Since the first-generation model debuted, the Mitsubishi Pajero has been one of the most well-known extreme off-roaders in the world. Over the last four decades, the SUV has earned a reputation as one of the world's most competent SUVs. However, the Japanese SUV has failed to sell for some years due to its old-fashioned appearance and lack of modern amenities. Due to declining sales, Mitsubishi decided to discontinue the Pajero in 2019, but not before bidding it farewell. Before discontinuing the Pajero, the Japanese automaker will sell the 1,000 ‘Final Edition’ vehicles in a few chosen regions.

Debuted in the market in 1983, Mitsubishi rolled out four generations of the Pajero, including the Pajero Sport. All the generations were a perfect combination of luxury and adventure. Here’s a look at the four-decade-long journey of the Pajero.

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First-Generation Pajero: 1983-1991

First-Generation Pajero
Via Google/ DriveTribe

The first generation Mitsubishi Pajero was debuted in 1983. It debuted as a series of all-wheel-drive SUVs called the Montero or Shogun, depending on the market. It had three and five-door SUV body types, as well as a three-door cloth top version. Also known as the L040, the first generation of Pajero came with a variety of inline-four and V6 engines and diesel options. The first-gen Pajero was produced until 1991, after which the second-generation Mitsubishi Pajero was released.

The wagon's body was launched with a part-time four-wheel-drive configuration where the front wheels can engage in off-road conditions. A 2.0-liter 109 HP engine powered the car. The car could reach a top speed of 87 MPH and do a 0 to 60 MPH run in 13.2 seconds. The five-door wagon version was equipped with a similar four-wheel-drive configuration with a five-speed manual transmission. The engine for the five-door Pajero was a 3.0-liter 139 HP engine that could reach a top speed of 98 MPH and could do the 60 MPH run in 12.2 seconds.

Second-Generation Pajero: 1992-1999

Second-Generation Pajero
Via Google/ Wikimedia Commons

In 1992, Mitsubishi launched the second generation Pajero. Like the first generation, the three or five-door mid-size body was offered with a choice of inline-four or V6 engines for the second generation. With this model, Mitsubishi competed in various off-road events, including the Paris-Dakar Rally, because of its all-terrain skills. As mentioned by classic.com, during this period, the Pajero Evolution, the most renowned Pajero variation, was developed to fulfill the Dakar homologation criteria. The second-generation Mitsubishi Pajero was produced until 1999 when the car's third generation made its entry.

The second generation was launched with engines and an all-new Super Select 4WD system. It was available with a 2.5-liter diesel engine and, after 1993, a 2.8-liter and a 3.5-liter V6 were introduced. The 2.5-liter diesel engine produced 98 HP and had a 91 MPH top speed. The 3.0-liter engine was capable of producing 148 HP and 103 MPH top speed.

Third-Generation Pajero: 2000-2006 & Fourth-Generation Pajero: 2007-2021

Fourth Generation Mitsubishi Pajero
Via Google/ CarAdvice

The third generation, which debuted in 1999, had a larger, redesigned body. The new Super Select 4WD has a torque-vectoring technology that detects the type of terrain and adjusts power and torque accordingly. A new 3.8 L V6 petrol engine and a new 3.2 turbo diesel engine were introduced as well.

The new Mitsubishi Pajero retained the SUV specs of its predecessor, like the approach angle, ground clearance, and other all-terrain performance characteristics. A new 3.2-liter inline-four common rail direct fuel injection turbo diesel and a 3.8-liter V6 MIVEC petrol engine were among the car's new features. It was fitted with Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II transfer case with Active Stability and Traction Control to keep up with its off-roader character (ASTC). A 12-speaker 860W Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound System was also included.

The new 3.8-liter V6 engine was powerful enough to produce 244 HP and 243 lb-ft of torque. The car had a top speed of 124 MPH and could sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in 9.5 seconds. The 3.2-liter turbo diesel engine produced 197 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine could do the 0 to 60 MPH in 9.9 seconds and had a top speed of 112 MPH.

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The ‘Final Edition’ Pajero: 2021

Mitsubishi's ‘Final-Edition’ Pajero
Via motorauthority.com

The final batch of the challenging and sturdy Pajero is the limited ‘Final Edition’ model, with just 1000 units produced. They will be offered as 2022 models and will have unique badging and a few upgrades as standard, like a bigger fuel tank. There is just one powertrain available for this one - a 3.2-liter turbodiesel with 190 HP and 325 lb-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed automated transmission and four-wheel drive.

This edition includes tinted hood protection, rear luggage liner, rear boot flap, carpet mats, and a special leather compendium. Moreover, reverse parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, dusk detecting headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and power-adjustable front seats with heating functions are also included in the Mitsubishi Pajero Final Edition's mid-level grade. A touchscreen infotainment system and a reverse camera are included in the basic model too. At the same time, the aluminum pedals, chrome windscreen surround, side protection strip, alarm, leather seats, electric sunroof, steering mounted controls, and automated temperature control are included in the top-spec version.

The valiant player of the off-roader SUV category, Pajero, is retiring after a four-decade-long glorious history. The Mitsubishi Pajero was and will remain an iconic SUV with a trademark style that has remained almost the same in its entire journey to date.