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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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:

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  Smart Purchase - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Keith in Texas - February 15 - 4:53 pm

  The vehicle handles like a car. Needed a vehicle big enough to ride a family with two big kids. The kid’s first comment was wow they love the leg room. Everyone sits good. Not clunky like other SUV’s I owned.

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  DAC Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dr DAC WV - February 15 - 10:00 am

  For the money, this appeared to be the best buy. The Endeavor has style, enough power, comfort, nice ride. It is spacious. The special 3 yr/45000 maintenance package was another positive. Have always had good service at the dealer.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BeckieB - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Very comfortable for my husband and I both. He will even drive it. He wouldnt dirve my Montero Sport. The Montero gave me no problems so I look for this car to be the same. Drive very smooth - it is on a car chassis. Back seat has plenty of kroom left after we put the car seat in for our child.

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  I love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tshepherd - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I bought the Endeavor less than a week ago and we love it. We test drove a couple other SUVs, one being the Pilot and we kept going back to the Endeavor. The ride is nice, the interior is roomy, and Mitsubishi gave us a great deal. We also own a 93 Mits. Galant with 164,000 miles and still going strong. Were expecting the Endeavor to do the same.

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  Excellent Value! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Snoopy64 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my new 04 Endeavor for myself as a birthday present. I looked at a Durango, but it came only in an 8 cyl. and I didnt want a gas guzzler, but still pretty nice. Highly considered an 04 4Runner, but Toyota has a habit of adding on options a consumer my not want, therefore raising the sticker anywhere from $1000-$3000 and out of my desired price range and budget. THEN, one day I drove the Endeavor LS FWD, and it drove like a car. Comparable ride to the 4Runner SR5, but about $4500.00 less with a better warranty, and tires for life. My wife fell in love with it on the first drive, and enjoyed the roomy feeling.

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  Be careful - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Meantiger74 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Endeavor has 7K+ miles now. Around 6K miles, I heard a whisling sound on the right side of the car when driving 45-55mph. I brought it to a local Mit-dealer and had them check. What they found is abnormal sound from the transmission. This is really let me down. Besides, Mit. says that I can get 17 mpg in city and 21 mph on highway. This is not true b/c my Endeavor gives me 16.5 mph from driving mostly on highway. Everything else is great!

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  Great SUV by Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Arthur - January 5 - 8:46 pm

  Love the car! No problems and very stylish. Not to sure about gas milage but it doesnt seem bad.

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  "Rishi" - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Doug Kampa - January 2 - 4:33 am

  I really shopped for a new SUV; it was down to a Honda, Jeep and the Mitsubishi Endeavor. I selected the Endeavor for its power, styling and "feel". It is a very fun SUV to drive compared to the other canidates. I am very satisfied with the Endeanvor, however it requires high preformance gas which I did not know until after reading the owners manual. I use my Endeavor as a real estate broker and my clients all seem to enjoy riding in it. I think the quality of the sound system needs to be upgraded and some of the electronics seem to be style dated. The exterior styling is "hot," the exceleration is excellent and the ride is very good.

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  fun & easy to drive - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Allie - January 2 - 3:13 am

  Nought this instead of the Highlander because of the warranty...it held up great when someone turned into the passenger side. More than enough space for 4 good sized adults cruising arount town or camping with friends.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Laura - December 10 - 2:06 am

  We love the Endeavor! We hadnt even considered this SUV when we went car shopping and happened upon a great deal, did a little research and ended up getting the Mitsubishi Endeavor. It has been so nice to have! Everyone that ever rides with us ends up loving it too. Im surprised that they havent advertised it very much (at least where we live) I see several of them on the road now in my area, but it looks like theyre still the best kept secret in the SUV market.