The 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero is a body-on-frame, off-road-focused SUV known for its rugged drivetrain options and long-distance touring ability. Most 1998 models fall within the second-generation Pajero (often called the “Gen 2”), a platform praised for durability and true 4x4 hardware rather than car-like crossover manners. It’s ideal for drivers who want a capable adventure SUV for trails, towing light loads, or rough-road travel, while still offering family-friendly seating and comfort. In the late-1990s SUV market, the Pajero competed with vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado/4Runner and Nissan Patrol/Pathfinder, leaning heavily on 4WD capability and diesel availability in many regions.

1) Proven 4WD systems: Many 1998 Pajero trims were offered with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD (where available), allowing 2H, full-time 4H, and locked 4HLC/4LLC modes for mixed road and off-road use. This is a major advantage in variable weather and dirt-road driving. 2) Engine choices by market: Depending on region, common engines include a 3.0L V6 gasoline (6G72), a 3.5L V6 gasoline (6G74 in some markets), and popular turbo-diesel options such as the 2.8L 4M40. Some markets also received 2.5L turbo-diesel variants. 3) Strong off-road hardware: Body-on-frame construction, low-range gearing, and solid trail geometry make it well-suited for steep grades, ruts, and rocky surfaces compared to many soft-road SUVs. 4) Practical interior packaging: Many versions offer flexible cargo space, high seating position, and available third-row seating in certain configurations, making it useful for family hauling and overlanding-style gear. 5) Long-haul comfort: For its era, the Pajero typically delivers a stable highway ride, good outward visibility, and durable cabin materials designed for heavy use.

Searches for “1998 Mitsubishi Pajero reliability” and “1998 Mitsubishi Pajero common issues” often point to a mix of strong mechanical fundamentals with age-related weaknesses. The exact problems vary by engine and how the vehicle was used (towing, off-road, short trips), but these are commonly reported areas to watch: 1) Cooling system wear and overheating risk (often 120,000–200,000+ miles): Radiators, hoses, thermostat housings, and water pumps can age out, leading to temperature creep under load. Overheating is especially damaging on higher-mileage engines, so any signs of coolant loss, crusty deposits, or fluctuating temp readings deserve attention. 2) Automatic transmission shift quality and neglected fluid (often 150,000+ miles): Many issues trace back to old ATF, clogged coolers, or delayed maintenance. Symptoms can include harsh shifts, flare between gears, or delayed engagement when selecting Drive. A well-maintained unit can last, but an ignored one gets expensive quickly. 3) Suspension and steering wear (100,000–180,000 miles): Pajeros used off-road or on poor roads frequently develop worn ball joints, control arm bushings, idler/pitman components (market dependent), and tired shocks. Owners often report clunks over bumps, wandering steering, and uneven tire wear. 4) Diesel-specific concerns on turbo-diesel models: Depending on engine and maintenance history, issues can include tired glow plugs or glow control components causing hard starts, and EGR/intake soot buildup affecting drivability. Turbo and injector longevity generally depends on oil quality and service intervals.