Reviews - Mitsubishi

Overall Rating

The Big Daddy of Japanese 4x4s has been around since the Eighties, earning respect for its durability, reliability and spaciousness. This generation is good value now it has been replaced.

• Equally convincing on- or off-road
• Has few rivals for reliability
• Roomy, family-friendly and comfortable

• Looks dated compared with newer rivals
• Turbodiesels are stately, not speedy
• Beware of 'grey' Pajero imports without history

Shogun is the benchmark for reasonably priced, user-friendly Japanese 4x4s. Five-door models are Range Rover-sized but more affordable and offer the benefit of an extra rear seats. They combine MPV practicality with go-anywhere ability. The more compact short-wheelbase three-door cars are quite roomy five-seaters though less convenient for family use. Although it's not cheap to buy or own, Shogun wins hands down on dependability. Construction is tough enough to sustain agricultural or off-road use, while the mechanical bits go on and on if serviced attentively. There are lots of Eighties cars around that testify to its longevity. The 2.8 TD is favoured for its fuel economy (25mpg if you're careful). It's fairly slow but reasonably refined. 3.0 and 3.5 V6 petrol cars are much brisker but thirsty. Drivers find Shogun obedient and fairly easy to drive, although there is some body roll. Five-door cars ride better than their short-wheelbase counterparts.

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: 2.8 TD GLS 5-door; 3.0 V6 24v GLS 5-door

Worst Models: 2.5 TD 3-door

Replacement: by current generation Shogun in early 2000

• Land Rover Discovery
• Land Rover Range Rover (1994-02)
• Toyota Landcruiser Colorado