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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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Its Great!!!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Harry90 - November 5 - 2:00 amCool!!!!!!!!! Gud acceleration Extravagant Interior Roars like a LION :)
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Great SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Satisfied customer - November 1 - 7:36 amThis is an awesome mid sized SUV with a great warranty. This is a top notch SUV. I would recommend this SUV to anyone looking for value, reliablilty, smooth ride, great warranty and outstanding comfort.
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Happy baseball mom - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By shunshine - October 31 - 10:00 amI lug a lot of baseball equipment around for my boys and we always have enough room. The kids love the center folddown cup holder in the back and all the outlets for plugging in electronic gear - like laptop computers. I love the way the car looks and it doesnt drive like a truck. I had absolutely no problem in the snow this past winter - it really handles beautifully.
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Best Value,more than 6mos of research - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Able - October 12 - 10:00 amIve researched the possibility of buying an suv for over six months. When I saw the commercial for the endeavor in Feb. I wasnt too excited but I added it to my list of possibilities anyway. Im glad I did. The Vue, Trailblazer, Envoy, Rendevous, Explorer, Bravada, Pilot, Highlander and Mountaineer cannot hold a candle to this vehicle. The closest was the Morano. The Endeavor won due to more passenger leg room, cargo room and lower insurance rates. The ride is soooo smooth and quiet. It rides nothing like a truck. Those the test rode the Explorer Envoy and Trailblazer will notice the differece. Get the Endeavor.
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Love everything except.... - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Ken - October 11 - 3:13 amThe tires are horrible and I feel unsafe in the rain. The best mpg to date is 15.4, even on the highway. I wish there was a switch to turn of the daytime running lights when Im just sitting in the car listening to the radio. The back seats dont fold completely flat. The rear passenger area should have a dome light. The dash texture just traps dirt and dust. The A/C vents cannot be individually switched off. There are no vents in the back seat. The gearshift indicators are not illuminated. If we have that little computer in the front, why not have an available OnsSar, GPS, or nav system available? Or estimated MPG calcular? Or optional satelite radio?
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105,000 miles - Major Problems About to Hit? - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By endeav04awd - September 28 - 5:38 pmI bought this SUV in 2006 with 14,000 miles on it. Enjoyed the comfort, the power, the visibility, and the price. Mileage is average - about what I would expect for the body design and an AWD drivetrain. The AWD has done wonders for tire ware - very even with quality tires. Early on, had the classic water pouring into the passenger and/or driver side floor; 2 trips to the dealership to fix . I get maintenance done regularly. But, engine oil every 3k - 5k with synth oil, & @80K engine started to develop cam/lifter clatter upon startup (goes away once engine warms up).
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Great Midsize for price - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By JJC - September 24 - 2:00 amGreat suv for the price. Handles great and has lots of room.
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Correction on my last review - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Al - September 19 - 5:53 amI made a spreadsheet for fuel economy and it turned out better than I thought. On the highway I am getting an ave 25mpg and 18 to 20 in the city. I thought I was getting less than that, pleasant surprise. We still love everything about the Endeavor. Really hope that when I am ready for another vehicle next year, Mitsubishi will have come out with another SUV. I would gladly own 2 of these vehicles.
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Mostly Very Happy - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By cdubs - September 13 - 10:00 amI looked at every SUV in Endeavors class (Pilot, Explorer, Trailblazer, etc.) and liked the Endeavor better than them all. Wasnt crazy about the looks of the boom box dash at first, but after a few weeks you dont even notice it. This is a great car for a tall person, and its got good back seat room for kids. People complain about poor gas mileage, but hey, I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. Only complaint is the seat fabric on the LS- its already becoming very worn after only three months. All in all, a great vehicle for the price.
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Best Secret - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By lastman3 - September 7 - 11:06 amMy Endeavor gets 17 mpg around town and 22 on the higway. Its V6 engine pulls the Sierras with no problems at all. It is a solid vehicle and it is dependable. It has had very few reported call backs. With the seats folding flat, it does everything I need it to do and more. My wife now wants a second one for herself - I cant think of another car or SUV that can do what the Endeavor does for the same price/performance.
