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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  So far really good - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By geneo - June 26 - 8:56 pm

  Bought our endeavor used last spring and it has turned out to be a really nice SUV for us. Havent run it in the snow yet but it has a nice ride, good performance, decent mileage, and is overall a good car.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By htexbb - June 19 - 10:00 am

  We bought the 2004 Endeavor just as the 2004.5 were coming out. Its fully loaded and we took it to Florida in July carrying our two large dogs. We were able to put a carrier on top for our luggage and incidentals for our dogs. We have room between the seats for smaller items such as their food and bowls, water. The ride is great. We looked about a year before we got the Endeavor. We love it and we get the 3 yrs of oil changes free. I would recommend this auto to anyone.

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  I Love It, I Love It, I Love It!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lrjones1227 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I previously leased a Montero Sport and was only partly satisfied, even to the point of deciding to walk away from Mitsubishi at lease-end. However, once I saw the Endeavor commercials, I began to rethink my decision and go for a test drive. The minute I stepped on the gas, I knew that I had to have it. It drives like a dream! There is way more room than the Montero Sport, the ride is smooth, the body shape and chrome is beautiful and I love how the entire dash system looks and operates. What an upgrade! Its awesome!

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  Great Deal - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Great Deal - May 29 - 4:43 pm

  Traded in a Buick SUV that did not make it past 85K miles. Test drove the Honda Pilot and Outlander prior to buying my Endeavor. The Endeavor outperformed the Pilot, had much smoother ride and comfort. The Outlander was in the running but was just a bit to small. After rebates got the Endeavor for the same price as the Outlander. This SUV rides like a car! Very stable and lots of room. Averaging 18.5 MPG with 50% city, 50% highway with 6k on the engine. Hoping it gets a little better. I only used premium gas for the first fill up (from the dealer). Runs fine on regular.

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  Love my Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Terry Dierks - May 26 - 11:53 am

  We purchased our 2004 AWD Endeavor Limited for my wife to drive in November, 2004. We drove it from Kansas City to Atlanta and back at Christmas. I drove the whole way and never felt tired or uncomfortable. It is the perfect size for us inside and out. I liked it so much that I purchased an Endeavor for myself.

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  OH WHAT FUN!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jaime Nov - May 25 - 2:00 am

  One day my husband and I went to "just look" at SUVs. The "just look" turned into "just buy" when we saw the Endeavor. We just stopped to look at the dealership and fell in love with the beautiful vehicle. The drive is so smooth. We love it! We also love all the compliments we get too!

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  This SUV is Fantastic! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tigsmomo - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I had never even heard of the Endeavor, but when the sales lady at Augusta Mitsubishi asked what I wanted, I just pointed! This SUV is fantastic! I dont like driving "trucks" because I feel out of control, so I never dreamed an SUV was for me. However, this doesnt handle like a truck. It drives like a car, very comfortable, very tight, and very "in control".

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  fun! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luckyjedi - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I just have fun driving this thing. Its a great SUV. It does everything I need it to do and it makes me feel like Im in a car. I went around looking for a SUV for 3 weeks doing major research. Looked at Murano, 4runner, Pilot, Explorer, Jeep, and a bunch more but settled on the Endeavor. The moment I saw it I had a great feel for it and did my research and found it was a solid vehicle and the rest is history. BTW try not to trust too much of the editors opinions. The most accurate information you can get it from consumers like me and everyone else posting here. You can get a great feel for what the vehicle is like by reading forums.

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  Excellent, but... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 04endeav - May 15 - 4:16 am

  I just bought this used in Nov 2009. Its got good power, and handles well. Also, for 2WD, it seems to do just fine in the snow. Gas mileage isnt very good, but Im used to a compact. I have found 18mpg city, but Im not that aggressive of a driver. The EPA claims 14 or so, which isnt true. It will move if you put your foot down, and feels very settled even under hard acceleration. Fuel economy disappears with aggressive driving habits. The engine is noisy at high RPMS but not unpleasant. I would like to see a better lit display for clock/audio, and rattle from interior panels. I would recommend this model, and feel that Mitsubishi offers quality vehicles.

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  Impressive - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kwame - May 13 - 1:46 am

  I am impressed with the performance, styling, and build of the new 2006 Endeavor. I was happy to consider another Mitsubishi after five years with a Montero and I was looking for better gas mileage, the Endeavor hits the sweet spot - its a great car/SUV, lots of fun to drive, extremely comfortable steady on the road, and has effortless acceleration. I highly recommend this vehicle to any mid-size SUV buyers and to anyone looking for great value for money - I know Ill enjoy this vehicle for years to come.