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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 07 Endeavor with 15K miles on it for a terrific price. Have put 10K on it so far. Great car. Black exterior and black leather interior look awesome. AWD drives great. Only problem is that I recently found out from a Mitsu mechanic that it had been in an accident that was not on the Carfax. Which is why my engine rattles a little bit louder than normal. Nothing wrong with the engine, he said. Just something I have to live with since there are non- original parts in there. So, aside from a loud engine when idling. I love it. Also, battery died at 20K miles, but it was a quick fix.

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  Mitsu2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luckyledi - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this vehicle 4 days ago and I absolutely love it!

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  My Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By joangell - October 30 - 9:40 pm

  The seats have such good back support that after taking a long trip your back is not telling you that you have been in the vehicle that long.

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  gas hog - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gas hog - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2004 awd ls model. over all great suv. A little disapointed in the performance in snow!felt it did not get very good traction when in a turn, it had a tendency to loose tracion and slide very easy. This automobile gets rotten fuel economy and I am still trying to figure out why a v6 engine needs to run on 91 octane or higher? Big disapointment here with high test in the midwest at 2.26a gal.

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  NOT SATISFIED! - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dissatisfied13 - September 16 - 8:43 am

  I purchased a 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavour about 6 months ago. About 1 month ago a loud wheezing noise started coming from the engine. The noise did not start till about a month ago and it only at speeds of 60mhp and above and only when the car has been running about 10 min. I took it to Mitsubishi and the regional manager determinied it to be normal engine noise. I asked why the noise was not there for the first three months the all of a sudden started. He told me that is what his service engineeers told him. I will NEVER purchase another Mistubishi car again as long as I live. VERY disappointed in the service I have received from this problem!

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  A very pleasant car - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Prfct Teeth - September 10 - 1:23 pm

  I have not put many miles on this car....yet. Its a very nice drive and I cant wait to take it on a few trips. The inside is very comfortable and quiet. The bright blue LED dash is awesome at night. The engine doesnt have a ton of HP, but the torque easily makes up for that. The engine hauls this suv around with ease, but with just so-so (17 avg) gas mileage. Overall, this suv does not disappoint at all.

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  2006 Endeavor LS AWD - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dale - September 3 - 1:00 pm

  This is my first SUV, and so far, I am very happy with it. The ride is ultra smooth, it handles well in snow (Im in Denver), and has a "sleek" look to it. Also, the gas mileage is decent as Im averaging 19/24 mpg. The only thing I wish was different was it had somewhat more horsepower (it has 225), as its acceleration is somewhat slow. Then again, with high gas prices, I would rather opt for the better gas mileage. All in all, the Endeavor is a solid buy.

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  Its great!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mikemartin - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The SUV is handling great.

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  Urban Asault Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rondevou - August 18 - 10:00 am

  for your money, a great vehicle to concern if your looking for space and comfort,I was considering Nissan Murano but the price was a bit high and Endeavor has an interior resembling to Nissan Titan truck.

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  love it - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By loughreys - August 18 - 10:00 am

  i love the endeaver