Used 2001 Mitsubishi Montero SUV Consumer Reviews
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read and choose wisely-BIG BOY w/class
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.
The BEST 4WD
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!
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,495470 mi away
10 years and running strong
My family bought our 01 Montero used in 02 w/12k mi. My parents used it as a daily driver from 02-05. The bought a Pacifica in 05 and the truck stayed parked in the driveway for over a year. In 06 I turned 16 and got the truck as my first car.Ive gone from 46k mi to 143k mi in 6 yr. The only issues I had,the rear heater pipes explode and dump all the raidiator's contents onto the road. this can only happen 2 times bc new part is thicker. At 16 with no mechanical experience I replaced the broken pipes for the total of 17$ 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
Balanced 4x4 trail sleeper.
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.
Best bang for the buck!
I purchased the Monetero after testing practically every full-size SUV. I was relocating from NV to OK and wanted a vehicle that had 4WD for the more inclement weather. Popped out the door for a hair over $30K (a steal when compared with competitors) and headed down the road. The vehicle is quiet and very comfortable on the open road. I have hit black ice in this vehicle and if she was going to flip then she would have. Price, curb appeal, and features make her a nice purchase.
excellent
Is an excellent vehicle, the only problem with this is the consumption of gasoline, but in general is an excellent vehicle for both the family to go to work too, for use as road , is great fun to drive and very comfortable , is a rock
Excellent Vehicle!
Purchased this SUV in 2005 for my wife as she liked the body style and size. Became my daily vehicle 1 year later. Purchased it with 64,000 miles and just buying another set of tires at 180,000!!! Have had minimal work done, mostly oil changes and basic maintenance. Use it mostly for business hauling clients to lunch and golf...excellent storage for long trips! Ride is great, could use new shocks now but all in all once this one meets it's end I will look for another one with at least 75,000 miles and drive it until it falls too...
The BEST truck in the snow!!
I bought a 2001 Montero in 2005 w/42,000 miles on it. We just traded it in with 84000 miles because we just needed a change. It was the best truck I have ever had. Lots of room, comfortable ride, amazing in the snow, great ground clearance, great on the highway and the '01 seems like it's faster than an '05 I recently drove.The only major expensive was the timing belt at 70,000 miles but my ex. warranty picked it up. I would recommend this truck to anyone and would buy it again. If you're in the market for one... Don't let the miles on this truck fool you. I would buy one with 100,000 miles on it in a heartbeat.
4 YRS LATER AND SORRY
After researching for a second hand SUV, the Montero Limited came in 1st as having the "most bang for yer buck". I thought, "Mitsubishi, how could I go wrong?". Well, I have. Even though I purchased this car with an extended warranty (which has saved me thousands of dollars), this car has been to the dealer for just about everything that can go wrong on an automobile. At 80K miles, the engine blew. Some rare event where a part of the heater pipe breaks off while driving and all fluid is lost so fast that it doesn't show up on the thermostat. I replaced the engine at the dealer in 5/2009 and its since been back 8 times and broken down 3 times. Im not the only one, look online and you will see
THE FULL MONTY
I finally broke down and brought a newly designed 2001 Limited. I had a DVD player installed, swapped the front and middle headrests and had 6.5-inch TV screens installed in both so my rear passengers can enjoy a movie on the road.(Id be happy to email pics). I put about 25K on my vehicle and have experienced no problems at all. It's under-powered and gets poor gas mileage- -get over it! Off-road though there is an abundance of stump pulling power in 4WD Low Range. This is the best-looking SUV out there by far, even if it is slightly lethargic when you mash the pedal. If you need acceleration, buy a Porche. If you want a class-act 4WD, get the "Full Monty."
This vehicle has too many problems
Started having problems around 45,000 miles with the brakes but I spent money to have them fixed, just normal stuff I thought. Then with only 62,000 at 7 years I had to have the gas tank and hoses replaced. I called Mitsubishi corporate and they said "too bad" must be where I drive. This vehicle is garage kept and is driven only 6,000 miles a year. So I spent $2200 for a new tank, they said the old style metal ones rust that is why they switched to plastic. However the plastic would not fit mine so I have steel again. Now the oil pan is leaking and it will cost about $800 to fix. The mechanic at Firestone and others said they hardly ever replace gas tanks and oil pans on vehicles this new.
24 mpg
Purchased car w/64,000 miles.Miles are now 285,000. "I" get 19 mpg in the Mountains and 24 mpg on the highway. Drives soft and very little noise.I did have a problem w/a squeaking out of the front car that Mitsubishi refunded me for. Drives great in the snow. So, good that the one and only time that I did get stuck,the person who helped me out told me that I should put the car on 4 wheel drive. I thought it was on all the time.
Good SUV, but a few small things...
I purchased this car at auction from someone who took very good care of it. bought with around 60-70k, now have 89k miles. Eats gas- on a long trip I got 14 mpg with the standard off road tires it comes with- which make for a rough, kind of loud ride. GREAT car in snow! Can plow through just about anything you give it. Great through mud, over logs, and some water! As another person mentioned, the front right bearing went out. The glove box comes loose and rattles around, especially in very cold weather. The headliner scratches VERY easily. and the seat belt clips that hold the belts in the third row (from banging around) break off VERY easily if you don't remember to take belts out.
The Best SUV ever
The Best SUV ever
Excellent Vehicle!!!
I purchased my Mitsubishi Montero the very day Consumer Reports rated it as "unacceptable". Would I make the same purchase again? ABSOLUTELY!!! I love my Montero. It drives like a dream. The comfort is second to none. The best part of being a Montero owner though is its look...I have had more people come up and tell me what an awesome looking vehicle I have. I love, love, love my Montero!
REPLACE SENSOR AND REAR HEATING PIPE
STARTED HAVING MINOR PROBLEMS FROM 25K MILES.AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES THE SUV BROKE DOWN. THE DEALER INFORMED ME HAT MY REAR HEATING HOSE BROKE CAUSING THE ANTIFREEZE TO WASTE CAUSING OVERHEATING AND ENGINE DAMAGE. SHORTLY BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTT OFF, I INSPECTED MY THERMOSTAT DISPALY FOR ANY OF TROULBLE WITH OVERHEATING- EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. THE THERMOSTAT HAD FAILED! MITSI DENIED MY CLAIM ON THE GROUND THAT EVEN THOUGH THE POWERTRAIN WAS COVERED, THE REAR HOSE PIPE THAT BROKE WAS NOT COVERED. MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT MITSHI.USED A PLASTIC PIPE TO CONNECT THE REAR HEATING PIPE TO THE EVER-HOT RADIATOR. THUS ANY EXTENDED USAGE OF THE REAR HEATING WOULD NATURALLY CAUSE A DAMAGE. I AM SUEING
A sad ending
What consumer reports didn't say is that this is one of the safest trucks in america today. My wife was hit in a head on collision going highway speed by a kid in a toyota corolla--she walked away with soreness. His car was completely destroyed. The insurance adjuster had to declare it a loss, but it did the job it was supposed to do. We're going back for another.
Happy with my '01
I bought an '01 XLS 4spd in 11/01 due to the rep. of earlier Monty's and a 0% loan. ~66k miles later despite a few faults I'm quite pleased. The bad: Needs more power. Towing ~3500lbs of car/trailer I'm thankful for climbing lanes! ~17mpg avg. w/OEM tires (~15 now w/265/75LT AT's). Excessive driveline lash. Plastic 'skidplates'. Resale is miserable, but I'll be keeping it. Local dealer network sucks. The good: Not a single problem (I'm diligent about maintenance). Brakes went ~55k and work very well (better w/aftermarket pads & fluid). Great ride and handling. Killer sunroof! *Very* capable offroad, but I've installed real skidplates, 2" OME lift, and tires
Best SUV I've ever owned
This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it with 52000 miles on it and it now has 122000 miles with out any major or minor repairs. Vehicle rides great, fun to drive, gets good gas mileage and is an all around great SUV. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. In fact I will buy another one when I wear this one out.
I'll think I'll keep it
Researched for over 6 months before buying, liked design and 4WD. Had minor paint problems (chipping) and have replaced brakes(30k). Some road noise but drives better than any comparable SUV I tested.
problems
vehicle had to return for repair three times,still unable to find noise problems,sound like power sterring.power sterring pump replaced,brakes relaced, recall on four different items on vehichle.gas milaege terrible,sensor replaced twice because check engine light on.
Poor build quality
This is a nice looking & riding SUV. It's heavy and under powered with the 200 hp V6. It is well equiped and well thought out. The build quality and manufacturer warranty are not acceptable. I have had a few problems: the paint on the lower part of the SUV was peeling/falling off, a part for the anti-lock brake system - it is on it's 3rd one, the aluminum wheels were badly pitted after just on winter. I had to wait more than 3 mo. to get the district service manager to look at the wheels and they were finally replaced. (they are pitting again) Not what I would expect from a $36,000 vehicle.
Montero full limited
Great suv. strong . capable.nice line too much 11AI recommended
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Reliable
I have had my car 6.5 years and put 135K miles on it. No major problems. In fact I really did not put any money into it until 125K with first tune up. At the same time it did overheat. I put in new water pump and thermostat. Mits paid for a new radiator. It has been cross country a few times and has done well. My model does not have heat/ac vents in back, bad idea when you have kids in the 3rd row. Now for the bad. It is terrible on ice even in 4 wheel drive. I have had it fishtail several times and in full spins twice on the freeway. I got lucky, did not hit anything. If this car was ever going to roll it would have been the last icy spin with a loaded storage container on top of the car.
Terrible
This car handles terribly in the snow,even in 4WD!I was sold a billof goods.Terribole dealership, Terrible car.NEVER AGAIN!!!
OK SUV, 12 mpg, Poor Mitsubishi Warranty Work
Major gripe first. My Montero had it's paint applied very poorly from the factory around the rear window. The dealer acknowledge the problem. Mitsubishi corporate though said since it was after the normal warranty period they would not be able to pay for a fix even though it was faulty workmanship from the factory. That cost me several hunder dollars to fix on my own. Frankly I wouldn't buy another Mitsubishi because of this. Moving on, this is a very fun SUV to drive offroad, but it is as slow as molasis on road. 5 speed auto helps up to 50 then it just crawls. Abysmal gas mileage. I'm a stickler for these things and mine gets 8 mpg city and 16 highway (22 mpg if I drive 55 mph!). Overall 12.
2001 mitsubishi montero limited
Best SUV i've ever owned!! 4x4 work great!! Great offroad suv and the independent suspension system is amazing!! As long you change the timing belt every 70k miles this Suvs will run forever!!
Great Vehicle
We bought our 2001 Mitsubishi Montero to be a versitile vehicle to haul stuff, in all weather and on all surfaces. So far it has not let us down we have been through snow and ice and have towed a trailer all with ease.
Long Term Loser!
After 60K + miles and 2.5 years of ownership, this SUV has not earned my confidence as a quality long lasting, reasonably priced vehicle to own. Problems with chipping paint on bottom panels after 2 months and fights with Mitsubishi to warranty/repair it should have been the first red flag. Since then, very poor brake design, pads expensive and require frequent replacement. Other expensive broken items; computer display (replaced 2x and still not able to adjust clock in all temps),elect.antenna, fuel door release, rear wheel lugs (3 thus far, metal too soft), 4wd instrument bulb & oxygen sensors have to be dealer reset ($100) with every drive to Las Vegas!
never again
The car has a noisey bumpy ride.It over heated at 33000 miles without any warning.At this time I am batteling with misubishi they won't cover the claim because it was a defective thermostate,not covered under their warranty,and the extended warranty won't cover because they say it should be covered under mitsubishi's 5 year power train warranty I just had the hub bearings replaced at 40000,miles. my mechanic told me the car is under engineered with light wieght parts on a heavy vehicle I also found out that the dealership makes more money selling questionable extended warranty's over better ones. Iv'e spent 4,300 on this car this year at 40,000 miles
Average vehicle in its class
The exterior is catchy and the interior is not bad. However the interior is anything but quiet. Any pebble on the road will cause all sorts of noises to emit from the dash area, cup holder, center console and some mysterious noise in the rear that the dealer is unable to locate and fix. Imagine taking this vehicle off-road and the noise is unbearable. Lacks power. V6 is not good enough. Handled fairly well on the snow covered roads in Tahoe. For around the same price range you can get a Sequoia, Land Rover or a Tahoe. Which are better options for the price you pay in comfort, power and resale,
Love My Ride
My Montero is great. I like that it rides more like a car than a truck. I like the V6 engine because it doesn't use as much gas. I sold a "Luxury SUV" so I could enjoy the Mitzi more. No mechanical problems. The "Luxury SUV drove rougher like a truck and often felt that it would flip, but the Mitzi doesn't. Good in snow in 4WD, but anti- lock brake could be improved for stopping on ice.
Great Rig
The Montero is a great vehicle for both highway and backroad camping and fishing trips. It does great in the snow. I added Michelin XZX tires and it rides superbly. Also keep my packasport up on the roof rack and so its ready to go anytime. My truck has 89,000 miles and its been one of the best vehicles that I've owned. I'd buy one again!
My Montero
The Montero is the perfect vehicle for any situation. It has provided me with all the requirements needed for driving an SUV. It has great off road capabilities and adapts to any environment very well. The interior is top quality and the special features are incredable.
The best
At time of purchase we lived at 3800 feet in a ski resort and operated an inn. This vehicle served all purposes very well. In 42,972 miles I used 2529 gallons of 87 octane gasoline. That figures almost 17 mpg overall. Large moon roof was super for photography standing in rear seat area.
Never Again
I will never own a SUV like this one again. The gas mileage is terrible. When cursing on the Expressway at 85 mph the engine is reving at almost 4,00 rpm. that third row seat is useless, even to small children... The Depreciation is terrible.
great car
Since I bought the car i look forward to driving it every time I get in it. The car ride super smooth yet you still know it could handle any situation it was put in. I new of the Consumer Reports evaluation when I bought the car and I feel safer in this car than any car I have ever been in. I don't plan on wrecking but if I did I would hope either the seatbelt or one of the four air bags would help protect.
real 4x4
Forget jeeps or land rovers, the Montero is better offroad than any car I've ever been in. The 3.5L engine coupled with its five speed auto gets 0-60 in 7 to 8 seconds. I have never had one single issue with it in 95,000 miles. great truck, with ultra low axle ratio, my Montero can light up tires in 2wd but only hovers around 12 and 16 mpg
3 plus years old and kickin
Bought this truck with 51k miles. It is in great shape. I was impressed that there are no rattles and sqeeks. The interior is easy to use and the seats are comfortable. We are very happy.
Montero LTD 2001
This is an excellent vehicle with front and rear a/c. SUV has third seat and trailor hitch package. Window vent convers on all four doors. Front windows have extra tint to match factory tint. The sunroof also has extra window tint to keep inside really cool. The front of the SUV has a bug and wind spoiler. Great Michelin Tires package.
Are These Guys Kidding...?
Like many others, I fell in love with this vehicle at first sight; well, the exterior looks anyway. I have to say that after the exterior appearance, things appear to go down-hill in a hurry. I read several reviews & have to ask all those people, how can you provide a "performance" value of greater than "5", & then state that the vehicle is wholly underpowered? Yep, the gas mileage sucks a bit also, but to be expected in a 6,000 pound vehicle s'porting a whopping 200 HP engine! Breaks are substantially under- achievers if you consider all of the break replacements you'll need. Paint is also a problem. But the interior, that's another story & mostly good.
Love my Monty
Truthfully there are only two minor things that I'd say. The engine really doesn't give you enough zing when you want to accelerate hard. And it's gas mileage doesn't make me exactly "excited". That said, more power would decrease the gas mileage even more. And while this IS an SUV, I knew what I was getting into when it comes to paying at the pump before I purchased it. Want higher mileage, get a compact!
Review Title
Handles badly in bad weather.
Mitsu
GREAT vehicle to drive..eazy to fix up and handles great...go go go
140k later
I bought this with 17k on it, the dealer had replaced the brakes already. At the time it was the only 7 passenger SUV built on a car frame. It drives great but eats brakes and tires. Gas mileage is 18-22 with less aggressive road tires. I had an issue with the antifreeze disappearing because of a broken cheap plastic T that hooked up to the rear heat. This blew out the cam seals. Right front wheel bearings exploded under 100k. Overall, a good family truckster that should go another 150.
Trust mitsu engines.
I come from another country Guatemala, where mitsubishi trucks are popular, I've known owners with trucks from the late 70's and still those guys will not let go those trucks. I enjoyed my 1995 and now my 2001 montero, I wish those trucks will have more power and better gas mileage. I know this montero will last long, long years of good performance and few problems.
Great SUV, Really.
I replaced my 1998 ML320 with a 2001 Montero Limited and I am very pleased with this car. It has been over 30,000 miles and it is still completely trouble-free. This SUV has a very nicely finished and roomy interior. The V6 is adequate for getting to and from the office but a little more low-end torque would be welcome here. The transmission is very smooth, the breaks are very precise and the steering feels just perfect. I love this car!
Great Vehicle
Excellent vehicle, no problems whatsoever, gets 19MPG most times which is great ( 21Hwy, 17In-town) excellent spac3e utilization and comfort, wish it had more power so it could be more fun to drive, but you compromise the excellent fuel economy, Not a me too SUV as the style is distinctive.
King of the Road
Exceptional vehicle. Trouble free with 109,000 miles. Never changed the tires. I can,t believe how great this vehicle is. I keep the oil change and it keeps on gettin. No electrical issues. No turn over's here and i really put it to the test.
Don't flip
Despite all the hype about flip overs. I've yet to come close to fliping. The suv is fun to drive. I had my share of problems, but the only serious issue was my bearings went after 30K. Heated seats work well and the car is quiet and solid.