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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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Almost Perfect - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Robert - October 5 - 1:36 pmI tried a bunch of SUVs and did my homework before buying my Endeavor SE two months ago. I made the right choice. I just couldnt find a better deal for the money. Its got great looks, ride, terrific stereo, room for everything, torque and performance not to mention a great warranty. I got just about every option available, I plan to keep it a long time. Navigation system could be better by mentioning street names like the Gremlin, and not talking so much. I got a 2005 DVD navigation disc instead of a 2007 or 2008 version? Going to have to call. Folding the back seats I had enough room for several 6 foot long picnic tables inside and I could close the hatch. My girlfriend loves it.
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Why I will Never Buy Another Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By mitsulover - October 5 - 11:40 amI have had nothing but excellent experiences with this vehicle! I live in snow country NY and my Endevor doesnt even know that it is there! I go all over my rugged terrain yard and I love how much room is available inside. This is a great feature with kids!
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Expensive to Own - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By devvon - October 1 - 8:00 pm1- It needs PREMIUM gas or it runs very poorly (weak, and low MPG) 2- Engine has good power, but only with PREMIUM fuel 3- PREMIUM fuel is very expensive. 4- Cheap, tacky plastic fittings in the interior 5- Good interior room. Comfortable seats 6- Exterior styling is hard to get used to. I bought this SUV and now I regret it. Before you buy an Endeavor, be sure you know that PREMIUM fuel is required. It gets VERY expensive to operate this, along with the poor gas milage (15 city, 20-21 hwy, thats with the expensive Premium gas) I know other people like this SUV, but I cant afford PREMIUM gas all the time.
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Underpriced & Overperforming - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By philww - September 26 - 10:00 amMy 04 Endeavor XLS is a dream to drive. Its quiet, very comfortable and one of the nicest-looking SUVs on the road. I was blown away by the "Sportronic" transmission shifter and the sheer power of the vehicle. Id recommend it in a heartbeat.
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Whats not to love - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By brooksprod - September 26 - 10:00 amI went up and down automotive row in my town not really sure what car I wanted. This baby caught my eye and said drive me. I wasnt dissappointed. The ride was smooth, the interior very comfortable with well place instumentation, sharp exterior and a kick ass stereo to boot! I have never had people compliment my car before, but since this is a new model, I have had 4 strangers in the two weeks I had the car come up to me and compliment me on it. Being a new crossbreed viehicle, it really feels more like a car than the SUV I drove for the last 6 years. I really wanted the room of an SUV, but not the bumpy ride. The Endeavor satisfies this niche.
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Better than the rest - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By B. Purcell - September 26 - 10:00 amLooked at all the competitive models in this price range and found this the best value for the dollar. Decent power, more distintive styling and features. Also looked at Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and 4Runner.
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Cool Comfortable Ride!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Wineman22 - September 15 - 10:00 amI rented the Endeavor for my two week 1,800 mile journey visiting friends and family with my wife and new 4 month old son. (I choose it over the Ford Explorer & Toyota Highlander). WE WERE COMFORTABLE the entire time riding in the vehicle, not once did we have back pain or other aches from driving long distances. Went off road in light snow to favorite fishing holes, the AWD worked just fine!! Our 4 month old Loved the Smooth ride as well!! Looking into buying one now... *Accelleration/Comfort/Style=A *Wind Noised=D-
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Mitsubishi Endevor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Karie Gray - September 15 - 10:00 amI purchased this vechicle because I loved the performance. I owned a high performance luxury vechicle in the past and wanted an SUV for all of our travel needs. The drive is absolutely great. It doesnt drive like a truck like one of my SUVs I owned back in the 80s.
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WHAT AN AMAZING VECHICLE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By tsi2fst4u - August 25 - 10:00 amTHIS IS GOING TO BE THE MOST POPULAR SUV OUT. NOT ONLY DOES IT HAVE THE BEST RIDE I HAVE EVER TAKEN IN AN SUV BUT IT ALSO GETS GOOD GAS MILAGES. PLUS THERE IS NO OTHER SUV OUT THERE THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS ONE. AWESOME VECHICLE AT A GREAT PRICE.
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Talented Underdog - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By 4-G-rim Autoworks - August 17 - 7:43 amThis marks my 5th Mitsubishi I have owned. I bought this for my fiance because he fell in love with it after seeing it at an auto show. I did my research and read plenty of reviews and all have reflected my opinion on our Endeavor. I have driven and sat in many other SUVs and our Endeavor by far tops my best experience. The Endeavor is light years better than same class SUVs and better than the Highlander and even 4Runner. Its solid in all aspects and well balanced in ride, steering, power, comfort, braking, appearance and quality. Mitsubishi continues to improve and impress me and will continue to buy a Mitsubishi product!
