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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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 am IN!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By R-you-In - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The search for a good CAR/SUV has come to an end. What a frustration those other guys give. When the features are there the price is high, when the price is low the features are gone. This has it all.

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  surprising contender - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By elenagracia - August 28 - 10:43 pm

  I did quite a bit of research looking for my first SUV, and I wasnt sure I was going to be able to find one without making the jump to the luxury class -- and luckily, I found the Mitsubishi Endeavor. This is a incredible amount of car for the money, and it is not your standard SUV box. Outstanding reliability, distinctive styling inside and out, and solid performance make this a serious contender for SUV shoppers. The Limited editions leather seats and premium audio system make this a posh ride, and the AWD lets me take this anywhere -- sand, snow, you name it. After putting almost a 1,000 miles on it in 10 days, Ive put it through its paces. This truck is definitely worth checking out!

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  Endeavour does it all! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Fredi - August 24 - 6:53 am

  My 2004 Mitsbushi Endeavour is the most practical, all-around vehicle I have ever owned. It holds my greyhound, my granddaughter, a stroller and 2 other passengers with no proboems. I like the fact that the rear window works independently of the rear door. I especially like the upholstery - it is attractive and TOUGH! Overall, the best car I have ever owned.

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  My Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RAZ - August 22 - 10:43 pm

  I have the 2004 2 wheel drive XLS model. This vehicle has enough horsepower to not take crap from anyone. But if you want more power, get the 04 and a half model and dont forget all models have the Tiptronic transmission. All models are very comfortable to drive and the blind spots are minimal. I have pushed my Endeavor in the snow and the rain and it exceeded my expectations. Ive always felt very safe in all types of weather. As far as fuel comsumption goes, its one of the best SUVs to have. My overall raiting would be 9.5. The two things that could be better are the breaking system and the SUV tends to be a little too bouncy. Overall I strongly recommend this vehicle.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Shawn - August 16 - 12:36 am

  I love this car...I mean SUV...I feel like I am driving a car everytime I get in and take off. It really drives smooth. I love the Warranty offered with the car as well. I couldnt ask for better than what I got. OUTSTANDING!

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  Mit. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brandylynn0715 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my new SUV. Everytime I look at it Im reminded of an auto commercial. It just looks sharp. Its a smooth ride with comfortable seating and a great sterio/cd system. The radio panel is just cool looking and the heating and a/c work great. I am very happy with my new Endeavor.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Sheena - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Great handling vehicle. Roomy interior. Excellent Astetics.

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  Fun to Drive SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By SJM - July 23 - 6:33 am

  My 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited 4WD is a great truck. I have already put 10,000 miles on it in my first three months of ownership It has sufficient power and torque in the hills. Its steering is great too. I would definitely purchase this truck again. It is roomy and has great style in interior as well as the exterior. I picked this truck over the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Chrysler Pacifica. Edmunds long-term test was very helpful. This is a great site with lots of good intelligent information. My family members (passengers) never complian about this truck, and so far it has been trouble free. A test drive is a must to get the feel and experience of what this cross-over SUV is doing right. Looking forward the Ralliart edition.

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  Nearly 200K miles and I still love it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lepercan - July 9 - 5:55 pm

  This car is a nice size, easy to drive, comfortable, and extremely reliable. Ive owned it for 12 years now and have had no problems. Brakes, belts, tires, oil changes.... just normal maintenance. At 187,000 I had a small crack in the radiator so had that replaced. The clearcoat is beginning to peal but other than that, still looks good, runs well, and I love it!

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  Love it - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Gary - June 27 - 6:40 am

  I find my Endeavor to be cavernous inside, mid sized outside and a good looking reliable vehicle in between.