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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By captain766 - January 16 - 12:56 am

  I purchased my Endeavor used 3 years ago and have absolutely loved it everyday since. The seats are very roomy which makes for a comfortable ride on long trips. The cargo area is incredibly spacious. The only thing that I could see Mitsubishi doing to improve the car is adding a third row seat. But, for me, it works perfect as is. The gas mileage is about what a person should expect for a vehicle this size (I avg. 18, but have gotten 23) and is comparable to what my friends get in their Escapes, Pilots, and Muranos. The manual says it likes >91 octane fuel, but I run 90 octane (which is the cheap stuff in Nebraska) ethanol and it performs great. It is a little sluggish with 89 octane.

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  Feel in love after test Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By One Big Fan - January 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I feel in love with this vehicle on our test drive. We went to the dealership to drive the Subaru Forester and Outback Wagon. My wife was not very impressed with either of those vehicles, so we turned tot he Mitusbishi. She really liked the styling of the Outlander but i was a little leery of the 4 cylinder egine and the lack of horspower. So we test drove the Endeavor and can home a few days later with the Pearl White XLS. Just a great vehicle. I look forward to many years of happy returns.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ecald - January 3 - 1:56 am

  Bought this car new in 2005. 47000 miles now and never had a problem. Gas mileage could be better, but we use regular 87 instead of recommended premium. We will definitely look at replacing with a newer limited in a couple of years. Great car for anyone!!!

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  Its Sweet - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ed - December 29 - 11:03 am

  This is the first SUV we have owned. After 5 kids and 5 Minivans it time for us to have some fun. This vehicle is absolutely great and a lot of people are asking us about it.

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  2011 Endeavor SE - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mygrace - December 14 - 4:52 am

  I did not go to the dealership looking for this car. But I was looking for something with great options. What I found was a comfortable interior (Im a tall person) and smooth ride. It sits high and is wide enough to provide the stable feel some SUVs lack. Im very impressed!

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  Great Suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jim2 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  After 17,000 miles(sales,service rep.),I have almost no complaints.Gas mileage is an amazing 23+ MPG in mixed urban,sub-urban and hiway travel.The auto-trans is a little odd, feeling somtimes abrupt.The suspension handles taught yet sucks up the horrible Baltimore city roads(more like off road).The interior has swallowed huge items and is both relativly long and wide with the 2nd row seats down. Seat comfort is very good.Front and back seats are roomy enough four 61" big men.Interior materials have a course feel,yet seem very durable.Radio w/6-CD was great till the rear speakers went sort of bad.

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  Repeat Buyer - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By CHRIS PODGER - December 8 - 3:30 pm

  We first bought a 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor after owning a Lexus 2002 RX- 300.We got tired of the required expensive certified check-up costs with Lexus. The Mitsubishi test drive was enough to make a change. The Mitsubishi has more room a quiet car ride, more cargo space, great sound system, very low maintenance costs (first oil change requirement 7500 mi!) heated leather seats. 5 yr. 60,000 mile total warranty . So after having zero problems with this car we are a repeat buyer and now have a 2008 endeavor which we also love. The buyer loyalty deal they gave us on trade in was superb.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lamb - November 16 - 4:36 am

  I have been very pleasantly surprised by my 04 Endeavor! It has had zero problems, has excellent stability and handling, has car-like comfort, has good size and room for the price, and has good acceleration. The lease is almost up and Ill get another and probably buy this one.

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  endeaver tire issue - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By joe middendorf - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for about two months. Had to take it back to the dealer several times to address an issue with th front end vibrating. They eventually had to replace all of the tires because they were "out of spec." Recently have noticed that when I stop and hold the brake pedal it begins to get soft. I havent taken it in for this problem yet. Other than these two items it seems to be all we expected.

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  The best of both worlds! - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brian30148 - November 5 - 3:13 pm

  I just purchased this car and it makes me feel like a teenager again. I love that it has plenty of room, a commanding view of the road, and rides like a car. The engine has a lot of pep. The design of the exterior and interior with the blue dash lights give it a unique look. Now, all my friends want to ride in my car when we go places.