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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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2004 Endeavor Great Buy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By wbrundeg - December 29 - 2:00 amCant believe more of these havent sold. Great features and ride. Good value and good gas mileage for size.
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LOVE THIS VEHICLE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Trishie - December 18 - 10:00 amSmooth ride, easy handling, plenty of room. Great style and lots of car for the money. Its surprising there arent more of these out on the road.
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endeavor rules - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By PaRtYgOd123 - December 9 - 2:00 amthe endeavor is a wonderful suv with complete comfort good looks and very low priced for whats its worth.it gets good gas millage for an suv and is very roomy in the inside.
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Endeavor Nitch - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By LBEndeavor - December 4 - 10:00 amIf you are willing to sacrifice a hi towing capacity and rock breaking off road ability in exchange for more comfort and better handling, the All Wheel drive Endeavor is worth considering. For 99 % of our driving this is a great SUV, and for 90% of the remaining 1%, this vehicle will handle our off road needs. We can only hope for the great Japanese tradition of reliability.
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great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By bano4 - November 28 - 10:00 amI have looked at all the midsized SUVs for the last year, and the Endever is the best!
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My Wifes car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By sillejohnr - November 22 - 2:00 amI am truley happy with the Endeavor that we own. My wife is really happy which makes the whole house happy.
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I LOVE IT - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By April/MarshalHornsby - November 22 - 2:00 amI HAVE DROVE A LOT OF SUVS AND NO ONE COMPARES TO THE ENDEAVOR.
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endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By stdb - November 22 - 2:00 amMy experience with the Endeavor has been great. I love the way it handles and how smooth the ride is. The visibility while driving is excellent. Comfort is a big factor and the Endeavor is very comfortable even for long drives. The power lets you know its safe for passing others on the road. Im sure my next vehicle will be another Endeavor.
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Mitsubishi Endevaor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Klubwithak - November 22 - 2:00 amThis is a great SUV and I recommend it.It is a really nice car and I do not see why you would not buy it.
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Fantastic SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Justin - November 21 - 4:36 amWe bought our Endeavor after owning a 2004 Lancer Ralliart to have more room and cargo space. We absolutely love it. Its comfortable, rides great, and has plenty of power. We have also only run 87 octane and have not had any problems or noticeable loss in gas mileage.
