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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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BEST RIDE MITSUBISH ENDEAVOR - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By L. Harrell - June 11 - 10:00 amI USE IT FOR MY COMPANY SO FAR I HAVENT HAD THE FIRST PROBLEM. I LIKE THE WAY IT DRIVES, RIDES ITS A NICE VEHICLE. ALSO WHEN I AM OFF ROAD CHECKING JOBS, SOMETIME I AM IN SUGAR SAND HERE IN FLORIDA. IT REALLY PULLS THAT IS ONE REASON I GOT AWD. FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER DROVE A MITSUBISH MY COMPANY HAS FORDS, CHEV. WHEN TIME COMES TO TRADE THIS ONE IN IT WILL BE A ENDEAVOR AGAIN.
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Mits - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Willyorca - June 11 - 10:00 amThis is a nice vehicle, dont get me wrong, but dont go from a full size V8 SUV to this . I miss the power of my old vehicle although I love the styling- and radio-in this one. Very upset by the crummy gas mileage-the big V8 Chevy did better.
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Love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By TraciParris - June 10 - 2:00 amI went to the Mitsubishi dealer to look at the Outlander, but I saw the Endeavor in the showroom. After one peak inside, I had no interest in the Outlander. I took the Endeavor for a drive and fell in love with it. It is definitely a luxury vehicle. I am spoiled now.
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The "End"eavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Dori - June 4 - 9:53 pmI like my Endeavor, however I dont like the fact that the front window heats up when it is "hot" outside, even with the air on. I can also hear the wind through the sun roof when it is closed. Other then these simple issues I like to drive it often.
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UNDER RATED ENDEAVOR? - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Reggie Love - May 28 - 6:10 pmI really dont know why Mitsu is going to stop making this vehicle. Its way better than the outlander, which is noisier vehicle. Its a great SUV, the only thing they have to work on is the fuel economy and add a third row. This car has everything, even the lowest trim available. Its really too bad 2008 is the last year for this model.
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one hot suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By hoopcity1 - May 17 - 10:00 amIf you are looking for an suv this is the one you should be looking at. My husband and I looked at MANY suvs and nothing we found compared to this! The milage is very good for this type of vehicle! The ride is amazing and the sound system oh my is it great! There is amazing space for all 5 passengers and extremely comfortable. We both highly recomend this suv.
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Good vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Tom Picciani - May 9 - 3:26 pmOverall this is a great SUV. Its snappy. Its manuverable. It handles 75 cu ft. of cargo and it has good visiblity our all windows. Overall I love this vehicle! Ill get another when I tire of this one.
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EXCELLENT CAR!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By sa311420 - May 2 - 7:56 amAnyone on the market for a new SUV, you have to check out this car!! It is the smoothest ride, This is the 6th car i have owned and by far the best! Once you drive the car you will wonder why you didnt buy one sooner. Consider the endeavor you will be quite surprised
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Positive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By mcbri - April 28 - 2:00 amI love the new Endeavor. It has more than enough room for my 2 year old, two dogs, and all our "gear." It looks great and the gas mileage is much improved over the Jeep I had before. I would suggest to anyone looking for an SUV to check out the Endeavor. I test drove the Highlander also and for me there was no question. SUV to check out the Endeavor.
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just picked up - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By roadie from nj - April 9 - 10:00 ammitsu has a big hit on their hands ride is very smooth, handling is very good. sun roof is huge. seating is excellent. i looked at a gmc envoy. but 11 recalls just turned me off.
