MITSUBISHI PAJERO II

Third generation (1999–2006)

Third generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Montero Mitsubishi Shogun Mitsubishi Pajero Sfx
Production	1999–2006
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan Cainta, Rizal, Philippines
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Engine	4D56 2.5L TD I4 4M40 2.8L TD I4 4M41 3.2L Di-D I4 6G72 3.0L V6 6G74 3.5L V6 6G74 3.5L V6 GDI 6G75 3.8L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2-Door: 100.2 in (2,545 mm) 2001-02 4-Door: 109.5 in (2,781 mm) 2003-04 4-Door: 109.7 in (2,786 mm) 2005-06 4-Door: 109.4 in (2,779 mm)
Length	2-Door: 166.1 in (4,219 mm) 2001-02 4-Door: 188.9 in (4,798 mm) 2003-06 4-Door: 190.2 in (4,831 mm)
Width	2-Door: 73.8 in (1,875 mm) 2001-02 4-Door: 73.9 in (1,877 mm) 2003-06 4-Door: 74.8 in (1,900 mm)
Height	2-Door: 72.6 in (1,844 mm) 2001-02 4-Door: 73.1 in (1,857 mm) 2003-04 4-Door: 71.5 in (1,816 mm) 2005-06 4-Door: 74.2 in (1,885 mm)
Designer(s)	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 mid-size to full-size SUV. On May 17, 2004 Mitsubishi announced that they were considering shutting down the Gifu plant but decided not to after negative feedback. The Gifu assembly plant is surrounded by Mitsubishi's other buildings in which manufacture electronics for Mitsubishi's other divisions. The Gifu plant is known as Pajero Manufacturing Co. and exclusively builds the full-size Pajero.

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 asSouth 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.

• 

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

  Mitsubishi Pajero DI-D (Europe)
 
• 

  MY2001-2002 Mitsubishi Montero (US)
 
• 

  MY2003-2006 Mitsubishi Montero (US)
 
• 

  2 door Mitsubishi Pajero

[edit]Fourth generation (2006–present)

Fourth generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Pajero Super Exceed (Indonesia) Mitsubishi Montero (North America) Mitsubishi Shogun
Production	2006–present
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan Cainta, Rizal, Philippines
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Engine	4M41 3.2L Di-D V6 6G72 3.0L V6 6G74 3.5L V6 6G75 3.8L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	4-Door: 2,780 mm (109.4 in) 2-Door: 2,545 mm (100.2 in)
Length	4-Door: 4,900 mm (192.9 in) 2-Door: 4,385 mm (172.6 in)
Width	2007-09: 1,895 mm (74.6 in) 2010-Present: 1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height	2007-09 4-Door: 1,900 mm (74.8 in) 2007-09 2-Door: 1,880 mm (74.0 in) 2010-Present 4-Door: 1,890 mm (74.4 in) 2010-Present 2-Door: 1,840 mm (72.4 in)

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 andelectronic brakeforce distribution. With skid plates, heavy weight components and 8.7 inches of ground clearance the vehicle retains its reputation as one of the toughest and most capable 4x4s.^[6]

The engines were upgraded with the 3.2 L diesel gaining Common Rail technology, a DPF for cleaner emissions and producing 125 kW (167 hp/170 PS) and the 3.8 L V6 gaining MIVECvariable valve timing to boost power to 184 kW (247 hp/250 PS). Both engines meet new Euro IVemissions standards. The 3.0 L V6 is retained for the Japanese and GCC markets.

From 2009, the 3.0L V6 engine was dropped in the GCC markets, and was replaced by a 3.5L V6 engine, rated for 141 kW (189 hp/192 ps) and 306 Nm torque. Further enhancements to the 3.2L Turbo Diesel in the 2011 model year saw the power and torque increased to 147 kW/197 hp/200 PS and 441Nm respectively. The 3.8L petrol engine remained at 184 kW and 329Nm (using 95RON fuel). There is also a panelled Van version available in markets where such a model can be registered at a lower tax rate.

For the 2010 model year the Pajero gained a Rockford acoustic soundsystem and two interior color options, black and beige, in some markets.

For 2012, this model has been minimally restyled and given an improved monocoque body and suspension.

Van version of fourth generation Pajero (Vietnam)

2012 Mitsubishi Pajero

[edit]Production and sales

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

(sources: Pajero 4WD 20 Year History (Japanese), Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2008, Mitsubishi Motors website)