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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Awesome Smooth Powerful Ride! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Carl H. - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt even considering this car! I had been researching the Honda CRV, and was sold (in my mind) that it was the best car for my needs. I test drove the CRV, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and at my wifes urging, the Mitsu SUVs: Outlander, Montero Sport, and Endeavor. The smooth, powerful, STABLE ride the Endeavor has is what sold me! Every time I climb into my Endeavor, I know I made the right decision. Ive had it 2.5 months. I recently went back to the dealership,and noticed that all their LS models (like ours) were SOLD OUT! My wife and I love it so much, about a month ago, WE BOUGHT A SECOND ONE!

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Chiefs22 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  For the price of the lower model, LS, the consumer has many options already in the car. Fun to drive, very smooth on the road, especially at higher speeds. With its exterior lines, the new Endeavor gets plenty of head turns.

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  Tha Awesome Endavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Max Benezra - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Mitsubishi Endavor.Its awesome.The gadgets are cool,the comphort is desireable.

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  Reality check on this model - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By apct - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Compared this SUV to the others expecially the Honda Pilot. Side by side the Endeavor looks and sounds more solid than the Pilot. Bigger stero knobs for easy control on the road, both heated seats, cheaper options and more base options. Found several Pilots at auto shows with busted seat controls.

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  I love Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By grayva - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Mitsubishi, my first brand new one. We own a 1997 Mirage, 2001 Galant GTZ and 2004 Endeavor. All are terrific, reliable, no problems. I love the Endeavor. I have almost 3,000 miles on it now with not a single problem. This is the first brand new car I ever purchased with no problems from day one. Im not sure why more people dont buy Mitsubishi. They cost alot less than other Japanese cars and the quality is just as good without the high sticker price. My salesman told me that it is hard to get people to buy a Mitsu for the first time, but when they do they are almost always hooked on Mitsu. Thats me, hooked on Mitsu!

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  exellent card - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tony borjas - March 14 - 10:00 am

  its simple my car is the best

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  Get One! - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Happy in Chicago - March 10 - 6:30 am

  We bought ours used (18,000 miles) and we are thrilled with the vehicle. The 5yr/60,000 warranty means we still had more warranty on our "used" SUV than we would have had buying new for any other SUV. The Endeavor has a ton of space and handles the snow extremely well.

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  Not bad, but quite a few issues - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By - February 24 - 7:41 pm

  Pros: Comfy on long distances, good power & acceleration, good storage, nice looking car and great for a family. Both front seats have hard-plastic backs, so theyre durable if you have kids who constantly put their feet on them. Cons: Liftgate is unnecessarily heavy, jack is hard to get to if you have a car seat. Mechanical issues explained below: Bought new, issues began with the A/C compressor (replaced under warranty). Replaced the battery twice (also warranty) & continue to have issues with a short circuit on the drivers side brakelight. Engine requires premium fuel but still knocks & pings at times.

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  I LOVE THIS SUV !! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RNDB - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I OWN THE 2004 XLS MODEL OF THE ENDEAVOR AND I MUST SAY, I LOVE IT! BEFORE I PURCHASED I CONSIDER NISSAN AND LEXUS AND NONE OF THEM PLEASED ME AS MUCH STYLE AND PRICE WISE. IT SEATS 5 ADULTS COMFORTABLY AND I HAVE LOTS OF CARGO SPACE. THE GAS MILEAGE COULD BE ALITTLE BETTER BUT OVERALL I THINK IT IS ONE OF THE BEST SUVS OUT THERE. MY HUSBAND AND MY MOTHER ARE CONSIDERING TRADING IN THEIR CARS FOR ONE TOO!

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  My New Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By europea28 - February 3 - 5:06 am

  Its fun to drive, easily manouvarable and visualy stunning. I was a little worried about getting an SUV, and was torn between this one and the Pilot. I found this one to be more aestheticaly pleasing, and I feel very safe in it. I love this vehicle. Its my first SUV and Im thorougly enjoying it.