Overview
Is this the car for you?
The Good
- Passenger room
- Cargo space
- Low-range gearing
- Versatile 4WD system
The Bad
- Difficult entry and exit
- Maneuverability
- Abundant size
- Fuel economy
What to Know
about the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
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Standard 4WD
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Rally-racing heritage
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Unibody construction
Our Take
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
Mitsubishi's largest midsize sport utility vehicle earned a larger, more powerful 3.8-liter V-6, additional safety features and a freshened appearance for 2003. When it was redesigned two years earlier, the Montero switched from a truck-based structure to carlike unibody construction.
Attesting to their offroad prowess, Monteros have dominated recent Paris-to-Dakar rallies. Mitsubishi also produces the midsize Endeavor and compact Outlander. Mitsubishi has suffered from sluggish sales lately.
The lower-priced XLS has been discontinued, so only the Limited edition is available for 2005. A tire-pressure monitor is now standard, and new 17-inch alloy wheels are installed.
Exterior
The updates in 2003 included a restyled grille, new integrated side steps and fresh bodyside cladding. The front and rear have a rounded profile. The Montero has minimal body overhangs. Measuring 190.2 inches long overall on a 109.7-inch wheelbase, the four-door Montero is comparable in size to the Endeavor but nearly 2 inches taller to the top of its roof rails. A full-size spare tire sits on the tailgate, and a power sunroof is standard.
The Montero has a fully independent front and rear suspension, which Mitsubishi claims is a benefit for offroad travel. Illuminated running boards, flip-open third-row windows, rear privacy glass and door-mounted puddle lamps are standard. A removable toolbox includes a flashlight.
Interior
The Montero seats up to seven occupants using two front buckets...
Mitsubishi's largest midsize sport utility vehicle earned a larger, more powerful 3.8-liter V-6, additional safety features and a freshened appearance for 2003. When it was redesigned two years earlier, the Montero switched from a truck-based structure to carlike unibody construction.
Attesting to their offroad prowess, Monteros have dominated recent Paris-to-Dakar rallies. Mitsubishi also produces the midsize Endeavor and compact Outlander. Mitsubishi has suffered from sluggish sales lately.
The lower-priced XLS has been discontinued, so only the Limited edition is available for 2005. A tire-pressure monitor is now standard, and new 17-inch alloy wheels are installed.
Exterior
The updates in 2003 included a restyled grille, new integrated side steps and fresh bodyside cladding. The front and rear have a rounded profile. The Montero has minimal body overhangs. Measuring 190.2 inches long overall on a 109.7-inch wheelbase, the four-door Montero is comparable in size to the Endeavor but nearly 2 inches taller to the top of its roof rails. A full-size spare tire sits on the tailgate, and a power sunroof is standard.
The Montero has a fully independent front and rear suspension, which Mitsubishi claims is a benefit for offroad travel. Illuminated running boards, flip-open third-row windows, rear privacy glass and door-mounted puddle lamps are standard. A removable toolbox includes a flashlight.
Interior
The Montero seats up to seven occupants using two front buckets...
Vehicle Overview
Mitsubishi's largest midsize sport utility vehicle earned a larger, more powerful 3.8-liter V-6, additional safety features and a freshened appearance for 2003. When it was redesigned two years earlier, the Montero switched from a truck-based structure to carlike unibody construction.
Attesting to their offroad prowess, Monteros have dominated recent Paris-to-Dakar rallies. Mitsubishi also produces the midsize Endeavor and compact Outlander. Mitsubishi has suffered from sluggish sales lately.
The lower-priced XLS has been discontinued, so only the Limited edition is available for 2005. A tire-pressure monitor is now standard, and new 17-inch alloy wheels are installed.
Exterior
The updates in 2003 included a restyled grille, new integrated side steps and fresh bodyside cladding. The front and rear have a rounded profile. The Montero has minimal body overhangs. Measuring 190.2 inches long overall on a 109.7-inch wheelbase, the four-door Montero is comparable in size to the Endeavor but nearly 2 inches taller to the top of its roof rails. A full-size spare tire sits on the tailgate, and a power sunroof is standard.
The Montero has a fully independent front and rear suspension, which Mitsubishi claims is a benefit for offroad travel. Illuminated running boards, flip-open third-row windows, rear privacy glass and door-mounted puddle lamps are standard. A removable toolbox includes a flashlight.
Interior
The Montero seats up to seven occupants using two front buckets, a folding three-person middle bench seat and a removable two-place rear seat that folds flat into the floor. Leather seating surfaces, a leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel, woodgrain accents, heated front seats, a 14-way adjustable driver's seat, heated mirrors and six passenger-assist grips are standard. Rear air conditioning is included. The 315-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity sound system includes a six-CD changer.
A backseat DVD entertainment system is optional. Maximum cargo space totals 91.7 cubic feet, but that drops to 39.8 cubic feet when all the seats are in their upright position.
Under the Hood
The Montero's 3.8-liter V-6 produces 215 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque. Operating with throttle-by-wire control, the V-6 teams with a five-speed-automatic transmission that permits manually selected gear changes. Four-wheel drive with a Low range is standard.
Safety
All-disc antilock brakes, traction control and side-impact airbags are standard.
Driving Impressions
Though it is capable for ordinary driving and built for offroad prowess, Mitsubishi's flagship SUV has an old-fashioned feeling. The Montero's excessive size and trucklike sounds won't appeal to buyers who prefer a more modern — and perhaps smaller — model.
Mitsubishi's largest midsize sport utility vehicle earned a larger, more powerful 3.8-liter V-6, additional safety features and a freshened appearance for 2003. When it was redesigned two years earlier, the Montero switched from a truck-based structure to carlike unibody construction.
Attesting to their offroad prowess, Monteros have dominated recent Paris-to-Dakar rallies. Mitsubishi also produces the midsize Endeavor and compact Outlander. Mitsubishi has suffered from sluggish sales lately.
The lower-priced XLS has been discontinued, so only the Limited edition is available for 2005. A tire-pressure monitor is now standard, and new 17-inch alloy wheels are installed.
Exterior
The updates in 2003 included a restyled grille, new integrated side steps and fresh bodyside cladding. The front and rear have a rounded profile. The Montero has minimal body overhangs. Measuring 190.2 inches long overall on a 109.7-inch wheelbase, the four-door Montero is comparable in size to the Endeavor but nearly 2 inches taller to the top of its roof rails. A full-size spare tire sits on the tailgate, and a power sunroof is standard.
The Montero has a fully independent front and rear suspension, which Mitsubishi claims is a benefit for offroad travel. Illuminated running boards, flip-open third-row windows, rear privacy glass and door-mounted puddle lamps are standard. A removable toolbox includes a flashlight.
Interior
The Montero seats up to seven occupants using two front buckets, a folding three-person middle bench seat and a removable two-place rear seat that folds flat into the floor. Leather seating surfaces, a leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel, woodgrain accents, heated front seats, a 14-way adjustable driver's seat, heated mirrors and six passenger-assist grips are standard. Rear air conditioning is included. The 315-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity sound system includes a six-CD changer.
A backseat DVD entertainment system is optional. Maximum cargo space totals 91.7 cubic feet, but that drops to 39.8 cubic feet when all the seats are in their upright position.
Under the Hood
The Montero's 3.8-liter V-6 produces 215 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque. Operating with throttle-by-wire control, the V-6 teams with a five-speed-automatic transmission that permits manually selected gear changes. Four-wheel drive with a Low range is standard.
Safety
All-disc antilock brakes, traction control and side-impact airbags are standard.
Driving Impressions
Though it is capable for ordinary driving and built for offroad prowess, Mitsubishi's flagship SUV has an old-fashioned feeling. The Montero's excessive size and trucklike sounds won't appeal to buyers who prefer a more modern — and perhaps smaller — model.
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Old school cool
I always liked the rugged look of the montero. It took awhile to find a nice one but the wait was worth it. Feels cool to ride in this unique truck Read full review
Capable off road machine and hauls the family
I bought my Montero used. It currently has 185000 miles and runs great. The interior has held up awesome no rips in the leather or broken plastics. We get over 20mpg while on trips with 7 people and ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2005 Mitsubishi Montero currently has 0 recalls