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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Not a Bad SUV for even the Truck Lover - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By CDA - February 15 - 11:20 pm

  I was pushed into purchasing an SUV after an auto accident that made it so that I could not get in and out of a truck on a daily basis. This vehicle has great cargo space and ground clearance with the bonus of great fuel mileage. The seats could be a little more comfy but overall I love my Endeavor.

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  endevor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By riverat2 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  vehicle lacks in many interior features. I owned a Montero sport that had much more interior features. I love the way endevor drives but dont think I would buy a new one for its price when I could get another brand with third seat for the same price

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  Fantastic Crossover SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Sandy - January 26 - 1:53 pm

  Our Mitsubishi Endeavor is everything we expected it to be. The gas mileage has been consistent at about 19 mpg for combined city and highway. We did take a trip through the mountains and got almost 23 mpg. The seats are very supportive. The stereo is fabulous. The ride is very firm but soft at the same time. The handling is excellent for this type of vehicle. Had it almost two months now and there are no noises. The car is put together very nicelt!

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  Joined The Club! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nort Johnson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2004 Eddeavor in May of 2003 and for a month and a half I didnt see another one anywhere! In a town as big as Chicago thats unusual.I bought the Limited loaded! Black with saddle brown enterior. For a mid size SUV it handles extreamly well.Off road it has been an unexpected workhorse.Everywhere I go people stop me and ask if they can check it out. For a while I felt like I was in some kind of elite club. Its easy to keep clean,the sound system is nothing short of perfect.Breaking is on a dime.The suspension off road and on is great.I feel like I belong to special club.Im one happy Endeavor owner!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Yash - January 15 - 6:56 pm

  I am a true Mitsubishi owner. This is my second Mitsubishi SUV. I had a Montero Sport LIMITED and traded it for the Endeavor and could not be happier. The Endeavor is by far more of a smoother drive than the Montero, special when tracking pot holes. Very impressed with its acceleration and pickup. Also, you have the opportunity to adventure yourself with the Sport Mode by changing gears with its Standard alternative. Just a great buy and a pleasure to own.

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  Awesome handling, Fun to drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ryan - January 15 - 6:16 am

  So far, I love my Endeavor. Its my first SUV and man I love the tourque it has and the power behind it.

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  Good Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JHENN - January 6 - 1:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle used from a dealership 3 months ago, and so far it has lived up to my expectations. It has plenty of power for mixed city/highway driving. The interior is very comfortable. The center information display is a nice feature, but sometimes I get weird readings. If the AC is on it will say the outside temperature is 35F when it is really about 80F. Also, sometimes the fuel economy gauge will lock up and say I am getting 65 MPG for an entire trip. (If only it were true.) My average gas mileage is actually 23 MPG. I bought my Endeavor for $5000 less than a comparable Honda Pilot or Nissan Pathfinder, and I think it was a good deal.

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  Love It!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jtjd148 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  We chose the endeavor for its up-to- date styling and powerful v6 engine. We have definitely turned some heads while driving this awesome car!

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  Be careful!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By D - January 2 - 5:33 am

  I LOVED my Endeavor... until I got into a 6 car pile up caused by MY endeavor. The car ran perfectly, was SO much fun to drive and it looked and felt brand new even after a year of driving. In a snow storm, I was moving 15 mph and a simply tapped on my brakes slightly, the brakes locked instantly, caused me to slide across the divider into oncoming traffic. There was NO reason the brakes should have locked. The insurance adjustor agreed with me. The body structure allowed for my survival but it wouldnt have happened in the first place if my brakes didnt lock. Dont go for looks alone and be careful if you purchase it!

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  Good vehicle...fix mpg - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Grle - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Endeavor in March. I have had no problems with it, but the gas mileage stinks! I took it to Mitsu and they denied the problem. I average about 14 mpg in town. I would like to see the 17 it was rated for. I do get 20mpg on highway, thank goodness. Also, the valves do "clack" with mid-grade gas. Performance seems unaffected but it really does need the high grade. There is such mixed comments on this that I wonder if we have two different batches oof SUV. Also, of note, Im 54" and I have to have a "booster" to see out. For short people, I would recommend the power seats to increase your heighth.