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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  nice car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By knick4ver13 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My Endeavor is a very nice car, have lots of space , specially when you splitfold the rear seat-bench,lots of power , the stereo is one of a kind. If you buy one you also gonna love the 4 power outlets(even one in the cargo area)and the dome light. Easy to get in-out. The stick shift mode is also fun especially if you are in a highway with lots of traffic .Dont like the painted bumpers , i live in nyc.

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  First SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Miss Tall - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive normally driven a Subaru, but was looking for something larger my 67" husband could drive - this narrows the field of cars. We love the Endeavor! It drives like a sportscar some say and has a great deal of power. There is also a lot of room in the back seat, it seats 3 very comfortably, even if all three are over 6 tall!

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Yehu - July 31 - 6:00 am

  Test drove a bunch of different SUVs and came across the Endeavor. Under appreciated vehicle, and a great value for the dollar. Plenty of room inside, deceptive almost. Great cargo room and leg room for big/tall people. Engine is surprisingly strong and the auto-stick is a nice touch. Lots of storage pockets, and it has 4 cup holders up front.

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  It was hard to buy not American - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By bray1382 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  We love it. It looks good and it handles the road well. We have the black interior and it is smooth. The American made SUVs in this price range all had two tone leather interior and we didnt like that.

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  Endeavors are awesome vehicles!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By An Average consumer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor for about 3 months and it has easily been the best SUV I have ever owned. It handles better and is faster than the BMW X5 that I test drove before I bought my Endeavor. Was easily the best SUV I drove during the purchase process. From the drivers seat you get an excellent view of the road. Do not buy any other SUV without giving the Endeavor a try, you will not regret it.

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  Black paint problems - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lisa - July 11 - 3:43 am

  Major problems with the black paint have developed in about 2-3 years. In my opinion there is an obvious defect with the black paint on many Mitsubishi. Paint on the roof down to primer in many locations on roof. Car is garage kept, to bad it comes with a 3 yr 36k mile paint warranty. Suggest bringing back to dealer early, or youll get no where.. Not sure with so many issue with the Black paint they have not recalled.

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  AWESOME ENDEAVOR!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By STACEY MARTIN - July 10 - 10:00 am

  great, great ride. Pretty good on gas, DVD player is incredible, along with heated seats.

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  Endeavor 4 Ever ! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By G - MAN - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about this SUV... this truck is built tough,you cant compare any north american car to this! All the other japanese car companies dont offer a better built SUV the just offer the higher price tag. I love the engine torque, the smooth the carlike steering, the four wheel disk brakes, the cargo space, the seating room ...front and back... the leather seats, the dvd package was an awesome option for the kids, the aluminum wheels, the stereo, the rugged looks,

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  The Endeavor Has Arrived! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dazzle - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really love my 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor XLS. It looks very fresh and unique from the outside and sophisticated and elegant in the inside. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the handle is exceptional. It is definitely a safer vehicle with a wider wheelbase. The interior is very comfortable with a large leg room. And when your in the need for speed and power, the Endeavor is equipped with 215-250 hp of pure thrill and excitement.

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  Good mid size SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By horsen1 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Really like the exterior of the vehicle. Comfortable seats (have leather), love the heated leather seats in the winter. Fun to drive, outperformed the Pilot. Like the folding seats, prefer to the Escape where you have to remove the headrest. Fits two large dogs comfortably in the back (the main attraction for me as the dogs go everywhere). Love satellite radio. Wish that the wiper blades were quicker to respond to increase speed changes (live in the rainy Northwest, would love to have auto-adjusting wipers). Bought the ipod adapter - hate it!! It takes control from your ipod and is impossible to find your music once its hooked up. Would rather have mp3 input jack.