Segment:
Full-size SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, families, adventurers, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Discovery, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its robust Super Select II 4WD system, independent front suspension, and robust chassis, making it highly capable off-road.
Reliability:
Generally considered reliable, particularly with proper maintenance.
Comfort And Utility:
Offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, ample cargo space, and a refined ride for a vehicle of its class.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data for owners and independent repair shops to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, saving on dealership costs.
Professional Quality:
Corresponds to factory-level information, offering detailed diagrams, specifications, and step-by-step procedures.
Powertrain:
Engine (Gasoline & Diesel), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4WD Systems, Differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS)
Electrical:
Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams), Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Climate Control, ECU Diagnostics
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972cc)
Engine 1 Type:
6G72 SOHC MPI V6 Gasoline
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 177-186 hp
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 180-188 lb-ft
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3497cc)
Engine 2 Type:
6G74 SOHC MPI V6 Gasoline (Some models with MIVEC on later NP models)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 194-215 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 210-225 lb-ft
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3200cc)
Engine 3 Type:
4M41 16-Valve DOHC Intercooled Turbo Diesel (Direct Injection)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 163-165 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 282-285 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) with Turbocharging and Intercooler
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Coil-on-Plug on some variants)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) on diesel variants
Transmission 1 Type:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Transmission 2 Type:
5-speed Manual (on select gasoline models)
Drivetrain System:
Super Select II 4WD System (Full-time 4WD with lockable center differential, low-range gearing, and ability to disengage front axle)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MITSU-SPEC ATF-SPII or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific viscosity)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (Hypoid gear oil)
Length:
Approx. 4730-4765 mm (186.2-187.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1875-1895 mm (73.8-74.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1845-1865 mm (72.6-73.4 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2780 mm (109.4 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 205-220 mm (8.1-8.7 in)
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 seats
Cargo Volume:
Varies significantly with seat configuration, typically around 1500-2000 liters with rear seats folded
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1900-2150 kg (4189-4740 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 2600-2700 kg (5732-5952 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Varies by region and configuration, typically up to 2500 kg (5500 lbs)
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by model year and testing methodology. Early NM generation models had varying results, often with good frontal protection.
Ancap Ratings:
Typically 4-star ratings for models tested in this era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available on higher trim levels (TCL)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on later NP models (Active Stability Control - ASC)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available on some models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants. ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Body Construction:
Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction for improved crashworthiness.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo with optional premium sound system and subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional factory GPS navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors available.
Auxiliary Input:
Limited to basic stereo functionality, no standard USB or Bluetooth audio streaming on base models.
HVAC System:
Manual or automatic climate control with rear seat climate vents.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (crucial for diesel engines).
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Platinum/Iridium plugs typically last 60,000 - 100,000 miles. Check manual for specific type and interval.
Timing Belt Replacement:
On 6G72/6G74 engines, typically every 60,000 - 70,000 miles or 5-6 years. Critical to replace due to interference engine design. (Diesel uses timing chain).
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
Approx. 4.7 liters (5.0 US quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.2L Di-D:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for specific climate/application suitability). Diesel may specify 5W-40 or 15W-40.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (typically a 50/50 mix of Ethylene Glycol and distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Issue 1:
Rear differential pinion seal leaks.
Common Issue 2:
Timing belt wear and potential failure on V6 gasoline engines (critical maintenance item).
Common Issue 3:
Transfer case actuator issues or failure (Super Select 4WD system).
Common Issue 4:
Exhaust manifold cracking on V6 gasoline engines.
Common Issue 5:
Water pump leaks or bearing failure.
Common Issue 6:
Glow plug issues or failure on 4M41 diesel engines.
Mitsubishi Motors Legacy:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history of producing durable and capable off-road vehicles, dating back to the original Pajero (1976) and the L200/Triton pickup trucks.
Pajero Lineage:
The third generation (NM/NP) represented a significant departure from previous body-on-frame designs, adopting a monocoque chassis with integrated frame (unibody construction) for improved ride comfort, handling, and safety.
Nm Vs Np:
The NP Pajero (2003-2006) was an update to the NM, introducing minor styling tweaks, an updated engine (like the 3.8L V6 in some markets), and improved features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with assembly also occurring in other countries like Australia.
Production Period For This Gen:
2000-2006 (NM: 2000-2002, NP: 2003-2006)