I've owned a Montero and I gotta say, you gotta give them their dues. The rear axles are enourmous, and with an open diff. I was slogging through mud pits that a locked Commanche didn't make it through. I would not vote them as "Best 4x4" though because the IFS is too limiting in my opinion. I will say I was far, far more confident my Montero wouldn't break something than my XJ. Its nice to have a redicuously overbuilt frame/drivetrain under you than a unibody and a couple of questionable axles. Also, you will find in many South/Central Countries and Pacific countries Monteros dominate the market there for their outstanding capability, durability and reliability.

Overall I think a stripped down FJ80 would be the end all/do all of 4x4's. Bulletproof straight 6, beefy axles, f&r lockers.