How to Choose the Best Pajero Model for Your Needs and Budget
What is a Pajero?
If you are looking for a rugged and reliable SUV that can handle any terrain, you may have heard of the Mitsubishi Pajero. But what is a pajero, and why is it so popular among off-road adventurers? In this article, we will explore the history, features, and legacy of this iconic vehicle that was discontinued in 2021 after 40 years of production.
The history of the Pajero
The name pajero comes from Leopardus pajeros, a species of wild cat that lives in South America. Mitsubishi chose this name to reflect the agility and power of their new SUV, which was designed to compete with other luxury 4x4s like the Land Rover Range Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser.
pajero
The first pajero prototype was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973, followed by another one in 1978. The first production model was launched in 1981, and soon became a hit among car buyers and enthusiasts who wanted style, adventure, and performance in one package.
One of the most remarkable achievements of the pajero was its dominance in the Dakar Rally, one of the most grueling and prestigious off-road races in the world. The pajero won 12 times between 1983 and 2007, setting a record that has not been broken by any other vehicle. The pajero proved its durability and versatility by conquering various terrains, from sand dunes to rocky mountains.
The features of the Pajero
The pajero was not only tough, but also innovative. It used Mitsubishi's Super-Select four-wheel-drive system, which allowed drivers to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes depending on road conditions. It also had other advanced features such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, hill descent control, and rear differential lock.
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Pajero roof rack and cargo space
Pajero sunroof and panoramic glass roof
Pajero leather seats and heated steering wheel
Pajero navigation system and infotainment
Pajero rockford fosgate sound system
Pajero rear view camera and parking sensors
Pajero blind spot monitor and lane departure warning
Pajero adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation
Pajero rear cross traffic alert and ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system
Pajero multi around monitor and head up display
Pajero hill start assist and hill descent control
Pajero trailer stability assist and brake override system
Pajero active stability control and traction control logic
Pajero anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution
Pajero brake assist system and brake auto hold function
Pajero automatic high beam and rain sensing wipers
Pajero power tailgate and keyless entry system
Pajero dual zone climate control and rear air vents
Pajero rear seat entertainment system and DVD player
Pajero USB ports and wireless charging pad
Pajero apple carplay and android auto compatibility
Pajero bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition
Pajero daytime running lights and LED headlights
Pajero fog lamps and rear spoiler
Pajero alloy wheels and tire pressure monitoring system
Pajero side steps and skid plates
Pajero snorkel and winch
Pajero lift kit and suspension upgrade
Pajero bull bar and tow bar
The pajero evolved over four generations, offering different body styles (three-door or five-door), engines (petrol or diesel), and trim levels (GLS, GLX, Exceed, etc.). It also had a luxurious and spacious interior that could accommodate up to seven passengers and various amenities such as leather seats, sunroof, climate control, navigation system, and rear entertainment system.
The following table shows some of the specifications of the pajero over its four generations:
Generation
Years The specifications of the Pajero
Engine
Power
Torque
Fuel Economy
Petrol: 2.4 L 4G64 I4
98.5 kW (132 hp; 134 PS)
N/A
N/A
Petrol: 3.0 L 6G72 V6
130 kW (174 hp; 177 PS)
N/A
N/A
Petrol: 3.5 L 6G74 V6
139 kW (186 hp; 189 PS)
N/A
N/A
Diesel: 2.5 L 4D56 turbo I4
N/A
N/A
N/A
Diesel: 2.8 L 4M40 turbo I4
103 kW (138 hp; 140 PS)
N/A
N/A
Diesel: 3.2 L 4M41 turbo I4
121 kW (162 hp; 165 PS)
N/A
N/A
The table above shows some of the engine options that were available for the Pajero over its four generations. The power and torque figures are based on the web search results , while the fuel economy and emission data are not available for some models. The Pajero also had different transmission options, such as a five-speed manual, a five-speed semi-automatic, or a four-speed automatic.
The end of the Pajero
The Pajero was discontinued in Japan in 2019 and globally in 2021 due to low sales and environmental regulations. The Pajero faced stiff competition from other SUVs in the market, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the Nissan Patrol, and the Ford Everest. The Pajero also struggled to meet the stricter emission standards in some countries, especially in Europe, where diesel vehicles are being phased out.
To commemorate the Pajero's legacy, Mitsubishi released Final Edition models in Japan and Australia, which were limited to 800 units each . The Final Edition models featured special badges, accessories, and interior details to celebrate the Pajero's history and achievements. The Final Edition models were based on the existing GLS, GLX, and Exceed trims, and used the same 3.2-liter turbo diesel engine with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The future of the Pajero
Although the Pajero has been retired from production, it may not be gone for good. Mitsubishi has hinted that it may revive the Pajero as an electric or hybrid vehicle in the future. The company has already developed a plug-in hybrid system for its Outlander SUV, which could be adapted for a larger and more rugged vehicle like the Pajero.
The Pajero still has a loyal fan base and a strong resale value in some markets . The Pajero is known for its durability, reliability, and off-road capability, which make it appealing to many drivers who want a versatile and adventurous vehicle. The Pajero also remains one of the best 4x4 SUVs in the world for off-road enthusiasts, who appreciate its Super-Select four-wheel-drive system and its Dakar Rally pedigree.
Conclusion
The Pajero is a legendary SUV that has been around for 40 years and has sold over 3.3 million units worldwide. It has been a pioneer in the SUV segment, introducing innovative features and technologies that have set it apart from its rivals. It has also been a champion in the Dakar Rally, winning 12 times and proving its toughness and performance in extreme conditions.
The Pajero may have reached the end of its production life, but it has not lost its charm or its value. It still has many fans and admirers who cherish its history and achievements. It may also have a chance to return as an electric or hybrid vehicle in the future, which would give it a new lease of life and a new generation of customers.
If you are interested in buying or selling a used Pajero, you may want to check out some of the websites that offer used Pajero for sale, such as [CarGurus](^1^), [AutoScout24](^2^), or [Gumtree](^3^). You may find a good deal on a Pajero that suits your needs and budget.
We hope you enjoyed this article about the Pajero, and learned something new about this amazing SUV. If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about the Pajero, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Pajero:
Is the Pajero a good car?
The Pajero is a good car if you are looking for a reliable, durable, and capable 4x4 SUV that can handle any terrain and weather. The Pajero has a proven track record of performance and quality, and has won many awards and accolades over its 40-year history. The Pajero is also comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped, making it a great family car as well.
What does pajero mean?
Pajero is the name of a species of wild cat that lives in South America. Mitsubishi chose this name to reflect the agility and power of their new SUV, which was designed to compete with other luxury 4x4s like the Land Rover Range Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser. However, pajero also has a vulgar meaning in some Spanish-speaking countries, which is why Mitsubishi changed the name to Montero or Shogun in those markets.
Why was the Pajero discontinued?
The Pajero was discontinued in Japan in 2019 and globally in 2021 due to low sales and environmental regulations. The Pajero faced stiff competition from other SUVs in the market, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the Nissan Patrol, and the Ford Everest. The Pajero also struggled to meet the stricter emission standards in some countries, especially in Europe, where diesel vehicles are being phased out.
Will the Pajero come back?
Mitsubishi has hinted that it may revive the Pajero as an electric or hybrid vehicle in the future. The company has already developed a plug-in hybrid system for its Outlander SUV, which could be adapted for a larger and more rugged vehicle like the Pajero. However, there is no official confirmation or timeline for this plan yet.
What is the difference between the Pajero and the Pajero Sport?
The Pajero Sport is a smaller and cheaper version of the Pajero, based on the Triton pickup truck. The Pajero Sport has a different design, engine, and features than the Pajero, but it still uses the Super-Select four-wheel-drive system and has a similar off-road capability. The Pajero Sport is still available in some markets, such as Australia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.