Faults:

When I first bought the car, it had what I thought at the time a minor oil leak. Unfortunately because of the location of the alternator, the oil would accumulate in it and short it out every year or so. So I've had to rebuild or replace it 5 times since I've owned it.

The minor oil leak has turned out to be at the Head Gasket, and has begun to leak more.

The other BIG problem has been the bottom pulley on the crank shaft. I've replaced it 3 times because it keeps shearing the key that holds it in place, and has since damaged my crank shaft very badly. This last time has really been a problem because they no longer stock them and the salvage yards have had a run on this part. Very poor setup.

When I first bought the car, there was a re-call on this above part, and I had it inspected at that time and it was alright. Now there isn't any recourse that I'm aware of that'll help me or make me feel better about this manufacturer.

General Comments:

When it ran it was a wonderful car to drive, that's why I've had it for 8 years. It was comfortable, handled nice and was very roomy for me.

Faults:

Sunroof does not fully open.

General Comments:

Make no mistake, the Montero is a big vehicle. It barely fits in my garage, with about 3 or 4 inches of clearance above the factory roof rack. The SR model came with a 1" body life from the factory, and with 31" tires, making it even taller than the standard models. However, the car is quite narrow for such a tall vehicle, making for a relatively high center of gravity. I love the styling, but know some who don't.

The interior is one of my favorite parts. It has a multi-display above the center vents, that has an altimeter, compass, inside/outside temperature gauge and inclinometer. It also has the largest sunroof I have ever seen in a car. The seats are leather, and as the car was from California, the rear seats have hardened, and the front seats are showing some wear, no rips though. The 3rd row seat isn't the most spacious, but is handy when you need to carry an extra few people, and folds up and out of the way. The seats are the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in (we also own a 2005 Passat), with an perfect driving position that allows you to see well over the sloping hood, and the arm rests are just the right level.

Driving the Montero can feel like driving a tank, coming from a sedan or smaller car. This car weighs a little over two tons, and it's pretty evident when driving it. It handles like a truck, not a sports car, but it does have quite a bit of power (215 hp). The one thing that I wish was better was the gas mileage, with an average of 14-16 in city driving, and 17-22 in highway driving.

Overall I am very satisfied with my Montero. I have had no problems except for the sunroof, and the owner before myself had no problems either. I am a member of an off road club, and the vehicle performs very well off road; especially handy is the electric locking rear differential.

Faults:

Replaced the alternator shortly after I got it.

O2 sensor had to be replaced.

General Comments:

When I bought the Montero I was thrilled. This thing has more bells and whistles than one could ever use. However after a while I began to see it's short comings. From what I've learned they all burn oil. Mine was no exception. The fuel economy is horrible, repairs are very costly, the electric windows would stop working, the power locks were very touchy. I was disappointed it the quality in it was constructed. For example they used the smallest guage wire posible. It is the worst handling SUV I've ever driven. The cabin is extremely narrow for a full sized SUV.

It's not that it's a bad SUV, it's all the little things that happen. To it's credit it ran good and had a lot of power.