2001 Mitsubishi Montero Review
2001 Mitsubishi Montero Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Attractive outer shell, solid off-road ability, easy to stow third seat
Cons
- Lack of power from standard V6, no optional V8, mediocre interior materials.
What’s new
The Montero is redesigned for 2001 and features a sculpted body, stiffer frame, improved suspension and more interior room.
Edmunds says
Although generally well-rounded, this seven-passenger SUV needs more power to win our vote.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A) 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$375/mo for Montero XLS
Montero XLS
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Celebrating its first major redesign since 1992, the Montero has been improved in almost every way. Mitsubishi addressed issues like interior seating and ride quality, exterior shape, feature content and even engine performance while keeping the original Montero's claim to off-road rally king in sight. Two trim levels are available, the base XLS and uplevel Limited.
The most obvious improvement comes from the new Montero's sculpted shape, which replaces its former "tall box" look. The pronounced fender flares and swept-back headlights remind us of Toyota's Land Cruiser, which is not a bad thing. This updated shell sits on an all-new unibody structure with independent suspension both front and rear. A new rack-and-pinion steering design further enhances on-road driving manners, making the Montero more pleasant for soccer mom (or dad) duty.
Also improved for 2001 are passenger accommodations. Cargo volume is up 15 cubic feet for a total of 82. Front- and middle-row passengers gain head-, hip-, leg- and shoulder room. Third row passengers are still cramped with a scant 19.4 inches of legroom, but the third row seat itself now folds completely flat for easy storage like the Honda Odyssey and Mazda MPV. Side air bags are standard on both XLS and Limited models.
Mitsubishi worked to improve the Montero's 3.5-liter V6, but in our opinion this full-sized SUV needs either a more powerful V6 or an optional V8. Horsepower is up by three and torque is up by 12 foot-pounds, giving the 2001 Montero 200 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 235 foot-pounds of torque at a user-friendly 3500 rpm. These numbers translate to adequate around-town performance with a single occupant, but load up all seven of those seats and/or hook a trailer to the Montero's rear bumper, and forward progress, or lack thereof, would likely become a issue.
A unique (at least for a SUVs) transmission is found on the new Montero. While the base XLS gets a standard-issue four-speed automatic, Limited models come equipped with a five-speed manumatic transmission. Similar to the manumatic found in Mitsubishi's new Eclipse, this transmission allows for easy upshifts and downshifts by placing the shifter in a separate gate. The Limited also gets an improved version of Mitsubishi's ActiveTrac four-wheel drive system. A torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential is standard on the Limited and optional on the Montero XLS.
Montero's feature list is rather impressive. Base XLS models get improved antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution, a 100-watt audio system with CD player, remote keyless entry, dual glove boxes and three 12-volt power outlets. Step up to the Limited and you get a leather interior with wood trim, heated front seats, a 175-watt audio system and a LCD multi-function display. Automatic climate control is optional on the Limited.
Almost all of the ingredients for success are in place. If Mitsubishi could give the Montero some serious power, they would have a serious entry to compete in the upper end of the midsize SUV market.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Mitsubishi Montero.
5 star(67%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
68 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
read and choose wisely-BIG BOY w/class
unclebertram, 05/14/2003
2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
The Monty is by far, one of the top 3
offroad vehicles you can buy at a
dealership (hummer and Landcruiser
being the other two), and the Monty is
the only one that can use its AWD on
dry pavement. My fav. device in this
car is the trans, which is rumored to
be supplied by Porsche (Landcruiser
does the same thing. Every SUV buyer
read this,"YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MASH THE …
PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO GET POWER OUT OF
YOUR MACHINE." I love this trucks
evasive maneuverabilty and cornering,
but I switched the OEM tires for
Bridgestone Revos.
4.88 out of 5 stars
The BEST 4WD
cntrytrans, 11/18/2010
2001 Mitsubishi Montero XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I absolutely LOVE my Montero. It has been the best car I've ever owned. It does awesome in the snow and ice and it climbs like a goat! I wouldn't be afraid to take it anywhere. We also own a Dodge 4WD and a Toyota 4WD but for winter driving in the columbia gorge, I always use the Montero. I feel very protected and safe in it. I have replaced the right hub assembly twice in it and also … the computer board in the dash (temp gauge said it was overheating but it really wasn't). Even with those little problems, I still wouldn't trade it for any other SUV, it's THAT good!
4 out of 5 stars
10 years and running strong
01montero01, 06/03/2012
2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
My family bought our 01 Montero used in 02 w/12k mi. My parents used it as a daily driver from 02-05. The bought a Pacifica in 05 and the truck stayed parked in the driveway for over a year.
In 06 I turned 16 and got the truck as my first car.Ive gone from 46k mi to 143k mi in 6 yr. The only issues I had,the rear heater pipes explode and dump all the raidiator's contents onto the road. … this can only happen 2 times bc new part is thicker. At 16 with no mechanical experience I replaced the broken pipes for the total of 17$ for both pipes. Also routine fixes for cars over 100k mi, Alternator & Timing belt and oil pump.
Overall, very reliable fun 4x4 ok on gas 16 mpg avg. Love my MITSU
4.63 out of 5 stars
Balanced 4x4 trail sleeper.
Binder, 09/26/2010
2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
This is the second Montero limited I have owned. The first saved my life in a collision. Tough truck! I had no maintenance issues with the first truck, however, the cam did break on this one, and it cost nearly $3K to fix. Not a common problem though as I have not heard of anyone else having this issue. This vehicle is simply a perfect balance. The V6 is peppy though not a hot rod, gets … decent fuel economy for a full size SUV. Can seat 7 if needed, or hold lots of cargo, and takes only seconds to go from cargo van to people hauler. Good quality replacements on the tires, and brake pads cure wear issues. Got 78K out of 1st set of tires, and about 40K out of brakes. I get 16 mpg city/21 HWY.
2001 Montero Highlights
XLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,397 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $375/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Montero include:
- Alarm
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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