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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  An Attention Grabber - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cammie - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I like the look of my 2004 Endeavor XLS. It has more head and leg room than my 2001 Montero Sport. It handles well on the highway and in the rain. The only thing that I miss that I do not have is the birds-eye view I had with my Montero Sport. I wish that they would add a little more height to it.

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  Never a problem in 5 years - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Vic Michaels - February 11 - 5:50 pm

  I cant say enough about how happy we are with this vehicle. 5 years and 57,000 miles and only new brakes and tires! I have noticed some reviewers posting they had to use premium gas, but we have always used regular with NO issue. The car is fun to drive, comfortable, and over all a great value for the money. We have averaged an easy 21 miles per gallon in mixed driving conditions. There is a very large amount of space with the seats down to place items, pretty close to a mini-van in interior space. I use it to hall audio equipment around with no issue.

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  2006 Endeavor Limited review - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rob - February 7 - 8:46 pm

  My Endeavor handles great and its ride is very comfortable. I love the audio system with the volume adjusters on the back of the steering wheel. Seats fold up very easily, with one hand. It has an excellent ride and is lots of fun to drive.

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  vibration problems - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TSERPICO - February 7 - 10:00 am

  great looks and comfort. had bad vibration at 400 mi. changed differential. problem again at 900 mi. still in for service getting ready to use lemon law...

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  Drives like a car.... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gofast - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a Ford Explorer and a Jeep Grand Cherokee and really liked them both; however, this is a different kind of SUV. It drives soooooo much nicer than the SUVs designed for off roading. This car is simply a blast to drive. You can push it hard into turns, it brakes great and the transmission is great for curvy roads. If you want a SUV that drives great-- this is it. If you want an SUV that is great off-roading--buy something else

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  Impressed - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By First Jap Car - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt sure about buying Japenese but I am loving the Endeavor. Traded in an explorer and this rides and handles 100% better. Had good luck with Fords and hope I do with the Endeavor.

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  Fun to Drive around - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Alvin - January 15 - 8:23 pm

  My 2004.5 Endeavor XLS 2WD is really a great SUV. Although I should have gotten the AWD one. Compared to my previous 2001 Montero LTD, this has a more powerful engine, excellent fuel mileage, car ride feel, better sound system, superb uphill torque. I picked this vehicle for its great style and soffisticated look...and the bulky macho look. Looking forward the Ralliart edition.

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  Just switched - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By golden One - January 13 - 12:50 pm

  I just traded a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander for the 2010 Endeavor and I am extremely happy. The great reviews that the Outlander gets is wonderful however for a typical family where the emphasis is on comfort, convenience and ease of operation the Endeavor should be considered. The ride on the Endeavor is far superior with tight handling and great ride comfort. Interior room may on paper be similar, however again the Endeavors layout is far more comfortable. The six speed transmision is smooth and has far greater low end tork. Love it!

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  Bells & whistles galore - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MICHAELLA - January 4 - 7:53 pm

  Loved the 2005 Toyota 4-Runner (had a 95 4-Runner prior), but didnt want to pay for all of the a la carte upgrades (sunroof, 6-cd changer, leather) on the SR5 or Sport Edition & wasnt willing to pay for the Limited. Endeavor had everything I wanted and then some, plus the added 0% APR deal. Easy choice! Still prefer the exterior of the Toyota, but wouldnt trade my heated seats, steering wheel audio controls and other bells & whistles now for anything! As far as value, I definitely feel I got the biggest bang for my buck. Extremely satisfied overall.

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  I would by another - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ;Harris Reisbaum - January 4 - 2:53 am

  I have the Endevor for 2 years and 40,000 miles. I love it. Roomy, reliable, great looking. Peppy. I am an outside salesman and am able to strech out and do my work in the back seat. I have had no problems with it and I enjoy driving it