Mitsubishi Endeavor Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.67/5 Average
483 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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:

Showing 241 through 250 of 483.00
  • My favorite! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    I was shopping for a Chevy Tahoe. I went to 5 different chevrolet dealers and was frustrated I could not find the color and options I wanted. I decided to go across the street to the Mitsubishi Dealer and look at the Montero and I saw my endeavour and fell in love with it! The interior is amazing. The 6 disc in dash is a great standard feature in the XLS. I have never been so pleased with a new car purchase. I would highly recommend this car!

  • Another happy owner - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    I traded the 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd for my Endeavor . Yeah, a bit of a step down, what what a steal for the price. GREAT leg room, nice cargo area.

  • Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    Ive had my Endeavor for about 3 years now, bought it used at 48K and it now has 78K. I did alot of research before I bought it and test drove alot of SUVs before choosing it. All around its a dependable SUV, no real problems with it, aside from the paint starting to chip on the roof racks and the extra noise you get when all the windows and sunroof are open. Its a very under rated SUV, I would have given it better ratings if not for Mitsubishis horrible customer service. If you can tolerate the already mentioned horrible customer service, I would recommend buying an Endeavor.

  • Fun SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    Top Quality. Fun to drive. Great handling and road stability. I dont have any fears of tipping. Would buy another one.

  • A Great Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    I really love my new Endeavor! The looks are great and the features are outstanding. I did lots of shopping around (Highlander, Pilot, etc.) and settled on the Endeavor. I am very happy with my decision. Its an excellent value for the money. The color that I got (Dover White Pearl) was very difficult to locate.

  • Very Surprised... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    After a lot of research and test driving, we narrowed our search down to the Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Toyota Highlander. We thought the Endeavor had a better ride than the rest of the bunch. The Pilot has a third seat, but, we did not think it would be a smart idea to put our kids in the third seat for safety reasons. The Highlander was a nice SUV but the style was a little outdated. We were able to buy the Endeavor a few dollars below invoice, finance it for 5 yrs at 0% and get 7 yr free roadside assistance. In fact, they are still offering this until Sept 03. Go here and click on Summer Clearance. http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMSA/jsp/index.jsp#

  • Very nice - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    We have had the Endeavor for 1 year and is very pleased. We use REGULAR GAS in it without any ill effects. Averages 19-20 MPG... which is better than My Honda Pilot EX. Build quality is not yet up to Honda standards.

  • Really Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    great looking and great suv

  • Better Than Volvo - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    I bought my 04 Endeavor in Jan. 05. I had looked at the Volvo XC90 for a long time and was going to get that but decided to look at the Endeavor after seeing one on the road. I INSTANTLY fell in love. The drive is fantastic, very comfortable, great display, style is "HOT!" Its now been over a year and I am currently in the market to trade it in on a brand new one! I think I will drive Endeavors for the rest of my life!

  • 2004 Endeavor AWD LS - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
    By -

    I think it is probably the most comfortable and roomy mid-size SUV out there. Compared to other models, I think you really get a lot for the money. The engine really has a lot of pick up for the size of the vehicle, and my husband tows his 17 bass fishing boat with it - and there is virtually no effect on the ride. I have owned it over 3 years and love it.

Mitsubishi Endeavor Reviews By Year:
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