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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  MELS REVIEW - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By melmgirl17 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I THINK THAT IT IS A FUN SUV AND HAS A COOL DESIGN

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  suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ljppp - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Love the way it handles

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  Love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By straycat - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several other suvs in this class and found the overall best value in the Endeavor. Ride quality and performance are great. I like the seats and have had passengers comment on how comfortable they were in the back seats. Fuel economy is about what I expected and is exactly what was posted on the window sticker.

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  Great For Young Drivers - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jake - July 25 - 3:30 pm

  I have loved this car since my parents rented one for a family trip in 2005. I got one in kaplana black, it has a great look and the exterior design is gorgeous. The interior blue lights are brilliant at night and the whole car has an understated elegance inside and out. I did not buy it for the cargo but I put subwoofers in the back and it fits great. The car can fit the look for anyone, mothers driving kids to school to just driving with your friends to a club.

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  Best SUV Owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Best SUV Owned - July 25 - 6:06 am

  Purchased used Endeavor in 2006 with about 60K Miles. The Endeavor is very comfortable and great to drive. It has not had any issues at all. All wheel drive is excellent. I even had the car on the wet hill and it would not spin a single tire. I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Its a very comfortable drive on the highway. Large mirrors and plenty of space for 61 foot guy. Lot of space in the back seat.

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  1st Mitsubitshi Product - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ginch - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Only a recent owner but to date I am extremly satisfied.

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  Reliable endeavour - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rodo - June 26 - 6:59 pm

  I had in the past a VW, Chevrolet, Nissan, Chrysler, dodge, ford, Toyota, and after i bought this Mitsubishi endeavor I was concern about it, because Ive herd bad comments on Mitsubishi cars, well I never had a problem with it, drives very soft and good all the time, is quiet, never made any repairs of nothing only regular maintenance it has 176,000miles and it looks like it can go for 300,000 easy without a problem

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  Terrible Idea - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kimberly - June 23 - 8:46 pm

  Ive owned my Mitsubishi Endeavor for approximately five months now. It requires premium gas which I am not happy about and wasnt informed of when I purchased the vehicle. Already my air conditioner drain has clogged, flooded the front passenger floorboard, and because of a design flaw, the whole motor has to be taken out to get to the air conditioner. The dealership and the corporate office told me this is not covered under warranty. It is going to cost approximately $1,000 to correct a "design" flaw. Also, the paint is terrible and I have chips from touchless carwashes. I absolutely hate this vehicle. I wish I would have purchased an American made vehicle. Mitsubishi is not a customer oriented company!

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  Awesome!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Db34 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my 8th Mitusbishi that I have owned and it is the best vehicle I have ever purchased. I took home the Limited version with the sun roof instead of the dvd system. I cant believe how great it rides and how awesome the stereo system sounds.

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  Amazing SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mikeeynyc - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Fast - Safe - Confy - Powerful - Fun to Drive - Nice sound system (stock?!) - Great Breaks - Turning fast on corners is responsive - overall this is a winner above other