Mitsubishi Pajero

The Mitsubishi Pajero, known as the Mitsubishi Montero in North America and Spanish-speaking countries, and as Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom, is an SUV built by the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The name Montero was used because Pajero is slang for masturbator in Spanish.

Thanks to its worldwide popularity, the Pajero (and Montero) names were also applied to other, unrelated models. The Pajero Mini is a keicar-sized SUV available only in Japan. The Mitsubishi Pajero iO (sold in Europe as the Pajero Pinin or Montero iO), is a smaller SUV, similar in size to the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. The Japanese Mitsubishi Challenger was renamed as the Pajero Sport and Montero Sport in export markets.

First generation

The first generation was built from 1982 to 1991. It was available with a 2-door body on a short wheelbase or a 4-door body on a long wheelbase. Engines included a 2.4L I4 with 82kW (110hp/112PS), a 3.0L V6 with EFI and 104kW (139hp/141PS) and a turbocharged 2.5L OHV diesel I4 with 62kW (83hp/84PS) or an intercooled 70kW (94hp/95PS). Non-permanent four wheel drive was standard on all models. It was later built under license by Hyundai Precision Products as the Hyundai Galloper from 1991 to 2003, and briefly exported to Europe.

Second generation

The second generation was built from 1992 to 2000. It retained the two body styles, but design was rounder and more city-friendly than the previous bulky model. The 3.0L V6 gasoline engine was retained, now with a 24-valve head, capable of 136kW (183hp/185PS), while the 2.5turbodiesel's power was slightly increased to 73kW (98hp/99PS). In 1996, the Pajero was slightly restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5L V6 with 153kW (205hp/208PS) and a 2.8L SOHC turbodiesel rated at 92kW (123hp/125PS). These versions introduced Mitsubishi's Super Select four wheel drive system, 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 100km/h (62mph).