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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  The Endeavor ROCKS! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lauren M - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Mitsubishi that Ive owned...two Eclipses before the Endeavor. Theres obviously a huge difference between sports cars and SUVs but the Endeavor doesnt ride like I thought an SUV would. Its so, the interior is so spacious asmooth and the ammenities are astounding.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mcwilcut - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Endeavor. It is easy to drive, has lots of power, and is very spacious. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a superior SUV.

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  Satisfied - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ycakos - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, Comfortable and powerfull.

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  90% super luxury for the money - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jjambbong - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I had the car for a week now and Im loving it. Price was great for its features. This baby had almost everything that I wanted in SUV. I recommend that you go test drive one and youll see why.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By kimliz - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Love the look of the dash! The lights are incredible at night. Hard to judge distance of front of vehicle. Love the roomy back seat and the doors feel solid.

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  Value for money - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By raneesh - January 5 - 1:52 am

  I purchased my Endeavor (2011 -LS, AWD) 5 months ago and so far its been a great journey with the car. This SUV drives more like a car, even though it has only 225 horses, you will be surprised with the acceleration once floor the pedal. Always easy to merge to the freeways, good control even at high speeds. My wife loves the rear seat of this car, like someone mentioned in this review section - acres of space in the rear seat. The best thing is the price - I payed almost half the amount for a similar size year 2011 SUV. I get 16MPG on my regular office commute and about 21 on highways. Not too bad for an AWD 3.8L V6.

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  BEST TRUCK EVER!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! - December 21 - 5:50 am

  I shopped around for about a month or so for a few Ford Trucks . I went by accident by the Mitsubishi lot because I was driving around the auto mall and saw the Endeavor and there was only two left, I drove it and was like WOW this drives just like a car I do go on occasional trips and its great. It has every thing I could ask for great sound great ride . beautiful interior and decent gas mileage for the size. I would recommend this car to anyone , and if i ever get another car it will be a Mitsubishi for sure.

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RBENSON - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I WENT FROM DRIVING A SPORTS CAR TO A SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE AND I LOVE IT. I CHOSE THE ENDEAVOR OVER MANY OTHER IN ITS CLASS DUE TO PRICE, LOOK, AND RATINGS. IT HAS LOTS OF ROOM AND VERY SMOOTH DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.

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  One Fine SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Herbertt - December 3 - 3:30 am

  The Endeavor is my 1st SUV and a fluke, since we were looking to purchase a Galant LS! My wife fell in love with the Endeavor. So I test drove one, did hours of research, came back the next day and bought one! I am extremely pleased and happy with this SUV 16 months later. Very comfortable leather heated seats, a blasting 6-CD changer stereo system, excellent trim and interior fit and finish with no squeaks or rattles, cool blue gauge lights, a rather torquey (although a bit raspy) V-6 engine, which moves the vehicle quickly from a dead stop and at highway speeds without much downshifting. The vehicle always feels solid and nimble, but not plodding. A very comfortable road trip vehicle!

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dan Dodge - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Great for the price. Had the car about 7 months. Great styling and gets alot of looks. Have only had to take it in for oil changes.