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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  More for Your Money - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Earl C Roark - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Lexus 300. After pricing the 2004 Lexus and driving the 2004 Endeavor the ride was just as good and the price and space were better. You certainly get more for your money in the Endeavor.

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  Amazing - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Annie Welch - November 3 - 1:50 pm

  My family and I were in a terrible accident back in June and our Subaru Forester was totaled, which by the way was an excellent vehicle, and kept us very safe in the time of the accident as we all came out with no injuries....however the car wasnt the prettiest sight...we then shopped around for the next amazing car and as always and should be, safety was our #1 priority...we came across the Mitsubishi Endeavor and we knew from then on out that it was the one for us. This SUV is absolutely amazing..its so powerful and handles so well...I love driving it and I fall more in love with this vehicle every day that I drive it...it has an amazing stereo/sound system, unlike any other...this car truely is a joy.

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  Time to trade it - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By IN-Deavor - November 3 - 12:40 pm

  Ive driven the 2004 Limited for 120,000 mi. over the past six years. Overall Id rate it high. New brakes and tires around 65K and no other complaints until the transmission had to be rebuilt at 118K. Also ball joints went and car now has a bad shimmy when breaking. Appears to be other drivetrain-related issues besides the transmission so Im bailing on the car. BTW: Im an over 50 driver so dont hot rod it, gave it all scheduled maint and oil changes and 90% of miles were expressway. So I consider recent drivetrain issues a warning sign of further problems to come. Id planned on keeping the car until it was time for another set of tires (probably around 150K mi.).

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  Lose The Plastic! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By New to a Mitsu - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Mitsubishi I have owned and am impressed thus far, having come from the sport/luxury class. The AWD and the TCS work to gether nicely, and are comperable to that on the A6 I owned previous to this. The acceleration and over all power seem to be above the other vehicles I test drove in the class. I am finding the MPG to be as advertised, but the premium fuel requirement is a minus. I am verry happy with the cumfort of the seats, and overall storage capacity. As the weather turns I am finding that it handles rain, snow, and Ice like a champ. I like the overall concept of the interior design, but the plastic needs to be rethought, aluminum would be sweet!

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kyle - September 26 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had my Endeavor for 4+ years and have very few complaints. I get 18- 19mpg around town and 22-23 on the hwy. It pulls our popup camper like its not even there. You will not find a mid-sized crossover with as much cargo space as the Endeavor. Ive had just two problems, both at 75K. The window mechanism (they call it the regulator) failed on the drivers window ($250 to fix) and the ck engine light came on ($600 for O2 sensor and new plugs).

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  Awesome - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tneman - September 25 - 10:53 am

  It has been an excellent vehicle overall. I would diffently buy again. I have not had one single problem with any part of the Endeavor. I love everything about it. Mitsubishi has hit a home run in my ballpark, I will definitly be a Mitsubishi owner for life.

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  Im Happy - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By bec76234 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very excited about this vehicle. You get the comfort of a car with the option of an SUV.

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  MrJLos - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JLo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  An SUV that rides like a car

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  Oh my, best SUV ever! - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By sharonboswell - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Endeavor yesterday in black with black leather. I tested about 20 SUVs and this one just hit me! It sits up high and rides really smooth. it looks almost like a Durango but a better drive. It is so comfortable inside and I love the remote starter and the GPS system. I got such a great deal on this 38K suv. After the 4k cash back incentive, my trade in, 2k for paying cash, I had a price in mind ($29,500) and he gladly accepted it. I was astonished! This drives so smoothly around corners and has the best pick up. In addition, it is just a beautiful SUV, the best!

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MARK - August 19 - 12:26 am

  The Endeavor is an SUV that rides like a car.