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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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

• 

  Endeavor Unlimited - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By s wittman - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle to drive. Has reliable feel and user friendly in terms of accessories. Also very good appearance. Ample outlets for power needs.

• 

  Love the SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jan kenngott - October 27 - 6:40 am

  this is the first time i have ever owned an SUV, ive tried several SUVs but i would rate this one the best on the road. Ive been a long time and loyal consumer to Mitsubishi. The Endeavor not only handles well it has a lot of style and class! The room in it is unbelievable. I have a son who is over 5"9 at 16 and still has a lot of leg room left. So if i was asked if I would ever own another Endeavor i wouldnt hesate! No other SUV can compare.

• 

  Great warranty, looks, & plenty of power - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By DocW - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Shopped SUVs for months. My wife hated the way most drove and they pretty much all looked alike. Drove the Endeavor, loved it, bought it same day, something Ive never done before in 30 years of new car buying. I love the power, the large sedan like ride, and the leg room. My wife also loves the ride and she really likes the looks. She happy, Im happy, and the Endeavor is really fun to drive. The 10 year, 100,000 mile drive train warrenty with roadside assistance aint bad either!

• 

  This SUV is highly underrated - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mneddy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Just read the review and drive it. This SUV is a gift comparing to the other ones. Love it and fall in love with it. True family SUV and supperb in all weather and terrain. Fuel economy could be increased but ... this is SUV not some mini car and comparing to other SUVs this is vehicle has some impresive fuel economy. Superiority of this SUV is very noticable comparing to the: Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander (the other ones doesnt even stand near). Plus the warranty that Mitsubishi offers is much better than the other manufacturers. DRIVE IT!!! Youll fall in love with it.

• 

  I love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Linda Dorsey - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I went out to trade in my ford van in July. I was looking at a GMC Envoy. And when I went to the Mitsubishi in Chattanooga I saw the endeavor and I really liked it. So I test drove the Envoy and the Endeavor. I really like the Endeavor. The sells person told me it was knew out this year and that the ratings were good. I liked the way the vehicle looked and drove, and the way that the inside looked. I love it.

• 

  Amazing SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Steve Ghazal - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Im so impressed with SUV .. MItsubishi is goin on the right way.. you Must get an Endeavor

• 

  Great alternative! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RacerFX - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Only have the LTD 2WD for a week, however I am impressed with driving performance, handling, room, and comfort. For the price compared to the usual suspects (4runner, pathfinder, QX4, etc..)you get a lot of vehicle at lower pricing. (Would prefer RWD though and more horsepower-but a very fun crossover to drive). Compare it to the others when shopping. You will be glad you did!

• 

  Good solid vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Melissa in CT - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We test drove the Nissan Murano, the Honda Pilot, and the Saturn Vue, of all of these, we enjoyed the Endeavor the most. Looking out of the windows to check your blind spots is hard especially if you are short. However, the extra large mirrors make up for it.

• 

  Just got it !!! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ed - September 9 - 2:20 am

  I drove it in deep snow and ice in Buffalo N.Y. My Endeavor is quiet comfortable, peppy, handles the road great. It turns heads.

• 

  Love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 256 LMT - August 25 - 7:36 pm

  I love my endeavor! It rides so smoothly. I got the belts changed as recommended and havent had any problems. It gets pretty good gas mileage for an SUV. Ive been very satisfied and would definitely recommend it.