Overview & Reviews
When first introduced, the Mitsubishi Endeavor earned a surprise win in an Edmunds comparison test of midsize SUVs. It won with a combination of good looks, torque-filled engine performance, smart handling and excellent (for a crossover) off-road performance. Complaints were limited to some questionable styling elements and material choices in the cabin.
As time wore on, however, the competition was refreshed and redesigned, while the Endeavor remained stagnant. The availability of certain features increased and there were some minor styling changes for '09, but the body style, powertrain and interior carried on without improvement or update. It was an analog entry in a digital world. As such, it is hard to recommend the Endeavor unless you're looking in a low price range that corresponds with this crossover's earliest years.
Most Recent Mitsubishi Endeavor
The Mitsubishi Endeavor was produced from 2004 through 2011. It was a midsize crossover SUV that sat five people and was based on vehicle architecture shared with the contemporary Galant sedan and Eclipse coupe.
Throughout its run, the Endeavor was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 225 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic transmission were standard, but all-wheel drive was available. While this engine yielded reasonably energetic performance, it started to seem down on power as its many competitors bulked up over the years. The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy. On the upside, we found that the Mitsubishi Endeavor handled well both off-road and on throughout its life, though newer rivals did eventually better it by a considerable margin.
The cabin was dominated by a center console covered in silver-painted plastic that seemed stylish in 2004, but quickly became garish. The silver thankfully gave way to a more muted black eventually, but the rather strange design was maintained. More importantly, the Endeavor could never be had with a telescoping steering wheel or a reclining rear seat -- features that became the norm in the class. A third-row seat was also not available. Its maximum cargo capacity of 76.4 cubic feet was decent for a midsize crossover.
Initially, there were three trims: base LS, midlevel XLS and top-of-the-line Limited. Shortly after its debut, the Endeavor was updated as a 2004.5 model. Midyear changes included the addition of daytime running lamps, dual-stage front airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system and 10 more hp. An antilock braking system became available on LS two-wheel-drive models. This midyear upgrade also included standard front-seat side airbags and a leather steering wheel for the Endeavor XLS. New options included a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and stability control for the AWD Limited. Shoppers looking at a used '04 Endeavor should only consider the updated version.
The XLS was dropped in 2006 and the Limited trim was replaced by an SE trim for 2007. Newly available features for '07 included the navigation system and a Rockford Fosgate stereo. However, the rear DVD entertainment option was eliminated (sorry, kids). The Endeavor was on hiatus for 2009 but returned the following year with some minor exterior styling updates. It also gained standard Bluetooth and a rearview camera that was bundled with the optional navigation system. Those desiring all-wheel drive were also forced to step up to the SE trim level. From 2007-'11, the SE was still the only way to get a sunroof, rearview camera or navigation system.
On the safety front, side airbags became standard on all models in 2005, and used shoppers should definitely note that antilock brakes were optional on base models until '06. Side curtain airbags were added to the standard features list in 2007. Traction control became standard across the lineup for 2008.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 483.00-
Rons Endeavor XLS AWD - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By UVADarden03 - December 27 - 2:00 amDriving is a pleasure. Love the sound system and the performance though road noise can be somewhat of a bother. The design is great though the finish quality on the dashboard looks like cheap plastic. Wish traction control and stability control came standard and had a 5-speed auto instead of a 4-speed.
-
Love it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Razorback in Tulsa - December 21 - 2:00 amHave loved the Endeavor ever since our first test drive, finally bought one when our dealer made us an offer that was several hundred $$ lower than any Tulsa dealership. Wife is primary driver, we all absolutley love the vehicle. Great for family trips and for errands around town.
-
Excellent - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By joangell - December 17 - 10:00 amWe looked at the Highlander and Pilot. The Endeavor offered more value for the money. Even though we have only had the vehicle for a month, we have been totally satisfied with it.
-
Blind spot - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Joyce Anatra - December 16 - 7:26 pmOnly one draw back, between the windshield corners and the front doors, thereis a blind spot that you have to get use to and physically adjust to compensate. Other then that, it is a very well built vehicle. I would recomend the Endeaver to my friends and familly.
-
BEST VEHICLE EVER PURCHASED - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By marie0124 - December 16 - 9:05 amI have owned my 2005 Endeavor for approximately 5 years now. I first thought it was a jeep from viewing from the street. i went to the car lot and was surprised it was not a jeep. I took it for a test drive up and down hills. It was a smooth ride and was easy to handle. I have purchased many cars in my life and found this one to be easy on maintenance only needing regular oil change.
-
endeavor-underestimated - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By dsc127 - December 10 - 10:00 amgood looks, with great handling. has style compared to honda,kia,or toyota. power is there when you need it. easy to use dials/controls. plenty of storage, with solid interior/exterior features. plenty of tie-downs.interior illumination for front/rear passengers. all material used look like it will hold up to rough use. warranty great. transmission responsive to needs. feels surefooted on uneven road surfaces.
-
Great Ride and Handling for an SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By RICK - December 4 - 7:00 pmI love the way it handles on curving roads. It is a very soft ride, but no swaying. It handles great and has tons of room for my wifes antique shopping. The transmission is great, being able to shift yourself is nice, especially when going down mountain roads you can put it in 2nd gear and not ride the brake. It does not have a top heavy feel. Overall Mitsubishi did it right.
-
HAPPY_SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By SYCAMORE - November 15 - 2:00 amWE ONLY HAVE THIS XLS ENDEAVOR LESS THAN A MONTH AND SO FAR, MY WIFE AND SELF WERE ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE OF IT. ACCELERATION IS VERY GOOD, SOUND SYSTEM IS GREAT AND RIDE IS VERY COMFORTABLE SINCE IT RUNS LIKE A CAR.
-
Great Reliable SUV for Smart Shoppers - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By DEROCK - November 10 - 8:33 pmNo complaints - I am a Honda fan all the way but since I test drove this SUV to now I love it - smart buy over the Toyota Highlander all day long and the Honda Pilot if you do not need the third row seat. Test drive and you will see!
-
Very Good SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Owner - November 5 - 5:00 pmThe 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor is an awesome SUV. It has great power. Some SUVs feel sluggish. Dont be suprised if you have to say goodbye to that term when your driving this truck!
