I love my '03 Gen III. The 03 has "stability control" which includes traction control. The prior years might have had "traction control" which is a less sophisticated animal.

The drive line and suspension is different from '03 on. The early models had a problem with a "clunking" rear end. Of course, the 3.8L vs the 3.5 on the earlier models. Other than that, not much difference.

'90 Montero XLS (Sold, sadly)
'95 Montero LS 160k
'03 Montero Limited 30k