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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Get The Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JanettePetch - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a ford Escape - HATED IT!!!! This thing rides like a car, gives you the room of a SUV, and at a great price.

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  Endeavor Forever - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By edgriffith - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor offers the upbeat style and "family" realism that I needed and wanted all in one package. It drives smoothly and handles like a car. Many SUVs have blind spots that you have to be aware of. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has no such areas. With plenty of room for external awareness, it affords the opportunity to drive safely and comfortably. Buy it? I will own two Endeavors before I am done and I will KEEP them both. If you havent driven a Mitsubishi Endeavor, you havent driven an SUV.

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  2010 Endeavor-love it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ACK - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2005 Ford Expedition in on this and we love it! Were able to have same payment as ford, but with 1.9% interest with Mitsubishi-wow! I get twice as much drive time out of a tank of gas than the Expedition, so for me, the mileage is great. We downsized to this and drove the GMC Terrain-looks great, drives terrible. Never had a Mitsubishi, so far so good

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  Best vehicle i ever ownef - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tim allen - May 24 - 3:55 pm

  Timing belt replacement dates. Fluid change maintenance records. Mine has 170,000 miles, runs quiet, smoothly, like new.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kelly - May 22 - 11:10 am

  I am a teacher and cant afford a luxury SUV. I purchased this XLS Endeavor because it offered the most luxury and power in my price range. I couldnt be happier! This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I owned a Tahoe prior to this and that was a great SUV but wasnt as reliable as I had hoped and it really ate gas. I love this SUV, and I hope to own my Endeavor for a very long time. The warranty is amazing, it looks great and runs even better! I would highly reccomend this vehicle!

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  Happy So Far - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jim - May 11 - 5:36 am

  We traded our 02 Explorer for the 2010 Endeavor. We drove a lot of SUVs (Nissan, Hyundai, Chevy, Ford, Dodge etc) and thought the build quality, ride, and performance were the best on the Endeavor - plus how can you beat the warranty. Started out to buy the Outlander but once my wife drove the Endeavor she was hooked. Also you feel really safe driving in it.

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  love this ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tonym1963 - May 1 - 12:13 am

  I have owned my Endeavor for almost 2 years I love it. I would like a little more variety in option packages but it came nicely equiped. I think the site lines inside are 2nd to none and the ride is like a car.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cody Boy - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to the Endeavor. Handling and ride are fantastic. Had to get LTD in order to get rear A/C - but certainly am enjoying the luxuries that it provides! Love all the looks that I get from other drivers!

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  Good SUV for the price - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By marcthepark - April 18 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased my Endevor about 8 months ago, and have had no issue with it. The exceleration is very good, and I live Colroado, and have many enterence ramps that are on hills. The SUV is confortable. It is simple (I have an LS), but the price was very good. Best value for size, year, power, and millage.

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  Must Test Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By GregL - April 18 - 6:33 pm

  I did a lot of research prior to purchase and I think I found a fine SUV. The owners know it is not perfect but when matched with the other SUVs in its class it is a decent match.