Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero

Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Also called	Mitsubishi Montero Mitsubishi Shogun
Production	1982–present
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan
Class	Mid-size SUV
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive

The Mitsubishi Pajero (pronounced /pəˈdʒɛroʊ/, Spanish: [paˈxeɾo], Japanese パジェロ [padʑeɽo]) is a sport utility vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. It was named after Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas Cat which inhabits the Patagonia plateau region in southern Argentina. However, because pajero is a slang term for "wanker" in some varieties of the Spanish language, alternative names have been adopted for many overseas markets. It is known as the Mitsubishi Montero (meaning "mountain warrior") in Spain, India, and the Americas (excepting Brazil), and as Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom.

Thanks to their success, the Pajero, Montero and Shogun names were also applied to other, mechanically unrelated models, such as the Pajero Mini kei car, the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO/Pinin mini SUVs, and the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport.

History

The first Pajero prototype was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1973. The Pajero II prototype followed in 1978, five years later. Mitsubishi’s aim was to create more of a recreational vehicle, not just an SUV.

In January 1983, the first Pajero made its debut at the Paris Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 at only the third attempt. To date, the Pajero is the most successful vehicle in the Dakar Rally. This not only gave the Pajero an offroad reputation, but also helped in the sales department.

First generation (1982–91)

First generation

Production	1982–1991
Engine(s)	3.0 L 6G72 V6 2.6 L 4G54 I4 2.0 L 4G63 I4 2.3 D 4D55 I4 2.3 TD 4D55T I4 2.5 TD 4D56T I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed Aisin automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,695 mm (106.1 in) (LWB) 2,350 mm (92.5 in) (SWB)
Length	4,650 mm (183.1 in) (LWB) 3,995 mm (157.3 in) (SWB)
Width	1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1,890 mm (74.4 in) (LWB) 1,850 mm (72.8 in) (SWB)
Fuel capacity	90 L (19.8 imp gal/23.8 US gal) (LWB) 60 L (13.2 imp gal/15.9 US gal) (SWB)
Related	Dodge Raider Hyundai Galloper

The first generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981, and was launched in May 1982. Initially, it was a three-door, short-wheelbase model available with a metal or canvas top and three different engines options:

• 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol (2000/2.0)
• 2.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol (Astron 2.6)
• 2.3-litre naturally aspirated diesel (2300 D)
• 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel (2500 TD/2.5 TD).
• 3.0 liter V6 petrol (3000/3.0).

It was loaded with features that had previously not been seen on a Japanese four-wheel-drive car: a turbocharged diesel engine, a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering and suspension seats. This made the Pajero a four wheel drive vehicle which integrated all the amenities of a passenger car.

In January 1983, only a year following its launch, mildly tuned production Pajeros entered the world of motor sport.

The Pajero, however, failed to appeal to everyone. It was seen to be a commercial vehicle, and since it was only available in a short wheel base form, it didn’t really appeal to those with families.

Hence, in February 1983, Mitsubishi came out with a long wheel base, five door model, to serve the needs of a larger target market. The long wheel base model was available with a choice of two different engines; a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol (badged as "2.0 Turbo" and "2000 Turbo" in some markets) and a 2.3 liter turbocharged diesel (badged as 2.3 TD or 2300 TD). It also came in Standard, Semi-High Roof and High Roof body styles. A stripped down nine-seater version of the High-Roof variant was commonly used in UN Peace Operations.

The long wheelbase model also increased seating capacity to seven, with available third row seats, which could be folded to the sides for additional trunk space or combined with second row seats to form a bed.

The Pajero was further refined in June 1984. The turbo diesel engines now had higher power/torque ratings, whilst the long wheel base models got standard four wheel disc brakes and four way adjustable shock absorbers as standard equipment.

A new flagship model was then introduced in early 1987, with a two-tone paintjob, fifteen inch (38 cm) light alloy wheels, front seat heaters, wool seat covers, genuine leather headrests, a three spoke steering wheel and a sound system with radio/cassette. Also in 1987, a version of the Pajero/Montero was rebadged by Dodge as the Raider, which ran through 1989.

Mitsubishi Montero LS 4-door (US)

Finally in 1988, a 3.0-litre SOHC V6 engine was made available, alongside a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, with the first 4x4 intercooler. This translated to better acceleration in mid to high rev ranges. The long wheel base models got a coil link suspension system for better ride comfort and off-road ability.

It was available with a 3-door body for a short wheelbase (SWB) or a 5-door body for a long wheelbase (LWB). Engines included a 2.6 L I4 with 82 kW (110 hp/112 PS), a 3.0 L V6 with EFI and 104 kW (139 hp/141 PS) and a turbocharged 2.5 L OHV diesel I4 with 62 kW (83 hp/84 PS) or an intercooled 70 kW (94 hp/95 PS). Part-time four wheel drive was standard on all models.

The Gen I platform was later built under license by Hyundai Precision Products as the Hyundai Galloper from 1991 to 2003, and exported to Europe for a brief time. While it used first generation mechanicals, the Galloper's body was closer to the second generation Pajeros.

Second generation (1991–2000)

Second generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Pajero Field Master (PHI) Mitsubishi Pajero SFX (IND)
Production	1991–2000 (up to 2008 in the Philippines)
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India Cainta, Rizal, Philippines
Engine(s)	4D56 2.5 TD 4M40 2.8L TD 4G64 2.4L I4 6G72 3.0L V6 6G74 3.5 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed Aisin auto
Wheelbase	2,725 mm (107.3 in) (LWB) 2,420 mm (95.3 in) (SWB)
Length	4,705 mm (185.2 in) (LWB) 4,030 mm (158.7 in) (SWB)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,875 mm (73.8 in) (LWB) 1,850 mm (72.8 in) (SWB)
Fuel capacity	90 L (19.8 imp gal/23.8 US gal) (LWB) 75 L (16.5 imp gal/19.8 US gal) (SWB)
Related	Hyundai Terracan

Mitsubishi sold over three hundred thousand Pajeros in 1989 and 1990. However, the time for a redesign was long due and January 1991 saw the first Generation II Pajero, although exports did not commence until later. Just about everything was now new and further enhanced. A new, larger body was available in four different versions; Metal Top, Canvas Top Convertible, Semi High Roof Wagon and High Roof Wagon (long wheel base). The short wheel base models were stretched by 70 millimeters (2.8 inches) and the long wheel base models by 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). The available engines included a 3.0 liter 12-valve SOHC with ECI-Multi electronic fuel injection and a 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine with an intercooler.

The second generation also saw the introduction of Super Select 4WD (SS4) [known as ActivTrak 4WD in some markets] and multimode ABS, which were firsts on Japanese four wheel drives. SS4 was ground-breaking in the sense that it combined the advantages of part time and fulltime four wheel drive with four available options: 2H (high range rear wheel drive), 4H (high range fulltime four wheel drive), 4HLc (high range four wheel drive with locked center differential and 4LLc (low range four wheel drive with locked center differential). Another advantage of this second generation system is that it gave the driver the ability to switch between two wheel drive and fulltime four wheel drive at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph), whereas the first generation Pajero had to be stationary to switch from rear wheel drive to four wheel drive (but not from four wheel drive back to rear wheel drive). Multimode ABS, on the other hand, was equally innovative. This meant ABS would be fully functional in all modes of SS4, as braking with a locked center differential requires completely different braking parameters.

In July 1993, two new power plants were introduced; a 3.5 liter 24-valve DOHC with ECI-Multi and a 2.8 liter turbocharged diesel with an intercooler. A new, larger transmission and transfer case was also part of the upgrade.

Pajero Evolution (retail version)

The Pajero Evolution was introduced in October 1997, which was developed in response to new entry requirements for the Paris – Dakar Rally’s T3 Class. The Pajero Evolution came standard with a 3.5 liter 24-valve DOHC V6 with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (MIVEC). A new, dual plenum variable intake helped increase power and a new suspension made the ride even smoother.

GCC

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In 1998, vehicles destined for General Export and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council countries) received a facelift. Wider fenders, new headlights, grille, bumper, fog lights and sidesteps were all part of the redesign. The wide fenders are often called "blister flare fenders". Driver and front passenger SRS airbags were made standard on models equipped with the 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine, whilst still remaining optional on GLS models with the 3.0 liter SOHC V6. An upgraded interior wood trim was made available on 3.0 liter GLS and 3.5 liter models. A leather-wrapped or leather and wood trim steering wheel was also made available, alongside an upgraded suspension and steering system. The 3.0 liter 12-valve SOHC engine was now available with a 24-valve configuration. Models without wide fenders remained as base models (GLX), available with a 2.4 liter 16-valve DOHC engine, producing 147 hp (110 kW). The 3.0 liter 12-valve engine was optional on these GLX models, and remained the base engine on the GLS.

The second generation was introduced on January 22, 1991 and manufactured until 1999. It retained the two body styles, but design was rounder and more city-friendly than the previous bulky model. The 3.0 L V6 gasoline engine was retained, now available with a 24-valve head, capable of 136 kW (177 hp/185 PS), while the 2.5 turbodiesel's power was slightly increased to 73 kW (98 hp/99 PS). In 1993, the Pajero was slightly restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5 L V6 with 153 kW (215 hp/208 PS) and a 2.8 L SOHC turbodiesel rated at 92 kW (123 hp/125 PS). These versions introduced Mitsubishi's Super Select four wheel drive system (known as Active-Trac in the United States), with an electronic transfer shift that could split power between both axles without the need to stop the car. It worked at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

The first generation Pajero was also marketed as the Hyundai Galloper in Korea, Europe and GCC Countries, while the second generation was in production elsewhere.

This model Pajero remains in production in India as the Pajero SFX; the latest generation is sold as the Montero. In the Philippines it is marketed as the Pajero "Field Master" 4x2 with the 2.8L TD engine, alongside the fourth generation Pajero. The 4X4 version was taken out of production in 1999. It is also still produced in Colombia from Complete Knock Down parts (CKD), with a 2.4l 16 valve SOHC (130 PS) or 3.0l 12 valve V6 (148 PS), both engines are available as a 3-door hard top, the 5-door wagon only with the 3-litre six.

Third generation (1999–2006)

Third generation

Production	1999–2006
Engine(s)	4D56 2.5 TD 4M40 2.8L TD 4M41 3.2 Di-D 6G72 3.0 V6 6G74 3.5 V6 6G74 3.5 V6 GDI 6G75 3.8 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed auto 5-speed auto
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in) (LWB) 2,545 mm (100.2 in) (SWB)
Length	4,800 mm (189.0 in) (LWB) 4,220 mm (166.1 in) (SWB)
Width	1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height	1,855 mm (73.0 in) (LWB) 1,845 mm (72.6 in)(SWB)
Fuel capacity	89 L (19.6 imp gal/23.5 US gal) (LWB) 71 L (15.6 imp gal/18.8 US gal) (SWB)
Designer	Pininfarina

Designed in house the third generation Pajero hit the Japanese Domestic Market in 1999, whilst it was made available to other markets in late 2000 as a 2001 model. The Philippines and other developing nations received this third generation Pajero in 2003. The vehicle was completely redesigned, inside and out and had a lower, wider stance. A lower center of gravity meant the Pajero had better on-road handling manners and the newer body had over three hundred percent more torsional rigidity. The biggest change to bring this about was that the Pajero utilized a unibody construction, as opposed to the previous body-on-frame (box-ladder). This also permitted a longer suspension stroke. The fuel tank was also relocated to between the axles for better safety. The third generation Pajero moved one size up from midsize to fullsize SUV.

The SS4 system was also further refined, as bevel gears were replaced with planetary ones. This meant the front-to-rear torque setting ranged from 33 to 67, with the ability to adjust to 50/50 depending on surface conditions. The system was also made fully electronic, which meant the vehicle didn’t have to be in gear to switch between drive modes. After all the upgrades, the system was renamed to Super Select 4WD II (SS4-II).

Alongside rack and pinion steering (as opposed to the recirculating ball system on previous generations), the Pajero also offered a choice of three transmissions; a five speed manual, a four speed INVECS-II automatic and a five speed INVECS-II tiptronic.

An all-new 3.8 Liter SOHC 24-valve V6 powerplant was also introduced on this generation. This engine utilized an Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV), to deliver a refined cruising power with power to spare for offroad ventures.

The third generation was introduced on August 2, 1999 and was scheduled to be replaced by the Autumn of 2006, having been restyled in 2003. This was the most luxurious of the three generations, moving to a more upscale segment to compete against the Land Rover Discovery, but more importantly, to counter its home rival Toyota Land Cruiser's growth. The 3.0 L engine's power was decreased to 130 kW (175 hp/177 PS), and the 3.5 L engine was given gasoline direct injection, increasing power to 162 kW (217 hp/220 PS) in the Japanese market (export versions kept the standard EFI engine, now with 149 kW (200 hp/203 PS). The 2.8 L Diesel was retained only for developing markets, and was replaced by a new 16-valve direct injection engine, with 3.2 L and 120 kW (161 hp/163 PS).

In the North American market, the 3.5 L engine was replaced for 2003 by a more powerful 3.8 L unit, with 160 kW (215 hp/218 PS). This engine was later made available to a few export markets such as South America and Australia, whilst it replaced the GDI V6 in the Japanese lineup in 2005. The short wheelbase model is not available in North America, where the Montero is the only SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup with standard four wheel drive. Faced with falling sales, the Montero was pulled from the US market after the 2006 model year.

In thePhilippines, the Pajero competes with the Ford Expedition,Chevrolet SuburbanNissan PatrolToyota Land Cruise and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

2000-2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM) Exceed (Australia)

MY2001-2002 Mitsubishi Montero (US)

MY2003-2006 Mitsubishi Montero (US)

Fourth generation (2006)

Fourth generation

Production	2006–present
Engine(s)	4M41 3.2 Di-D 6G72 3.0 V6 6G75 3.8 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed auto 5-speed auto
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in) (LWB) 2,545 mm (100.2 in) (SWB)
Length	4,900 mm (192.9 in) (LWB) 4,385 mm (172.6 in) (SWB)
Width	1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height	1,900 mm (74.8 in) (LWB) 1,880 mm (74.0 in) (SWB)
Fuel capacity	89 L (19.6 imp gal/23.5 US gal)

The fourth generation was introduced at the Paris Motor Show on September 30, 2006. New interior and exterior styling were accompanied by enhanced safety with dual-stage SRS front airbags as well as new side-impact and curtain airbags. The Super-Select 4WD II system was retained, complemented by an improved Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The engines were upgraded with the 3.2 L Diesel now producing 125 kW (167 hp/170 PS) and the 3.8 L V6 gaining MIVEC variable valve timing to boost power to 184 kW (247 hp/250 PS). Both engines meet new Euro IV emissions standards. The 3.0 L V6 is retained for the Japanese and GCC markets.

Further enhancements to the 3.2L Turbo Diesel in the 2009 model year saw the power and torque increased to 200&nbsp:hp/197 PS and 441Nm respectively. The 3.8L petrol engine remained at 184 kW and 329Nm (using 95RON fuel)

For the 2010 model year the Pajero gains rockford acoustic soundsystem and two interior color options:black and beige

Production and sales

Historical Sales Data

Year	Production	Domestic sales	Export sales
1982	16,930	8,059	7,023
1983	33,605	8,076	25,886
1984	41,422	9,176	32,341
1985	59,770	11,770	49,249
1986	87,252	16,636	70,594
1987	89,456	22,170	67,021
1988	107,157	25,225	79,699
1989	116,883	36,483	82,176
1990	108,730	36,061	71,206
1991	144,988	64,381	80,882
1992	174,708	83,685	89,835
1993	158,922	67,899	88,788
1994	161,238	54,329	106,570
1995	152,102	44,933	110,365
1996	128,593	28,851	99,200
1997	136,941	26,181	111,144
1998	95,675	9,412	90,416
1999	90,524	20,189	65,212
2000	138,315	12,701	129,198
2001	91,700	6,725	85,324
2002	112,161	5,681	106,376
2003	90,929	6,035	85,863
2004	79,152	4,196	74,347
2005	69,142	2,781	66,773
2006	75,933	6,025	68,563
2007	112,103	3,818	108,982

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Mitsubishi Pajero

• Official global website
• Official European website