Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun (1982–2021)

De Mitsubishi pajero is a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the Japanese Mitsubishi Motors Corporation that was built from 1982 to 1991. The name 'Pajero' was derived from the name of the Pampas cat, but because 'Pajero' means 'wanker' in Spanish, the model was also released under the names Montero and Shogun.

Mitsubishi Pajero from 1990

History and background

The Pajero debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981 and was officially launched in May 1982 as a short-wheelbase, three-door model, available with a steel or canvas roof. The name is derived from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat. Mitsubishi marketed the SUV as the Montero in North America, Spain, and Latin America due to the negative connotation of “pajero” in Spanish.

In the United Kingdom, it was known as the Shogun. Lightly tuned Pajeros won their class in the 1983 Paris-Dakar, starting a streak of twelve overall victories in the world's most demanding off-road race — the most successful car in Dakar history. The Pajero has generated more than 3,3 million sales during its forty-year production run.

A prototype, the Pajero I, was already shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973. In 1978, Mitsubishi followed with a second prototype, the Pajero II. With this, Mitsubishi was working on a car that could serve a recreational function in addition to being an off-road vehicle.

In Japan, the demand for 4WD cars grew, as people are using them increasingly often for leisure and private use. Therefore, developed Mitsubishi proprietary 4WD technology. The result was the Pajero 4WD. It was the pioneer of a new generation of SUVs, offering the customer refined driving characteristics at an affordable price.

The Pajero was excellently received at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show, and in 1982, versions with both a metal roof and a canvas roof rolled off the production line. In 1983, a long-wheelbase version was also added to the model line. An automatic version followed in 1985, and in 1988, Pajeros with V6 petrol and diesel engines also appeared.

The Pajero: Paris-Dakar record holder

The Pajero possesses excellent handling characteristics in rough terrain, yet drives as smoothly as a passenger car. The model featured non-permanent four-wheel drive as standard. In its first participation in the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1983, the car immediately claimed victory in its class in this monster rally. In 1985, the Pajero won the overall classification, and over a period of 25 years until 2009, the model would manage to win a total of 12 times.

Design and interior

The first generation featured groundbreaking technology for a four-wheel drive vehicle: a turbodiesel engine, a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering, and suspension seats.

The third generation brought the biggest change in the model's history: a switch from body-on-frame construction to a unibody monocoque, combined with fully independent suspension at all four corners — a unique feature in the class of full-fledged off-road vehicles. The third generation was designed by Pininfarina — the same Italian design and coachbuilding house that also worked for Ferrari and Bentley.

1990 Mitsubishi Pajero interior

Model variants

First series of the Mitsubishi Pajero

In October 1981, the Pajero debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, and the model entered the market in May 1982. The Pajero was available as a three-door model on a short wheelbase and as a five-door on a long wheelbase. Three engines were available:

• 2,4 L inline-four engine of 110 hp
• 3,0 L V6 with fuel injection of 139 hp
• 2,5 L I4 diesel of 83 hp or 70 hp with intercooler

Second series: 1991 – 1999

The Pajero was redesigned in 1992, with improvements throughout and the availability of more powerful engines. In 1996, there was a limited facelift and several larger engines became available. The model was now also available with a 3,5-liter V6 producing 205 hp and a 2,8-liter turbodiesel with 123 hp.

From 1992, Mitsubishi introduced Super Select four-wheel drive (SS4), which could variably distribute engine power between the front and rear axles without the vehicle having to come to a standstill first. This system also allowed a choice between rear-wheel and four-wheel drive up to speeds of 100 km/h. The Pajero was also equipped with an anti-lock braking system.

V6 engine Mitsubishi Pajero from 1990

Third Series (1999–2006) — the luxury SUV:

After two generations on a ladder frame, the third generation brought a completely new approach. Mitsubishi noticed that most customers used their Pajero on paved roads and wanted to offer more comfort. Monocoque body, fully independent suspension, Pininfarina design. The 3,5-liter V6 received direct fuel injection for more power.

Fourth Series (2006–2021) — the final:

Unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show with a sharper exterior, side airbags, and an improved RISE safety frame. Super Select 4WD-II, aluminum hood, carbon fiber driveshaft, and 700 mm wading depth. The 2021 Final Edition in Japan was limited to 700 units and marked the end of a production run of 3,3 million units.

Rear view of a 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero

Competitors

The Pajero competed in the international segment of full-fledged off-road vehicles. Direct competitors were:

• Toyota Land Cruiser (direct competitor — also twelve Dakar victories)
• Land Rover Discovery / Defender
• Nissan Patrol
• Isuzu Troopers

Successor model

The name lives on in the smaller Pajero Sport, based on the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 pickup. Despite the similarity in name, the Pajero Sport shares no chassis with the original Pajero and is smaller in overall dimensions. A fifth-generation Pajero was announced for unveiling in 2026. The Pajero was built by Mitsubishi until 1991. After that, Hyundai built the Pajero under license under the Galloper brand name until 2003.