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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  I love my car! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By climberswife - June 1 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my Endeavor brand new in 2005. I have put over 80,000 miles on it and have not had any problems. The interior is larger than similar SUVs. It is so stylish on the inside and out. The standard features on all of the models are out of this world for the price. I would absolutely recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  135,000 miles and LOVE this car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By posm - May 20 - 10:26 am

  This car is the best Ive ever owned and would definitely buy another Endeavor. Excellent reliability, great to drive, OK mileage. I smile every time I get into this car.

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  BLACK PEARL MY ENEAOR - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MARK A - May 13 - 10:00 am

  MY FAMILYS ENDEAVOR IS LIKE THE COOLEST THING WE PURCHESSED IT AT DAYTONA MITSUBISHI AND LOVED IT THE AFTER A MONTH OF THE ENDEAVOR ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WENT AND BROUGH ANOTHER CAR FROM THE SAME PLACE AND NOW MITSUBISHIS ARE OUR NUMBER ONE QUALITY CAR

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  We LOVE our Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Terry McHugh - May 10 - 5:46 am

  We Love our Mitsubishi Endeavor. It handles like a dream! We have towed our boat on the highway, driven in snow and torrential rain and the vehicle hugged the road the whole time! After test driving 5 competitors, we stumbled onto this vehicle by accident as it was parked in a parking lot beside our old SUV. We said WOW! whats this??? and the rest is history!

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  Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pga6 - May 5 - 6:20 pm

  I bought the 2004 Endeavor after some research and a couple of test drives. The vehicle I bought was used. The vehicle handles nicely, accelerates smartly, and is comfortable. The Endeavor is maintained on the Mitsubishi schedule for the most part, and the minor issues/recalls have been repaired in an expeditious manner. I use the car mostly for highway driving; I get about 20-21 mpg. When Ive used it in the city, I get 17-19 mpg.

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  Wow - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Adam - May 2 - 10:03 am

  If you drive this truck, it is impossible not to buy one. Every thing about this SUV is great, the looks, the interior, performance, warranty, and safety. I bought this truck for my wife and I end up driving it more then her because it is so much fun to drive.

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  Best midsize suv - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Bear - April 19 - 6:53 pm

  I test drove a lot of midsize suvs before deciding on the endeavor. I had a 2004 Tahoe z71 and traded it because I wanted better gas mileage and a better warranty. This vehicle is so nice to drive, feels stable, great gas mileage, my kids and all their gear fits comfortably in this car. And it can tow our four wheelers without a problem. The sound system is awesome with the subwoofer. By far better than the others for the price. We got the dvd system and the kids love it when we are on road trips. Great investment.

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  Quality Vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Richard - April 16 - 1:10 pm

  We bought our new 05 Endeavor AWD in Jan 2006. I added factory fog lights, rear mudflaps. All the parts were ordered by the dealer and were installed without any trouble. We have 39k on the SUV now and have had Zero problems. Our dealer is Lees Summit Mitsubishi. They have done a really nice job of taking care of our vehicle. Most of our mileage is in town family and grocery hauling. The vehicle does everything that we want it to do. We average about 18 mpg. On the highway about 20/21. I am about ready to buy new tires as the stock tires are almost gone now. We dont miss the 3rd row seat as we seldom haul more than four people.

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  Wait and See - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Wscott - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Aalue and performance are great but I think the XLS should have come with separate climate, rear air and heating controls. There is a recall on transaxle bolts. Some need the computer system to be reprogramed. Mine fell into that category. The symptom was the transmission slipping and hesitating going from reverse to forward. After the computer was reprogrammed there was still a slight hesitation, but after a couple of days of driving now, seems to be smoothing out. One last note... I was jerked around a bit getting this service done and I saw others complaining about two different dealerships. Maybe its a local problem but getting good warranty service might be a problem.

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  mitsubishi endeavor 2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By stuartandkay - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love driving this vehicle - the smoothest ride around - love stereo system - everything!!!!!!