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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Endearing Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Valrud - May 14 - 2:00 am

  A solid and sporty upfort vehicle. No rel frills, just plain honest performance and style. After over 3500 miles, no speaks, rattles or noises. Vehicle came with NO exerior defects. Stays on the road, for an SUV type vehicle like glue has got hold, I like the crossocer typr suspersion and frame configuration. Overall a pleaseure to drive and own.

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  Initial impressions/Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mark Breithaupt - May 9 - 10:30 am

  I had a radiator leak that was repaired promptly. Towing was quick. Customer service was fast and courteous. I like the ride and feel of the interior. Any concerns I had are put to rest by a positive experience with this first repair.

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  I really enjoy my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By DawnForth - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor now since 12/03 and I really like it a lot. I cant say very much for the dealership (Gillman Mitusbishi in Houston DONT EVER GO TO THEM - GO TO CONROE IF YOU WANT A GOOD DEAL & LIVE IN THE HOUSTON AREA) The style is very comfortable, fuel economy is better than most (gets 17/23 which isnt too shabby compared to some of the SUVs nowadays), doesnt have huge height to it like the Montero Sports, and its very luxurious. I mean youd be surprised, but not bad for your money. I highly reccomend the Endeavor. Regrets? Yeah I wish I would have maybe checked into 7 seaters instead of 5. Oh well, always next time.

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  afordable luxury - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rollinbig - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my endevor for a month and I am thoughly pleased with it. Every part of the vehicle is smooth mechanically and design wise. It is new to 2004 in the USA but for the price I think you get style, comfort and reliability for less than you would pay for BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes. A caution for those not looking into buying a new vehicle, if you drive it youll want to buy it.

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  Amazing piece of equiptment in every way - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ryan - April 25 - 9:10 pm

  The Mitsubishi Endeavor is thrilling to drive and the inside is a major treat all the way from the power seats/heated seats to the amazingly nice blue gauges and console. It is just simply unbeatable for the price and quality. Mitsubishi just is crushing other competitors with style and performance now adays. In my opinion Mitsubishi in general has some of the most kind and caring people of of course awesome cars. Id reccomend an Endeavor to anyone.

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  Great SUV! - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Bert - April 21 - 12:33 pm

  Bought Pearl White Endeavor June 2010. Could not pass up the deal that was offered to me. Traded a 2004 Endeavor which had 91,000 miles on it without one problem at all! Delivered with all charges for $19,500! Sticker price was 32k! Car has incredible ride, very nice rim and tire combination. Truly feels like you are driving a 35k - 40k car. Smooth transmission and love the looks of the exterior. Radio also is unreal. Only negative I can think of is the gas mileage. This SUV will drink some gas! Hope this one is as reliable as the 2004. Test drove Hyundai Tuscon, Nissan rogue, but endeavor was hands down winner. This is the best purchase I could have possibly made! Go Mitsubishi!

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  I love it! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By kid2deb - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive . very comfortable. 0-60 in two minutes,Great pick-up. Felt comfortable the moment I got into yhe drivers seat.

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By northern lite - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had a very good experience with the first 12,000 miles in my Mitsubishi Endeavor. It gets up to 19 mpg highway and 17 in town.

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  Id buy it all over again! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rob Raff - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were in the market for an SUV, as my 00 Eclipse was ending its lease in June. I looked closely at the Explorer, but refused to support Ford after the 2 Lemon Cougars (1999 and 2000) that Ive owned I saw an early advertisement for the Endeavor. Based on the photos and multimedia demos that I saw, I knew my wife would love it. A day after it came off of the truck, we visited our Mitsu dealer and test drove a Silver XLS. We bought it that night. I was amazed at the job the Mitsu pulled off. My wife really loved the deep dashboard and radio controls on the steering wheel. I really dig the styling, handling, and power.

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  My endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Walter Sprowl - April 5 - 9:56 am

  It is turning out to be the best vehicle that I have owned and this is about my 8th Mitsubishi.