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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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

• 

  Good crossover for the price - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nick - August 11 - 11:40 am

  We bought our Endeavor a year and a half ago and have put 25K miles since then. We have been pretty happy with it so far. It has a lot of cargo space in the back and the seats are easy to fold down to create even more. I love the power this vehicle has and the transmission is very responsive. The transmission does make a wining noise in warmer weather. This is a known issue with them - cant be fixed, so I deal with it. It is very comfortable on long trips. I question its durability, though. The interior is very cheap. The fabric, although comfortable, is already showing significant wear. The dash and doors are mostly brittle plastic and the sunroof seals arent sealing.

• 

  Best Crossover on the Market...Hands Down! - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By demingboys - July 13 - 11:46 am

  I bought my 2011 Endeavor SE with the hopes of upgrading from a 2006 Buick SUV. I was astonished at the value of the vehicle on paper, even more so when I actually test drove it. I did a lot of research before making my choice to purchase a Mitsubishi. I have driven many SUVs and Crossovers and the Endeavor is by far the best choice for anyone in the market for a new vehicle. I absolutely love the quality, performance, and luxury combined in the Endeavor. I got such a great deal on this vehicle that I can honestly say I have no buyers remorse whatsoever. I am proud to drive this vehicle!

• 

  Best Buy for the Money! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Joe Gordon - July 10 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the BMW, Lexus, Highlander, Pilot and Morano. This vehicle was bigger, better and stronger than the competition. Not to mention the price and deal Mitsubishi offers. The ride is very pleasant. Fun to drive. We get lots of people asking us on the road what type of vehicle this is. Lots of complements. We Absolutley Love it!

• 

  Great Experience - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Larry - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Endeavor for 5 1/2 years now and at 95,000 miles had my first problem--not even a new car bug. (have kept all service, minor and major up to date). Just had to have propeller shaft and bearing assembly replaced due to bad bearings. But fully covered by 100,000 Mile powertrain warranty. Feel great this is the only issue in 95K miles!

• 

  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Barbara Gurnee - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Quiet interior except when the sun roof is open, that creates a lot of interior noise/whistling sound. Difficulty adjusting the audio sound system. Cant always adjust the heater for comfortable heat in the winter time. Poorly designed windshield washer hose as it gets crimped underneath the hood when the hood has been opened and closed. There is a very large blind spot when using the side mirrors.

• 

  Rented and fell in love - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By kcharlem - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Toyota Landcruiser for 5+ years... hands down top SUV in terms of quality, capability. HOWEVER, rented the Endeavor when my car was in the shop, and I must have one. Quality feels like the Toyota, and ride is slightly better. From someone who has driven the best SUV, this is exactly what an SUV should feel like. At half the price.

• 

  Have an open wallet - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gert06 - June 22 - 7:06 pm

  While initially loved the truck, as time/mileage wears on, no after market parts available, so costly. Also, the need for Premium fuel. Dealer had stated could use regular at a loss of mileage-I guess with regular the best I get is 10-12mpg! Fuel filler set known by many mechanics to rot out, had back order for over 6 weeks, all the while spilling gas every time I tried to get it into the tank.

• 

  Mitsubishi Endeavor - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ERICS - June 22 - 5:46 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor is better than I had expected. It has excellent handiling and a nice ride. It did well in heavy snow, however the all season Bridgestone tires are not agreesive enough for heavy snow conditions. It provides an all around great driving experience!

• 

  Best Ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Happy Endeavor - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The Suv Feels like a powerful sports car. First time I stepped on the gas pedal I was pushed back in my seat. I was very amazed about the handeling, haveing much more a sedan feel than a lumbering SUV. It is nice to see Sport put back in the SUV.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nona - May 31 - 11:23 am

  We had over 200,000 and was a great car until our transmission went out.. We loved it............