Category:
Mid-size SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee, Isuzu Trooper
Body Styles:
3-door and 5-door variants
Drivetrain:
Available in 2WD and 4WD (Super Select 4WD-i system on many models)
Audience:
Individuals and families seeking a robust, capable off-road and family-oriented SUV.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instruments, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Windows, Central Locking, SRS Airbag System, ECU Diagnostics
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams for Electrical Systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code:
4G63T (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4), 6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6), 6G74 (3.5L SOHC/DOHC V6), 4D56 (2.5L Turbo Diesel)
Horsepower Range:
135 HP (Naturally Aspirated 3.0L V6) to 280 HP (3.5L DOHC V6 Turbo - in some markets)
Torque Range:
205 Nm (3.0L V6) to 343 Nm (3.5L V6 Turbo)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Configuration:
Inline-4 (Turbo Diesel, 2.0L Turbo Petrol), V6 (3.0L, 3.5L)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) or DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) depending on engine
Cooling System:
Water-cooled
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Overdrive)
Drivetrain Control:
Super Select 4WD-i (on many models), offering 2H, 4H, 4HLC, 4LLC modes
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA Queen ATF-SP III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Crash Test Results:
Varies by region and testing body; generally considered a robust construction for its era.
Braking:
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Solid Disc or Drum Brakes (depending on variant). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard on many higher trims)
Construction:
Body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road capability.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with CD player and cassette tape player, optional premium sound systems.
Speakers:
Typically 4 to 6 speakers.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Ports:
N/A (No factory auxiliary or USB ports on most models of this era)
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control, Air Conditioning
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-40,000 km
Timing Belt Replacement:
Approximately every 100,000 km or 7 years (for models equipped with a timing belt)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.3-5.5 Liters (depending on engine size), API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7-8 Liters (ETL-800 Cold Weather Type or equivalent ethylene glycol coolant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Transmission issues (especially automatic in older units), differential whine, rust (particularly on older vehicles in certain climates), some electrical gremlins.
Oil Filter:
MD135787 (OEM), PF63 / PF63A (Fram), 30007 (Purolator), PH2 (Bosch) - *Verify specific fitment for engine variant*
Air Filter:
MD620417 (OEM), CA8780 (Wix), A32743 (Fram) - *Verify specific fitment for engine variant*
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in producing rugged and capable off-road vehicles, notably the Pajero line.
Predecessor:
The Pajero Sport (or Montero Sport in some markets) was introduced as a more lifestyle-oriented, SUV version of the Pajero, often sharing chassis components but with distinct styling and interior.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Thailand, Brazil, and other global locations.
Introduction Year:
1996 (globally, first generation)
Off Road Accolades:
While specific awards for the Pajero Sport of this generation are not widely publicized, the Pajero lineage is renowned for its off-road prowess, often winning or performing well in events like the Dakar Rally.
Reputation:
Known for robust build quality and strong off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice for adventure and utility.