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Mitsubishi Pajero Montero 4x4 ReviewMitsubishi
Pajero / Montero 4x4 Released in the Japanese market back in 1982 (one year after the Isuzu Bighorn) the Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun 4x4 quickly established a reputation as a tough, capable, and fun to drive four wheel drive vehicle. Mitsubishi's goal with the Pajero / Montero / Shogun 4x4 was to create a more all-around recreational four wheel drive, as opposed to a hard-core trail-only 4x4, and given the vehicle's many options, accessories, trim levels, and model variations, they seem to have accomplished this. The Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun debuted in the Paris Dakar Rally in 1983, and by 1985 had taken first place in its class. This trend (winning) continued and today the Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun is the most successful 4x4 vehicle in Dakar history--although the 4x4 raced in the Dakar Rally has little more than name in common with the production model.
In addition to four wheel disk brakes, limited slip differentials, and factory skid plates, many Pajero 4x4s came fitted with push-button adjustable suspension, plush interiors, and a centre-lock differential. Unlike the part-time 4x4 systems on most other 4x4s of the era, this enabled the Pajero's four wheel drive system to be used both on road and off. If there's one thing Mitsubishi is known for, it's fitting electronic gadgetry to their vehicles--4x4s included. And in the mid-90's, the Pajero 4x4 was perhaps the best example of this. Multi-zone digital climate control, electric compass, altimeter, and incline gauges, suspension seats, the previously mentioned electronic suspension adjustment, and a plethora of electronic controls on the dash might not seem necessary on a 4x4, but in many ways Mitsubishi Pajero 4x4 helped pioneer the luxury SUV market. Of course, the Pajero was (and is still) a "real" 4x4 under all that wiring, circuitry, and plastic. The chassis is tough, the suspension able to handle off-road abuse in stride, and the 4x4 system proven in extremely tough environments around the world. With appropriate off-road tires and the factory-fitted limited slip rear differential, the Pajero's four wheel drive system moves the vehicle almost anywhere it wants to go--with aplomb, style, comfort. Like every 4x4, the Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun 4x4 has weak points. The vehicle is heavy for its size, fuel economy can be poor, certain engines were problematic, and ground clearance is inadequate in stock form. Parts and repairs can be expensive, and all that electronic gadgetry--while interesting and useful--can be very troublesome in older, well-used vehicles. When things go wrong, they really go wrong. Fortunately, they don't go wrong all that often, and since its inception back in 1982, the Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun 4x4 has developed (and earned) a loyal following of 4x4 enthusiasts around the world. Well equipped, well designed,
and certainly capable of handling whatever the average 4x4 owner might
throw its way, the Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun 4x4 has proven
itself a real-world 4x4. Just mind the gadgets. Searching for more?If you're looking for more 4WD truck, van, SUV, or mini truck information, look no further: simply type in whatever 4x4 vehicle you're interested in and click search.  Custom
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