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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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I Love My Endeavor! - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Cindy - March 26 - 2:50 pmThis is my second Endeavor. Ive test driven several other "comparable" SUVs and nothing compares. Its reliable, comfortable and most important, fun to drive. I love it! Cindy
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A great car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Erfan Eilati - March 17 - 8:20 amMy car is 2004 and has more than 120,000 miles on it and has had zero problems what so ever! I think the rode noise is a little bit more than Honda Pilot or Toyota 4Runner. The gas mileage is as posted and I drive 90% highway and get ~22-23mgp.
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Awesome Vehicle...Great Buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By James - March 6 - 11:10 amThe 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor runs great. It stands out more than any other vehicle in its class. Its an instant eye catcher.
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Replacement for 2002 Explorer - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By hgold7 - February 18 - 2:00 amI got so sick of the stiff bumpy ride in my 2002 Explorer that I figured it was time to move onto something new and different and I found it! The Endeavor is like driving a Caddilac....nice smooth comfortable drive and takes the bumps like a car. Other then the recomendation to use Premium gas in this vehicle and just a bit smaller interior then the Explorer, you cannot go wrong. I have the XLS and the All Wheel Drive is great! Do not pass this one by when shopping....you cannot go wrong, this is a superb SUV with a carlike drive.
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Needs Paint... - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By kc - February 17 - 9:43 pmMy wife was pregnant and we were looking for an SUV. We must have gone everywhere and test driven every model made. When we test drove the Endever I was shocked to find how quiet it is. It was like driving the Acura or BMW. The one bad point is that I have had the vehicle repainted twice because they refuse to paint the whole thing. I found that the paint was bleaching in the sun. My wifes sister also had to have hers repainted as well, because of the same problem! The dealer is a pain to work with as well, so now I have a vehicle that paint does not match on. I am trying to fix the problem.
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Great for the Family! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Jen - February 14 - 1:43 pmI love this vehicle! Interior is durable for my 2 small children, roomy for car seats. Back of the seats are plastic, no worrying about small footprint marks! We are a tall family and we have ample leg room! It is stylish and sporty. Drives like a car, smooth and plenty of power.
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Endeavors are truely the best! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By c_m_smith - February 8 - 10:00 amI love the way it handles. Its such a smooth riding truck!
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Mitsubishi - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Nelson Garcia - January 18 - 10:03 pmThis car is very comfortable and also has a powerful engine. Also is very reliable and it has a lots of space.
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Love At First Sight - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Stacy M. Cedars - January 18 - 10:00 amWe test drove 3 diferent vehicles, and when got in the Edeavor. I was like Love At First Sight. The comfort, style was just taking us away. Spent the day with relatives and everybody just couldnt get this vehicle out of thier sight.
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happy to review - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Endeavor - January 8 - 1:00 amFun to drive and very solid. The added "stick shift" feature makes it even more exciting and is really great for control on ice and snow.
