The Ultimate Guide to the Mitsubishi Pajero - History, Specs, and Features
Pajero Jeep: A Full-Size 4x4 with a Legendary History
Introduction
If you are looking for a rugged and capable 4x4 that can handle any terrain, you might want to consider the pajero jeep. This is a full-size SUV that has been manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi over four generations, from 1981 to 2021. It has a rich history of winning the Dakar Rally, the most grueling off-road race in the world, as well as being a popular choice for families, adventurers, and enthusiasts.
pajero jeep
In this article, we will explore what makes the pajero jeep such a remarkable vehicle, how it evolved over the years, and what you need to know if you want to buy one. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this iconic 4x4.
What is a pajero jeep?
A pajero jeep is a full-size 4x4 that is based on the Mitsubishi Pajero platform. The Pajero is a nameplate that derives from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat, a wild feline native to South America. The pajero jeep is also known as the Mitsubishi Montero in North America, Spain, and Latin America (except for Brazil and Jamaica), and as the Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom.
The pajero jeep is designed to be a luxury, yet rugged and capable competitor to other 4x4s such as the Land Rover Range Rover or the Toyota Land Cruiser. It features Mitsubishi's heavy-duty, off-road-oriented Super-Select four-wheel-drive system, which allows the driver to switch between different modes of traction depending on the road conditions. It also has a spacious and comfortable interior, with various options for seating, cargo, and entertainment.
Why is it called pajero, montero, and shogun?
The reason why the pajero jeep has different names in different markets is mainly due to marketing and cultural reasons. For example, in North America, Spain, and Latin America (except for Brazil and Jamaica), the vehicle is called Montero, which means "mountain hunter" in Spanish. This name was chosen to emphasize its off-road prowess and appeal to adventurous customers.
In the United Kingdom, however, the vehicle is called Shogun, which means "general" in Japanese. This name was chosen to reflect its power and prestige, as well as to avoid confusion with another Mitsubishi model called Colt.
In most other markets, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the vehicle is called Pajero, which is derived from the Pampas cat. However, this name was not used in Spain or Latin America because it is a derogatory term for "masturbator" in Spanish slang.
How did it become a Dakar Rally champion?
One of the most impressive achievements of the pajero jeep is its dominance in the Dakar Rally, which is an annual off-road endurance race that covers thousands of kilometers across harsh terrains such as deserts, mountains, and mud. The pajero jeep has won this race 12 times between The Evolution of the Pajero Jeep
The pajero jeep has gone through four generations of development, each with its own features, specifications, and variants. Here is a brief overview of each generation and how they differ from each other.
The first generation (1981-1991)
Features and specifications
The first generation of the pajero jeep was launched in 1981 as a three-door, short-wheelbase model. It had a body-on-frame construction, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive layout, and a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. It also had a coil spring suspension, a recirculating ball steering system, and a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
The first generation pajero jeep was equipped with various features that made it suitable for off-road driving, such as a limited-slip differential, a locking center differential, a transfer case, and a low-range gearbox. It also had a high ground clearance, a short overhang, and a large approach and departure angles.
Variants and models
The first generation pajero jeep had several variants and models, such as the following:
The Metal Top: This was the standard model with a metal roof and a rear-mounted spare tire.
The Canvas Top: This was a model with a removable canvas roof and a foldable windshield.
The Cabriolet: This was a model with a removable hardtop and a roll bar.
The LWB: This was a long-wheelbase model with five doors and seven seats. It was introduced in 1983 and had a longer body and wheelbase than the SWB model.
The Exceed: This was a luxury model with leather seats, power windows, air conditioning, and alloy wheels. It was introduced in 1987 and had a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
The second generation (1991-1999)
Features and specifications
The second generation of the pajero jeep was launched in 1991 as a more modern and refined version of the first generation. It had a monocoque body structure, an independent front suspension, and a rack-and-pinion steering system. It also had a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, and an anti-lock braking system.
The second generation pajero jeep was also more powerful and efficient than the first generation, as it had new engines such as the 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel, the 3.0-liter V6 gasoline, and the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline. It also had improved aerodynamics, reduced noise and vibration levels, and increased safety features such as airbags and seatbelts.
Variants and models
The second generation pajero jeep had several variants and models, such as the following:
The GL: This was the base model with cloth seats, manual windows, steel wheels, and no air conditioning.
The GLS: This was an upgraded model with power windows, alloy wheels, air conditioning, and optional leather seats.
The GLX: This was an off-road-oriented model with skid plates, fog lights, roof rails, and side steps.
The VR-4: This was a sporty model with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, dual exhaust pipes, rear spoiler, sport seats, and sport suspension.
The Evolution: This was a rally-inspired model with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, wide fenders, large tires, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel, and Brembo brakes. It was introduced in 1997 to commemorate the pajero jeep's success in the Dakar Rally.
The third generation (1999-2006)
Features and specifications
The third generation of the pajero jeep was launched in 1999 as a more sophisticated and advanced version of the second generation. It had a new platform, a new design, and a new engine lineup. It also had a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, a multi-mode four-wheel-drive system, and a traction control system.
The third generation pajero jeep was also more spacious and luxurious than the second generation, as it had a larger body and wheelbase, a higher roofline, and a redesigned interior. It also had more amenities and options such as a sunroof, a navigation system, a rear-view camera, and a DVD player.
Variants and models
The third generation pajero jeep had several variants and models, such as the following:
The GL: This was the base model with cloth seats, manual windows, steel wheels, and no air conditioning.
The GLX: This was an upgraded model with power windows, alloy wheels, air conditioning, and optional leather seats.
The GLS: This was a luxury model with leather seats, wood trim, power seats, climate control, and cruise control.
The Exceed: This was a premium model with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, chrome accents, fog lights, roof rails, and side steps.
The Field Master: This was an off-road-oriented model with a 3.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, skid plates, mud flaps, rear differential lock, and hill descent control.
The fourth generation (2006-2021)
Features and specifications
The fourth generation of the pajero jeep was launched in 2006 as a more refined and modern version of the third generation. It had a revised platform, a refreshed design, and an improved engine lineup. It also had an eight-speed automatic transmission, a Super-Select II four-wheel-drive system, and a stability control system.
The fourth generation pajero jeep was also more comfortable and safe than the third generation, as it had a smoother ride quality, a quieter cabin, and a stronger body structure. It also had more features and options such as a keyless entry system, a rear-seat entertainment system, a blind spot monitor system, and a lane departure warning system.
Variants and models
The fourth generation pajero jeep had several variants and models, such as the following:
The GLX: This was the base model with cloth seats, manual windows, steel wheels, and no air conditioning.
The GLS: This was an upgraded model with power windows, alloy wheels, air conditioning, and optional leather seats.
The Exceed: This was a luxury model with leather seats, wood trim, power seats, climate control, cruise control, sunroof, navigation system, rear-view camera, and DVD player.
The Activ: This was a special edition model with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, black accents, sport seats, sport suspension, sport pedals, and sport decals. It was introduced in 2010 to celebrate the pajero jeep's 30th anniversary.
The Legend: This was another special edition model with a 3.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, chrome accents, fog lights, roof rails, side steps, rear spoiler, and Legend badges. It was introduced in 2015 to commemorate the pajero jeep's final production year.
Conclusion
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