The engine stops irregularly; sometimes I can drive 2000 km and other times only 10 km. When this happens, I just start it again and drive on...
Nothing can be found on the computer.
Otherwise, I love the car and it has served me well for 250000 km, and most of that time pulling a trailer.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd July, 2007
Really Strong, "almost" perfectly comfortable,
Well, this is my fault. I've switched to 4HHC mode (Locked AWD) while driving fast by mistake, this was enough to burn some chips inside there. Repairing cost was $600.
I like it, but if you've read my Volvo 850 T5 review you'll know why I won't buy another car from Mitsubishi or even another SUV, because I prefer sport sedans.
Comfort is well enough, but some points I don't like about comfort features:
1) No electric seats.
2) Seats aren't really so soft.
Also what I was shocked is that they've removed the balance ball that was available in the cockpit in earlier models.
Engine and performance are really nice for a diesel engine, and fuel economy isn't that bad, really. (I haven't made my test for mileage yet)
Offroad performance is outstanding, actually I go to fields down my town often to play around with this thing, it's really the "King of desert". But the only thing I'd have suggested to guys at Mitsubishi was to raise the body two more inches up the ground.
Parking this vehicle is easy, it's really simple and straightforward compared to other 7-seat SUVs.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 14th January, 2006
Looks great, but let down by performance and running costs
The tan coloured paint started chipping off the dashboard revealing the base colour of the plastic beneath (black).
The switch that was supposed to lower the electric aerial to half height (to allow access to low-ceiling multi-storey car parks etc) never worked.
Engine oil disappeared during run-in period. Was fine after a top-up.
The actual model of vehicle I am reviewing is a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS. It was an Irish imported version of the Shogun Sport (previously called the Challenger). It's basically a Mitsubishi 4-Life pickup with the rear end re-modelled as an estate car.
I was completely sold on it's looks - all metallic maroon paint and chrome. Everything about it suggested power. I remember looking at the ludicrous air intake on the bonnet and thinking it looked like the snorting nostril of an angry bull.
Sadly though, it was all looks and not much power. The 2.5L TD engine belonged to a bygone era. It only produced 99bhp and the torque figures were equally unremarkable (177lb/ft at 2000rpm). It's modern rivals (Toyota Landcruiser Colorado, Isuzu Trooper, Nissan Terrano) all offered significantly superior engines in terms of performance and economy. I note that the very latest version of the Sport has a revised 2.5TD engine that produces about 115bhp - so it must have been a common criticism.
On the road, the Sport was s-l-o-w. 60mph arrived in about 18.5 seconds - although the low gearing gave the impression that it was quicker. It was also a very noisy and unrefined beast - which I kinda liked in a "macho" sort of way... Motorway cruising at "normal" speeds however was, at best, a tense experience with the rev counter round at 4000rpm (high for a diesel).
The Sport's handling was rather entertaining. Being rear-wheel drive, the rear end used flip out with only the slightest encouragement. Often this would happen when changing up into second gear whilst making a turn. The fact that it was very easy to catch and control made for some unexpected fun. Suspension was quite firm and body roll minimal which meant, overall, I felt confident chucking the vehicle around at relatively high speeds.
Off-road, it was difficult to gauge the Sport's performance because of it's hybrid tyres. On the odd occasion I did some mud-plugging it coped very well (much to the Defender-driving guide's surprise). It also made very light work of towing a friend's broken down Jeep Grand Cherokee to safety.
One thing that really disappointed me about the Sport was driver's comfort. My foot-well was cramped (no footrest next to the clutch pedal) and the pedals were small and squashed together by the bulging transmission tunnel. If on long journeys I wanted to rest my clutch foot, I'd have to squeeze it under the clutch pedal. Everyone else though could relax in near-palatial comfort. The boot-space was vast, though the actual floor was about waist-height which could make loading/unloading of heavy items a little awkward. Cabin storage was disappointing with not enough cubby-holes.
The tan leather interior was very tasteful (my import was spared nasty imitation walnut as seen in UK spec models) and the carpet was so thick you could loose small children in it. The equipment level however, was disappointing for top GLS spec. Basic air conditioning and heated front seats was about as flash as it got. I even had to get my own CD multi-changer fitted! Security was a joke with only a basic immobiliser and no deadlocks.
Running costs was not one of the Sport's strong points. I'd be lucky to get 350 miles out of £50 worth of diesel. I reckon it must have returned about 25mpg on average. Servicing was every 6500 miles and insurance (due to "import" status), was about £1000 a year which, for a 30 year old with clean driving license and a "safe" area address, is scandalous.
Despite it's shortcomings, I loved this vehicle. I had always wanted to own a big 4x4. Ideally I would have coupled it with a small town car for running short errands with, but ultimately the running cost proved too much and it had to go. It broke my heart!
If I ever buy a big 4x4 again, I'll buy a petrol V6 or V8 that's been converted to LPG. And no more imports!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th October, 2002
15th Jul 2006, 04:40
After reading through your Pajero review I was confused as to why you said you would not buy another Mitsubishi again. This is in view of the fact that you pretty much praised the car.
Subsequently, I went and found your Volvo T5 review. You said that by reading that review, we would understand why you would not buy a Mitsubishi again. Your Volvo T5 has suffered:
"Gearbox is dying, reverse noisily slips.
Front side, back reverse left and two spoiler lamps failed.
Trip odometer failed.
ABS system failed."
In addition to the failures your Volvo has incurred, you also failed to state what was so wrong with your Mitsubishi that you would not buy another one again. If you are going to attack a manufacturer, at least provide a reason.