2003 Mitsubishi Montero Review
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- High-quality interior materials, sharp interior design, large cargo capacity, excellent off-road capability.
Cons
- Serious lack of power compared to rivals, mediocre on-road handling, useless third-row seat.
What’s new
A new grille, front fascia and headlights, designed to provide a "greater sense of luxury," as well as smoother body cladding and dechromed taillights update the Montero. A bigger (3.8 liter) V6 adds some much-needed power to this 4,700-pound SUV.
Edmunds says
An old-school sport-ute that excels off-road (where most consumers won't take it) but fails on-road in terms of overall performance and passenger-carrying ability.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.8L 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$298/mo for Montero XLS
Montero XLS
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Mitsubishi Montero.
5 star(90%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
95 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Only owner, now 160,000 and still going strong!
Brian, 02/04/2016
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
May not be the "best looking" SUVs on the road, but definitely excellent in dependability. I bought mines new in 2003 only because of an end of the year savings, which absorbed the negative equity of my “lemon” trade in. I wanted a SUV but knew nothing about this particular make/model. I didn’t even know what it looked like until they walked me over to it. Initially I was not impressed. … Although leather seats, I thought the interior was cheaply designed, and it was a little noisy at higher speeds. As stated, I bought, but thought I would most likely get rid of it around 3yrs/30k. However, here I still own it over 13 years later, and I wouldn’t get rid of my baby for nothing! The only repairs I made to her are changing the oxygen sensors multiple times, a minor adjustment to my four wheel drive, and engine oil seals. Granted, I have stayed on top of the scheduled maintenance. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi no longer makes this model. However, they should bring it back with interior, and body style upgrades. I would certainly buy another!
5 out of 5 stars
Head Turner
Gino 3, 11/18/2009
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
I have had a Montero Limited for 5 yrs and I love it. I actually preferred my montero over my Dad's Hummer H2 when he asked me which one I would prefer to have. I love the interior's quality and comfort. It does great off-roading with a rock solid frame. Has a good take off for an SUV of its size. Everywhere I go it always turns head and people are always asking what kinda of car it is … and most even think it's an 08 or 09 model. Great sound system for being stock, I wish it would have the fourth generations 650 watt Rockford Fosgate system with a 10" sub with 12 speakers and 240hp MIVEC engine though, but it will do. I would never choose any other SUV over my Montero besides the H1 alpha.
5 out of 5 stars
2003 Ltd 20th Anniversary Montero
Mainer, 03/30/2005
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
We purchased our 2003 Ltd 20th Anniversary Montero used and absolutely love it. We live in Maine and it dealt with the 100+ inches of snow we got this winter beautifully. I can't believe the "experts" only rate it at a 5.6. It has a lot power and drives and looks great. It is always being favorably commented on by others. We test drove Envoys, Trailblazers, etc. and they couldn't … compare to the room and build quality of the Montero. It has a ton of cargo room and the third row seating option is great for short distance dinner trips with 2 other couples. We couldn't be more pleased with our Montero and for 10-15K less than our friend's Lexus, it's a steal. Even the Lexus owner agrees!
4.5 out of 5 stars
248,582 original miles and still going strong!!!
mjd11, 09/15/2011
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
i bought my 2003 montero LTD in 2004 with 25,000 miles and since 200,000 + miles in the odometer and let me tell it has never let me stranded no where! only do the regular basic maintenance (oil, oil filter,air filter,battery,brakes, etc) and the off road capability one of the best off road vehicle you can buy.But where it falls short is in horseporwer is slugish when accelerating and … the mpg i think can be improve im getting max and light footed on highway speed is 19.1.but overall is the most reliable (and i have had toyotas)and comfortable ,i would recommended it to everybody.
2003 Montero Highlights
XLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,487 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $298/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 42.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Montero include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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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