in this truck that I feel many SUV's on the road today could/would have never handled. That being said, you need to be honest about your intentions and use before you choose an SUV!
Solid SUV
Franklinbugaloobozaa, 06/12/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had this vehicle for about 3 years/40,000 miles and have only performed scheduled maintenance on it - but maintenance tends to be expensive. Not as refined as the newer Montero, it's a good solid SUV with fold-up third row seating for better flexibility. Gas mileage is about 17 mpg.
My Montey SR
TonyC, 04/28/2018
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a good solid ”body on frame” SUV. Great for upgrading for true off-roading but ok highway driving.
- Performance
- Comfort
Been a good ride
Tony, 03/12/2022
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LS 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had it for a while now, been real dependable til it got hot and warped the heads. Now I'm looking for a good used motor that won't break me. $1,600 is just more than I feel like paying at this point. Thinking about sailing the axles and 4W/D unit and dropping a 351W in it. Who knows?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Keep your wallet out!
Madmadmarvin, 12/15/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a great looking SUV and has lot's of features. I've owned this vehicle 2 1/2 years and have had nothing but trouble. I don't take it offroad and I keep up the maintenance. It's been very expensive to repair (2 alternators, rear door hinges, 2 batteries) in addition to very expensive maintenance. I will not buy another Montero, cool truck, but too unreliable.
nice truck
dog100, 09/06/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
fun truck own a year parts are not cheap BUT I LOVE IT and people always comment how nice it looks Tip;put a brush guard on front it will set this baby off heads will turn
1997 Mitsubishi Montero
nomoremits, 01/12/2006
1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is the second Full-size Montero I've owned. The first was a '95 LS that was terribly unreliable and incredibly expensive to fix...I thought perhaps it was a lemon and took a chance on a '97 with the larger 3.5 engine. What a mistake that was. Except for the terrible gas mileage (the best I could get babying it on the highway was 16 mpg), the truck performed well until it got to about 85,000 miles. Since then it has had: a blown head gasket, 5 alternators, 3 batteries, a water pump, and camshaft seals. In addition to the mechanical issues the electronic mirrors, remote entry, and antenna have given up the ghost. This truck is a rolling electrical nightmare. Steer well clear of this brand. I know I will.