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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  12 HOUR TEST DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By STANMN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  RENTED THE ENDEAVOR DURING SNOW STORM DROVE 500 MILES IN THE CAR FOR 12 HOURS AND LOVED IT . WAS NOT PLANNING TO BUY A SUV BUT DUE TO MY POSITIVE TEST DRIVE FOR 12 HOURS DECIDED TO BUY IT

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  I love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pgoodnight - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2 June 2004 so only two days experience but so far I am loving it. Handles very nicely. Short turning space required. Sound system is excellent and so far the mileage I am getting is excellent. Could use a little more hidden storage space that is presently not in use. (Montero has more storage.) Cruise control and Windshield wipers could be more user friendly.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By naveedpr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  Endeavor surpasses my old Xterra - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dsxterra - March 29 - 4:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed our expectations. The way it handles in corners and in general is great. We have had an Explorer and a Xterra. The Endeavor by far surpass the handling and comfort of those.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mat084 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor Limited AWD for about 2.5 months and I love it! Its very quick for a 2+ ton SUV with a V6. Ive had no problems taking on the occasional full size V8 powered pickup trucks at stop lights, and most cars for that matter! The SportTronic transmission is fun to use, but just letting the automatic do its job is just as effective. Ill have to wait until I drive it in a Chicago winter to make up my mind on the AWD.

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  Now this is FUN! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tony - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Endeavor a few weeks ago and I just cant find enough time to drive it. It has 96,000 on it but runs like new. The interior is a little noisy from rattles. Common complaint. The sound system in great! The look hasnt changed and rightfully so. With two kids, the back seat has room for both them and their toys (Thats a plus!) Ive read complaints about the paint but havent seen anything unusual on mine. Also had a slight shake at 65 mph which an alignment took care of. If you are luck enough to find one. Get it and enjoy.

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  Loving it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ATL-L - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Previous owner of an Explorer...then a Lexus sports car. Missed the SUV so tried to find something that I really wanted. The Endeaver drove like my car and had some things better than before. After test driving the Explorer after the Endeavor it was a no-brainer. The Endeavor is wider...more grounded. better handling and just more comfortable.

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  Handles like a car - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jpabon - February 24 - 8:13 pm

  The Mitsubishi Endeavor is much better than the discontinued Montero Sport. It handles well, and the alternative dual transmission is fun to drive and play with.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jack Sears - February 22 - 6:33 am

  This is an enjoyable vehicle to drive. The only complaint is the fuel mileage. It is comfortable to ride in and it handles great. I am sorry to hear that mine is the last year it will be available. This is my second Endeavor. I enjoyed the first one, traded up to get more features.

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  Judged by its cover - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jesse - February 21 - 5:40 am

  Its a shame that for an SUV with many good qualities, the first thing people see is the grotesque faded clearcoat on my Mitsubishi. Before the paint issue, friends even strangers would compliment the sleek unique look of my ride. I had 20in. chrome wheels. added subs, amps even fluorescent lights. Once the paint started to give, I took the chrome off. Im embarrassed to put nice wheels on an ashy looking car. Now the windows are up the radio is low and I park way I the back. The way i see it, the paint job is giving Mitsubishi a bad Reputation. They should step up and resolve/recall this issue. Im not the only one out here that loves his endeavor on the inside and not on the out side.