Mitsubishi Pajero of the third generation, unlike the first two, is more suitable for drivers who often drive on asphalt - this machine may not suit dashing off-road racers. Our car is sold mainly under the name Montero - this is how the SUV was called in the USA and Spain. In this regard, there is an interesting story. When the Japanese started selling Mitsubishi Pajero in Europe, an annoying jamb surfaced. It turned out that the word Pajero in Spanish is heard as "homosexual". For this reason, the title had to be corrected.
Experts advise not buying Pajero, but Mitsubishi Montero. Although outwardly they differ little - the American is recognizable by the turn signals located not on the fender near the front door, but on the wheel arch. Pajero produces 3 and 5 doors, while Montero always has 5 doors. Honestly, it doesn't make any sense to take the short-base version. There is less space, it is inconvenient to climb into the back seat, moreover, there is almost no difference in price. Of course, the cross-country ability of a 3-door car is better, but the latest Pajero / Montero have fundamental differences from their younger brothers. If earlier the cars had an indestructible frame, then since 1999 Pajero / Montero received independent suspensions and a monocoque body. In terms of cross-country ability, the car will be no worse than its predecessors, but if you squeeze the maximum strength out of it, then repairs cannot be avoided. Therefore, if you are looking for an extreme off-road vehicle, look elsewhere.
Another point that speaks in favor of the 5-door option: cars are often ... seven-seater! There are two more seats under the boot floor. Sitting there is not very comfortable, but sometimes a thing is simply necessary.
As for the body, the Pajero / Montero body with an integrated frame is very difficult to repair after severe damage. If you see that the iron has brightened up (and an experienced craftsman will always notice this), then check the car strictly, or better completely refuse to buy such a car.
There is also a small difference between the salons of Montero and Pajero. Both of them usually have a high-quality package, lots of shelves, drawers, cup holders. Build is great too, but plastic could be more expensive. The design draws attention to the central octagonal console, as well as the round instrument scales recessed into the "wells". Despite the fact that Pajero / Montero is replete with a variety of electrics, they usually do not have glitches. Sometimes the display on the center console is capricious and the connectors come off, but this is rare. So the electronics in Pajero / Montero cannot be called a weak point.
What is the advantage of Montero is in the motors. They are reliable and simple for the American. In almost all cases, SUVs have petrol V6, volume - 3.5 liters, standard injection system, power -200 hp. (they write another 197 hp). Since 2003, Mitsubishi Montero received an engine with a volume of 3.8 liters and a capacity of 218 liters.
Japanese and European Mitsubishi Pajero are equipped with a V6 gasoline unit, GDI series, volume - 3.5 liters. power - 202 HP In Japan - 220 hp, sometimes 245 hp. GDI engines are special in that gasoline is injected directly from the combustion chamber. They have reduced emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere, their engines have high torque in a wide rpm range and low fuel consumption. But the experience of using sophisticated Japanese motors in Russia also speaks of their disadvantages. And this happens solely because of the quality of our fuel!
Especially when the mileage of the car is more than 150 thousand km. For example, branded injectors can be turned off. Moreover, if one broke, wait on the way for the remaining 5 pieces.
Also the weak point is the high pressure fuel pump. There are 2 of them in GDI engines - one in the tank is normal, the second creates the necessary pressure in the system. To maximize the life of the engine, we recommend every 20 thousand km. for preventive purposes, clean the injectors - if they deteriorate, the chance to restore these spare parts for Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero is minimal.
Engines 3.5 liters. volume without a GDI system better digest our fuel, they are much more reliable. However, they also require certain costs. For example, every 80 thousand km. it is necessary to change the timing belt with the drive belt rollers and its own rollers, and every 40 thousand - platinum spark plugs. Pajero III is sometimes equipped with a 3.0-liter gasoline engine with a power of 170 or 180 hp. It came from a previous version of the car. There is also a diesel engine - its volume is 3.2 liters, the power is 175 hp. in Japan and 160 in Europe. Diesel Pajero, I must say, has something to love and they are popular with us - after all, their power is decent, although they require high-quality diesel fuel.
Diesel engines on Pajero III 1999-2000 years of production after 60 thousand km required overhaul, but fortunately, Mitsubishi engineers did the work on the errors. If the high-pressure pump on a diesel engine breaks down, then its repair will not cost an exorbitant amount. We recommend that owners of diesel Mitsubishi Pajero carry out maintenance every 10 thousand km.
Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero gearboxes are of two types: automatic and mechanical. Montero always has automatic transmission. Both boxes are highly reliable, they serve for a long time if the oil is changed on time.
An important part of the SUV is the Super Select II all-wheel drive system. In this case, the driver can choose how to move: on the rear or permanent all-wheel drive. The system has a reduced blocking of the center and rear differential - therefore, the car feels confident not only on the asphalt. Transmission modes are switched using a small lever. This is convenient, but sometimes the system slows down. Experienced drivers advise in such cases, while the electronics are doing their job, do not touch the gas pedal.
Sometimes the hand-out sensors may fail. But, fortunately, these spare parts for Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero are inexpensive - it is better to change all five at once. The mechanical part of the transmission is quite reliable, except that sometimes the universal joint of the propeller shaft needs to be replaced. Remember that at each MOT it still needs to be injected. 90-120 thousand km. it is necessary to change the front hub.
As we said, the 3rd generation Pajero / Montero has fully independent suspensions. Even on a bad road, they provide excellent ride comfort, the car's handling is noticeably improved compared to its predecessors. However, off-road, the new concept has shown itself not in the best way. On the asphalt, the suspension, brake and steering elements will serve you for a long time.
In any case, when purchasing a car with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, get ready to shake up the front suspension (this is a normal indicator for an SUV).
In addition, most likely you will need to put two new levers, shock absorbers and tie rods with tips on the wheel. Plus, usually with a bulkhead chassis, they also carry out MOT. It will cost you a pretty penny, but it will probably be the biggest investment in a three, five year old Pajero / Montero. Despite the complex design, the rear suspension is more than reliable. It is stronger than the front one and does not need repair for more than 150-200 thousand km.
Conclusion: Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero III does not have a frame structure and dependent structures - despite this, the car is quite reliable. Especially if you do not operate the car off-road.
All the necessary spare parts for Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero 3 you can order on our website.
In 1999, the presentation of the new Mitsubishi Pajero (3rd generation) car took place. Immediately after the debut in Japan, the serial production of this brand was launched. Three years later, the company carried out a restyling, however shallow. Basically, the changes were limited only to the update of the appearance. In 2006, the assembly of "Pajero 3" was discontinued in favor of the fourth generation.
Briefly about the main thing
So what is the third generation Pajero? This is a typical SUV with a frame integrated into the body. During production, the model was presented with both three and five doors. In accordance with this, the first version of "Pajero 3" is designed for five seats, the second - for seven. On the road, the car demonstrates high aerodynamic properties. It allows you to use the car both in urban conditions and off-road.
Drivers and passengers note the high level of cabin comfort. During driving, even on the worst roads, the car runs smoothly, vibration is not felt. It is also worth noting that the level of sound insulation is quite acceptable - extraneous noise from the street and from the operation of the engine in the cabin is practically inaudible. In short, the Mitsubishi Pajero demonstrates excellent Japanese quality in every way.
Dimensions (edit)
Since the "Pajero" of the third generation was produced with different body modifications (three- and five-door), of course, the size of the car is somewhat different. For example, the length of a five-seater starts at 4220 mm, but the Pajero, which is designed for seven people, reaches 4800 mm. The width of both copies is the same and is 1825 mm. As for the height, there are different indicators here. They vary in the range from 1845 to 1855 mm.
I would like to pay special attention because in SUVs this parameter is considered one of the most important. It is thanks to him that this shows a high cross-country rate. So, in "Mitsubishi Pajero 3" ground clearance is 230 mm with a radius of 17 inches discs.
Exterior
The exterior design of the car is just as important as the technical characteristics. It is unlikely that anyone will want to purchase a model if its design elements are not completely satisfied. However, looking at this full-size SUV, it's hard to imagine that someone might not like it.
The Pajero 3 model is a big enough car. This type is only suitable for those who prefer large cars. Its exterior is very attractive and, it should be noted, is still relevant. In the front part, the voluminous bumper immediately catches the eye. On its sides there are round-shaped fog lamps. The optics of the head light resembles a rectangle, but with smoother lines. made in the form of an inverted trapezoid. In the middle there is a corporate logo on it.
What do we see in the back of the Mitsubishi Pajero 3? First of all, the large tailgate. On it flaunts a spare wheel, slightly shifted to the right, and on the left - a license plate. The bumper is small. It has rectangular feet on the sides and is quite narrow. Just above the headlights, they are extended from top to bottom.
Interior
Now it's time to take a look at the salon. The first thing I would like to note right away is the spaciousness. The seats are comfortable enough in all rows. The back sofa has a division into one- and two-seater armchairs, which is why it will be quite comfortable for three adults to fit on it. In the seven-seater model, the third row of seats is somewhat cramped.
The luggage compartment has a minimum volume of 215 liters, but it can be significantly expanded with the rear seats. If the second and third rows of seats are completely removed, then the capacity of the cargo compartment increases to almost 1,800 liters.
As for the control panel, at the moment it can hardly be called multifunctional. The steering wheel is not equipped with buttons, some of them are located on the driver's door. are limited to the base radio. Those cars that were intended for sale in Arab countries had two air conditioners included. One functioned taking into account the airflow of the front seats, the second - the rear ones. And the copies released for the domestic market were equipped with a stove instead of a second air conditioner.
Engines "Pajero 3"
"Pajero" (third generation) was produced with gasoline and diesel units. The first line was represented by installations for 3.0-3.8 liters. The power rating they provided ranged from 173 to 208 "horses". Russian buyers could only purchase a car with a volume of 3.5 liters. It provided 202 hp. However, it is worth noting that the installation turned out to be quite demanding on the quality of gasoline, so it caused a lot of trouble for the owners.
Diesel engines installed on Pajero 3 (the price of such models is currently about 500 thousand rubles) are also presented in several modifications. The range includes units from 2.5 to 3.2 liters. In comparison with gasoline units, they show less power (105-165 horses). Their disadvantage can be called the same problem that gasoline engines have - the requirement for high quality fuel.
Advantages and disadvantages
Finally, I would like to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the Mitsubishi Pajero 3 model. The pluses, undoubtedly, include the following indicators:
- high level of cross-country ability;
- comfort and spaciousness of the cabin;
- aerodynamic properties;
- quality materials;
- great design.
There are not so many minuses in the car. First of all, it is expensive maintenance and high prices for spare parts. Some drivers also note the poor performance of the climate control system, which malfunctions in severe frosts.
Mitsubishi Pajero of the third generation was presented back in 1999 at the International Motor Show in Tokyo. Despite being presented in its native Japan, the all-terrain vehicle was later shown in the United States and Europe. It was the third generation of Pajero that became the most revolutionary car in the family of Mitsubishi Pajero SUVs. Remember the first two generations of Pajero, both SUVs were equipped with a frame body and a beam in the rear suspension, while the new car received a so-called frame integrated into the body, as well as an independent suspension both front and rear. Even if we proceed only from this, the difference from the main competitors: and will become obvious. With the release of the fourth generation, the Japanese gave the body more straight lines, the car became similar to the second generation, but technically the fourth Pajero repeats the third generation. In this review, we will focus on the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.
Overview of the Body and exterior of Mitsubishi Pajero
Pajero of the third generation was produced in three and five-door bodies. The dimensions of both modifications have grown in comparison with the second generation. The length of the three-door increased from 4060mm to 4280mm, the five-door increased from 4680mm to 4795mm. Mitsubishi in a three-door body has become wider by 90mm, and in a five-door body by 100mm. The wheelbase of the three-door Mitsubishi Pajero has increased by 125mm, and the five-door by 55mm. Despite the overall increase in dimensions, the body height of both modifications has decreased by 45mm. The SUVs destined for the United States were called Montero. The American woman can be distinguished by the turn signals that are built into the front wheel arches, while on the Europeans, the signals are installed in the front fenders, in front of the door. In 2003, the SUV was restyled. 
The updated Pajero can be recognized by the round-shaped front foglights, previously they were rectangular - pay attention to the photo. Depending on the configuration and equipment, Mitsubishi Pajero puts on tires with dimensions 235/75 R15, 245/70 R16, 265/70 R16, 235/80 R16.
Salon and equipment Mitsubishi
In the dashboard block there is a device that prompts the driver about which drive the car is currently using. 
Cars destined for Arab countries are equipped with two air conditioners, one air conditioner is intended for those sitting in the back. On machines that are intended for the CIS countries, a stove is installed instead of the second air conditioner. The most expensive equipment GLS already in the base is equipped with heated front and rear seats, heated rest area of wipers and climate control. Five-doors can have additional seats in the trunk for two passengers. The volume of the Pajero's trunk with the second row sofa unfolded is 1295 liters.
Technical part and characteristics of Mitsubishi Pajero 3
As we already understood, the main difference between the third generation Pajero and the rest of the mass of SUVs of that time is the absence of a frame in its usual form and an independent suspension. Skeptics of this model constantly insist that independent suspension is less durable under constant driving on heavy off-road than axles, and this is actually the case. But the designers themselves understood this, they created a car that, although not so hardy, but no less passable off the highway, and on the highway it is much better than the Patrol Y61 with its front beam. In addition, the Pajero of the third generation, unlike the Nissan Patrol Y61, is equipped with an interaxle differential, it is he who allows you to drive all-wheel drive on any surface without harm to the car. The manufacturer itself has disseminated information that the rigidity of the third Pajero's body is three times higher than the rigidity of the second-generation Pajero frame body. The suspension travel has even increased by 30mm compared to the previous model.
The following engines were offered for the CIS market. The newest and most advanced was a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with GDI direct injection technology. The system constantly monitors when exactly it is necessary to inject and regulates the amount of the fuel mixture. The power unit received the 6G74 index, the engine develops a power of 202 horsepower and a torque of 318 N.M, it is very important that 80% of thrust - 270 N.M is available already at 1,500 rpm. V6 3.5 intended for the domestic market in Japan produced 220 and even 245 horsepower. Initially, the engine with the GDI system looked perfect: power, economy and environmental friendliness, but as time has shown, this unit does not like domestic gasoline too much. Due to poor fuel, the fuel pump suffers.
The 3.2-liter 4M41 diesel engine produces 160 horsepower, and the 3.2 DI-D torque even exceeds the 3.5GDI gasoline V6, the 3.2 diesel torque is 372N.M. The big advantage of the diesel unit in comparison with the above-described gasoline V6 is the use of a chain in the timing system, and not a belt like on a gasoline V6, but it is also recommended to change the chain when the mileage is 180,000. Some problem of the turbo diesel is that over time the intake manifold becomes clogged. The fact is that, due to low-quality diesel fuel, the gas recirculation system "drives" not only gases into the intake manifold, but also excess - unburned fuel. Servicemen recommend checking the intake manifold for cleanliness every 40,000. Another characteristic problem of the 4M41 diesel engine is that over time, the fuel injection timing sensor stem wears out in the fuel pump, this nuisance is accompanied by increased smoke at idle speed and loss of power.
The least powerful diesel with a volume of 2.5 liters with a capacity of 100 horsepower and 240 N.M of torque was installed only on the basic GL versions and was not in significant demand in the CIS.
Cars intended for Arab countries were equipped with a 3.0-liter gasoline V6 already tested under the hood of the second generation Pajero. The motor is also familiar from Pajero Sport. Power - 170hp, designation of the power plant - 6G72.
For the United States, a 3.8 liter gasoline engine developing 218 horsepower was proposed.
A common malfunction for the 3.5 GDI 3.2DI-D engine is a possible malfunction of the camshaft position sensor, and the car will not start. If such a problem arises, you can find repair specialists in the city, for example, if you live in Sochi, just enter in the search box - Sochi Auto Repair, or the name of the city in which you live.
Another important advantage of Pajero is the Super Select 4WD all-wheel drive system. This system allows you to drive and even engage four-wheel drive directly on the move, but to engage a lower gear, you should definitely stop. In normal operation, 37% of the thrust is transferred to the front axle and 63% to the rear axle. A simpler all-wheel drive system, Easy Select 4WD, was also installed on the basic modifications, which was not equipped with an center differential, but such a transmission was installed only on the basic versions - GL.
Mitsubishi Pajero designed for the CIS were equipped with either a five-speed automatic Invecs 2 with the possibility of manual switching, or a five-speed mechanics. Invecs 2 is able to adapt to the driver's driving style, but vryatli he will be able to please fans of really fast driving. A simpler automatic machine with four steps was installed on Arab cars.
GDI motors are not very durable hydraulic lifters, they usually die by 60,000. With runs of 80,000 km on Pajero engines, the timing belt should be replaced, at the same time the rollers and the hydraulic tensioner should be changed, as well as the attachment drive belt.
Front wheel bearings live for 50,000 km. The weak point of Mitsubishi is the rear camber / toe adjustment eccentric bolts, which stick together over time. The stabilizer and ball bushings serve 100,000 each, and the silent blocks of the rear levers are capable of traveling 150,000 km. Replacing the tips of the steering rods will be needed with a run of 100 thousand.
Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of the Mirsubishi Pajero 3 with a DI-D turbodiesel engine and an automatic transmission.
Specifications:
Engine: Diesel 3.2 r4
Volume: 3200cube
Power: 165hp
Torque: 373N.M
Number of valves: 16v
Performance indicators:
Acceleration 0 - 100km: 13.8s
Maximum speed: 170km
Average fuel consumption: 10.7L
Fuel tank capacity: 90L
Dimensions: 4775mm * 1845mm * 1855mm
Wheelbase: 2780mm
Curb weight: 2155kg
Ground clearance / clearance: 235mm
In 25 years of production, Mitsubishi Pajero has become the most famous SUV ever introduced in the world. It should be noted that his popularity began to go up precisely in 1985, when he won the world famous Paris - Dakar race. It was sold in almost all countries of the world, and the total number of cars sold exceeded two and a half million. But the real success came to the model at the beginning of the new millennium with the release of the 3rd generation Mitsubishi Pajero.
By releasing Mitsubishi Pajero, Japanese manufacturers took significant risks. After all, it was from the Mitsubishi Pajero III model that the car lost its frame in the usual sense of the word. Not that it has disappeared altogether, but it has become, as it were, integrated into the body. That is why, when buying Mitsubishi Pajero 2002 cars in the secondary market, you should carefully study their appearance and make sure that there is no damage. Since, due to the integrated frame, the Mitsubishi Pajero body is difficult to restore geometry. A high-quality paint-and-lacquer coating reliably protects it from corrosion.
The thickness of the Mitsubishi Pajero paintwork was about 140 - 160 microns. Therefore, many motorists resorted to polishing it before selling the Mitsubishi Pajero 3. This procedure, if it was done with high quality, gave the appearance of a car that had just rolled off the assembly line.
The 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero was offered in two versions: in a three- and five-door body. The five-door Padzherik was equipped with an additional third row of seats, which could always be used if it was required to transport a large number of people. This row consisted of two seats that could hide in the floor of the luggage compartment as unnecessary and form a large flat surface. In truth, these 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero seats were not particularly suitable for adults, and on long journeys there was no question of comfort. But for the transportation of children, nothing better could have been invented.
The dimensions of the luggage compartment of the Mitsubishi Pajero were quite decent, even for an SUV. When all three rows of seats were used, the trunk volume was 215 liters, and if there were five people in the Pajero III's cabin, then the size of the luggage compartment increased to 845 liters. But the manufacturers also thought about the option when the car would need to be used to transport especially oversized cargo or just a large number of things. In this case, all seats except the first row can be folded. Thus, it is possible to achieve an increase in the trunk to as much as 1720 liters! Residents of suburban settlements are happy to use this opportunity of Mitsubishi Pajero to transport bulky goods. You can often hear the saying that this car helped to build a house, since with its help it is easy to deliver not only ordinary things, but also building materials.
The 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero three-door was designed for five seats. But the people in it did not feel constrained at all. The front seats of any of the options had a sufficient set of position adjustments, and the rear backrests could take the angle that was most comfortable. All seats were equipped with reasonably comfortable head restraints and seat belts. The only drawback that was allowed by the designers during the design of the seats is the complete lack of lateral support. If for the front seats its role was partially performed by a large armrest between them, then the passengers of the second and third rows were doomed to collapse one on top of the other during sharp maneuvers. If only two people were driving in the back row, then the situation improved slightly - the central place tended to transform into a wide armrest.
One of the factors that positively influenced the promotion of Mitsubishi Pajero in the market was the excellent marketing campaign of the Mitsubishi concern. To achieve the optimal result, leading experts were involved in many parts of the world. That is why, in different countries, the 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero was presented under different names. In England, this SUV was known as the Mitsubishi Shogun, and in the USA it was introduced with the name Mitsubishi Montero. According to the developers, thanks to the new streamlined body shape, its aerodynamic properties have been improved by 300% compared to the second generation. The 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero had smoothed and rounded body shapes. This is what led to the improvement in aerodynamics. However, with the release of the next generation, all the acquired roundness was gone. The developers decided to maintain the solid angular design of the Mitsubishi Pajero despite the deterioration in streamlining characteristics. This decision was received very positively by customers and sales of the fourth generation compared to the 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero went up sharply.
In addition to aerodynamics, the new body had a center of gravity shifted to the rear, thanks to the redistribution of the load and the new position of the fuel tank - now it was located strictly in the center between the axles. This also led to improved safety and handling of the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.
The use of a new transmission system in this car made it possible to distribute torque between the axles in a 33/67 or 50/50 ratio when road conditions required it, now it was called Super Select 4WD II. Its feature was the ability to turn on all-wheel drive on the go, without stopping the car.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2000 was equipped with automatic and manual transmissions. The most popular among them was Tiptronic INVECS-II, with the possibility of manual control and "ability" to adapt to the driving character of a particular motorist. Padzherik was driven by gasoline and diesel engines. Especially for these engines, Japanese designers have developed a special system of direct fuel injection into the cylinders - GDI. It significantly increased fuel economy and engine power. All engines of the Mitsubishi Pajero three had a variety of volumes and power. Each customer had the opportunity to choose from a wide range of trim levels exactly the one that suited him more than others.
The suspension has been specially redesigned for this model: multi-link at the rear and double-link at the front. She worked well off-road and had excellent driving characteristics when driving on paved roads. Her stamina was high enough. Even with regular off-road operation of the car, the suspension calmly nursed up to 100 thousand km.
The 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero salon was quite comfortable and stylish for its time. Even the modern fourth generation Pajero is not much different in interior design. The designers specially developed the position and curvature of the glass for optimal filling of the Mitsubishi Pajero 2004 with daylight. As a result, its windshield, together with the large sunroof, creates a sense of vast space, and the comfortable position in the front seats greatly enhances this effect. When developing the third model, the manufacturers decided to do a good job right away to make the right impression. And no doubt they succeeded. The location in the driver's seat is especially convenient. The fact that the steering wheel is adjustable only in height does not cause any particular inconvenience - this minus more than compensates for the large range of seat adjustments. The indicators of the devices are well readable - a quick glance is enough to evaluate all the necessary parameters. All control levers of the Mitsubishi Pajero 2002 are in their usual place and fit very comfortably in the hand. You get used to their location so quickly that it seems you can drive a car with your eyes closed or in the dark. But such a chance is unlikely to come. In the dark, the interior fills with a pleasant blue illumination, which perfectly fulfills its role and gently illuminates all the necessary levers, buttons and instruments. There are wooden elements in the panel decoration, they give the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero a zest of naturalness and special style.
The feeling of comfort is enhanced by a high-quality multimedia system with excellent sound, and the ability to read MP3, which can be controlled using the touchscreen on the center console. Depending on the configuration, the number of speakers in the cabin can be increased, a subwoofer or DVD player can be added. The on-board computer is at any time ready to provide a lot of various information: atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature, altitude, data on fuel consumption.
Five years after the start of production, the car was waiting for a small restyling. Although it cannot be called full-fledged even with a stretch, it was rather a small facelift. The 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero differed from its 2001-2004 Mitsubishi Pajero brothers with a new bumper, a modified form of fog lights, some differences in the colors of the radiator grille and other wheel disks. No changes were noticed in its technical characteristics or equipment. All these innovations, combined with the long-term practice of using the 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero car in a variety of road conditions, ranging from the scorching sands of the desert to the fierce cold of the Arctic, allowed Japanese manufacturers to create a car that surpassed all expectations in terms of its popularity. For the first time, it has managed to achieve a harmony between excellent off-road performance and the comfort of a premium car. With the release of the Mitsubishi Pajero in 2005, the time of this model came to an end. This does not mean at all that its popularity in the world market has begun to lose ground. It's just that Japanese designers, as always, played ahead of the curve and were already ready to present to the world a completely new car - the fourth version of this immortal model.
Mitsubishi Pajero of the third generation has become a transitional link in the evolution between old-school SUVs and ultra-modern SUVs, which, in terms of comfort and cross-country ability, are significantly superior to all cars ever presented in the global auto industry.
The first Mitsubishi models went on sale in 1999. Around the same time, versions of the car adapted for Russian conditions entered domestic car dealerships. Compared to the previous generation, the car has become more comfortable and stable. And buyers, as before, could choose between three-door and five-door options.
Design and construction features
The new version of the mid-size SUV received a classic design for off-road vehicles - a supporting frameless body, a double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link at the rear. The lack of a frame allowed the designers to lower the vehicle's center of gravity, which made its driving performance closer to that of passenger cars. In appearance, the car has become more streamlined, although there have been no significant changes in the exterior compared to the restyling of 1997.
Another change in the exterior of the third generation occurred in 2003. Fog lights are made of rectangular steel round, the bumper has changed slightly. Among other differences, it is worth highlighting only the interior equipment and new options - most of the characteristics, including the size and power of the power units, remained at the same level as before the restyling.
SUV interior
Salon Mitsubishi Pajero 3 has not changed much compared to the previous generation, and remained just as simple in design. Neither the quality of the materials used to trim the interior of the SUV nor the simplified front panel with a large steering wheel are impressive. The only thing that deserves attention is the high-quality audio system, which is installed even in the basic configuration of the car. Although, on the other hand, such simplicity made the car more affordable and reliable, which is also suitable for many motorists. 
The comfort of driving an SUV is provided by a huge interior. Even in the three-door version, there is enough room for the normal accommodation of all passengers and 415 liters of luggage. When the rear row is folded, the luggage compartment volume increases to 1.2 cubic meters. The seven-seater modification, lengthened by another half a meter, received a smaller trunk, which was donated to accommodate the third row of seats. However, when the backs of all rear seats are folded down, up to 1.7 cubic meters can be placed inside. m of cargo.
The front seats of the SUV are equipped with an electric drive. For the rear seats, the backrest can be manually adjusted. In addition, the second and third rows of the model received a practically flat floor, which makes it easier to get into the car, and separate elements for controlling the air conditioning.
Technical specifications
The Mitsubishi Pajero versions supplied to the domestic market were equipped with only two types of power units instead of the standard four:
- 202-horsepower 3.5-liter gasoline engine;
- 3.2-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 165 liters. with.
The turbocharging and intercooling of the second powertrain has improved its torque and reduced fuel consumption compared to petrol trim levels. Therefore, even domestic buyers immediately paid attention to the diesel versions. Moreover, for the Russian market, the turbodiesel was adapted to the quality of the fuel and received more power than the European engine.
Tab. 1. Technical parameters.
| Index | Meaning | |||
| Power unit parameters | ||||
| Engine volume | 3200 | 3497 | 3200 | 3497 |
| Number of doors / seats | 3/5 | 5/7 | ||
| Performance | 165 l. with. | 202 l. with. | 165 l. with. | 202 l. with. |
| Fuel | diesel fuel | petrol | diesel fuel | petrol |
| Speed | 170 km / h | 190 km / h | 170 km / h | 190 km / h |
| Acceleration to hundreds | 11.5 sec | 10.0 sec | 12.0 sec | 10.4 sec |
| Consumption indicators | 9.5 l | 13.2 l | 9.7 l | 13.2 l |
| Dimensions and weight of the car | ||||
| Body dimensions (LxWxH) | 4.315 x 1.895 x 1.845 m | 4,830 x 1,895 x 1,855 m | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,545 m | 2.78 m | ||
| Track (lane / rear) | 1.56 / 1.56 m | |||
| Clearance | 22.5 cm | |||
| SUV weight | 2.51 t | 2.76 t | ||
| Luggage compartment | 415/1253 l | 215/1700 l | ||
Auto safety
The following systems are responsible for the safety of the driver and passengers in Pajero 3 generations:
- multi-mode ABS;
- traumatic electric drives on the sunroof and power windows;
- a set of front and side airbags;
- seat belt pretensioners for all people in the cabin (5 or 7, depending on the version);
- protective bars and special crumple zones in the body.
The top versions of the model are equipped with an additional MEVAS system. It makes it much easier to go down slopes. And, stopping the car on a small slope, you can expect that it will not go down in the absence of the driver.
Modifications in Russia
On the domestic market, two vehicle configurations were offered:
- the Intense version, which received an air conditioner with a sufficiently effective filtering system from allergens and dust particles, a central display of the on-board computer and a radio tape recorder (optionally, it could be replaced with a CD changer);
- modification Exclusive, complete with xenon headlights, leather seats, oversized alloy wheels and electric heated front row of seats. In addition, the top version was equipped with cruise control and electronic differential locks.
Tab. 2. Domestic configuration of the model.
Currently, the third generation of Pajero can be purchased only on the secondary market. However, due to the fact that the SUV was sold in Russia (and its fans did not have to bring the car from abroad), there are a lot of offers. Depending on the condition, mileage, year of manufacture and equipment, you will have to pay for the car from $ 6,000 to $ 12,000. For comparison, the latest generation of Pajero will cost $ 40-45 thousand when purchased at a car dealership.
