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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Great SUV, Slaughters Toyota - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Yonsson - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed flawlessly since the get go and everyone I talk to says itll go 200K easy. Those only problem I here of is a clogged A/C drain that backs up into the cab and its a $1,200 fix. A simple coat hanger or air gun up into the drain would do the trick people. Easiest car to maintain and cheap to fix.

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  Wake Up and Drive! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Gloria Caldas - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 2001 Diamante for the 2004.5 Endeavor and for the first time in my life, I havent suffered from buyers remorse after a major purchase. Id wanted a mid-sized SUV for some time and have test driven quite a few. Finally went to Mitsubishe to check out the Endeavor and was extremely pleased by the way it handles. Feels more like a car than a truck. The Endeavor is brand new so Ill be back after a couple of months to let you know how its behaving!

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  Awesome ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By clr5671 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  From the timew a test drove it, I loved it. It is a great ride. Comfortable interior with plenty of room. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the exterior and interior design. The performance I like as well, specially when taking a turn.

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  Love the Car, Hate the Paint - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Roberto - July 6 - 11:03 pm

  The car is excellent however, I had paint issues from the beginning. The black roof and hood is now nearly white. The car is garaged but the paint continues to wash away.

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  mitsubishi endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mike159 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking vehicle, quality seems good, rides excellent. V6 should provide super mileage.

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  2 years of Loving it - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By w10ski - June 20 - 4:00 am

  This is my wifes car and she loves it as much as me. Strong engine, great ride, handles like a car, and she loves the no touch AWD. I know she and my boys are safe in any situation. Did I mention it is fun to drive, especially with the auto stick shift!

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  Womans best friend - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By classy5465 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Endeavor in Feb. of 04. I needed a vehicle that would hold my granddaughter, my greyhound and all of the work items that I have to transport. I also wanted something sharp and attractive, tough and durable and different from all the other SUVs on the road. I got all of that plus more in my Endeavor. It is a cool color, the interior is practical and spill-proof, and the back window opens independently of the back door (a must for greyhound owners.) The back seats lay down flat, giving me tons of cargo space. It is not too high to get into comfortably, not too wide to park easily and really great to look at!

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  Great All Purpose SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By KPF - May 4 - 7:10 pm

  About 1000 miles now, really great overall product. Responsive, fun to drive, peppy, really nice ergonomics, and fuel efficiency has been surprisingly strong at over 22mpg consistently. Drove everything on the market, 4runner, LR2, you name it, this is really the best overall package for the best price.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By applelwa - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Taking into consideration the discounted cost of the endeavor verses other SUVs, the unique style, quality, performannce and enjoyment to drive, you have a great combination for ownership.

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  Worth Every Penny! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By stucek - April 8 - 9:22 am

  I bought my car in June of 2005 and have loved every minute of it. Love the sporty look and have not had but 3 problems (regular wear & tear) with it. In the last 6.5 years, I have put 111,000 miles on it and spent under $800 getting all repairs done. Not bad considering I am always on the road. Would recommend this car to anyone. Great for singles, couples, families or even hauling animals around like me (4 dogs and 2 cats).