2001 Mitsubishi Montero Review
Price Estimate: $1,627 - $2,640





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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.
For sale near Appleton, WI
1 listings
- 212,677 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use
- 7 Seats, 13 City / 16 Hwy MPG
- Lucky Mtrs (1,711 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Heated seats
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Third-row seating
Close
Located in Pomona, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (13 City/16 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA4MW51R21J007211
Stock: 714
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-30-2025
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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin
$340/mo for Montero XLS
Montero XLS
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2001 Mitsubishi Montero has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 04V428000
- Manufactured from:
- 1997-06-01 to 2004-06-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 100432
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Corrective Action:
- MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
- Recall Number:
- 04V067000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-04-002
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 134000
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
- Corrective Action:
- A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
- Recall Number:
- 01V254001
- Manufactured from:
- 1999-12-12 to 2001-06-20
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 39020
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ACCUMULATOR THAT IS INSTALLED ON THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THIS COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH PANEL WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, AND POSSIBLY A DELAYED FIRST TIME BRAKE BOOST ASSIST AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED ACCUMULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
- Recall Number:
- 00V123002
- Manufactured from:
- 2000-01-01 to 2000-04-02
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 4275
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS LIMITS THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VISION ON THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REARVIEW MIRROR.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Mitsubishi Montero Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
read and choose wisely-BIG BOY w/class
4.75 out of 5 starsunclebertram, 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.
The BEST 4WD
4.88 out of 5 starscntrytrans, 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!
10 years and running strong
4 out of 5 stars01montero01, 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
Balanced 4x4 trail sleeper.
4.63 out of 5 starsBinder, 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 | $340/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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