Mitsubishi Montero History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
Start with a make and model. Add a year where a detailed guide is available.
Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
Browse this model's history and yearsHistory
The Montero — the North American name for the Mitsubishi Pajero — arrived in the US for 1983 initially as a two-door body-on-frame SUV; a four-door version joined for 1989 and quickly became the dominant seller. It competed in and won the Dakar Rally, lending real off-road credibility to its rugged image.
A second generation debuted for 1992 as a four-door-only design on a longer, wider platform. The third generation (2001) grew the Montero further and switched to a carlike unibody construction. US sales ended after the 2006 model year as buyers moved to car-based crossovers; the Outlander took its place in the lineup.
Generations
First generation · L040
Original US Montero — 2-door at launch, 4-door added 1989; body-on-frame, Dakar Rally heritage.
Second generation · V20/V40
Four-door only on a larger platform; refined the formula for the SUV boom.
1998 Photo: “1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evo.jpg” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Third generation · V60/V70
Grew again; switched from body-on-frame to unibody — final US generation before discontinuation.
Body styles
- 2-door SUV
- 4-door SUV
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Mitsubishi Montero
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.