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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Applause - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pamela - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Driving this vehicle on trips is a dream. Comfort and ease of handling make traffic easier to survive and range is awesome. The lack of blind spots make driving less stressful. The special touches (extra small front windows next to windshield, extra hip and shoulder room, comfortable back seats) make one feel vert luxurious at a reasonable price.

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  04 endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lucas - March 21 - 1:43 am

  Like everyone else, I have big problems w/ the paint. I also have big problems w/ the quality of the interior. Very poor plastic throughout. Lots of fading. Very noisy ride on the freeway. Definitely need to improve the quietness for the interior. Needs air vents for the rear seats in the hot Arizona desert.

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  Love my SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BoBo93 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Cabrio.... and I am loving the room that is offered in the Endeavor. It is so easy to take the bike along on a road trip as it fits perfectly in the back (until I get the hitch/bike rack) My fellow friends with SUVs love the ride and the comfort. Have been stopped by people asking what I am driving as they say they like the style of it.

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  Newcomer To the SUV Block - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dr.larry.appleton - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a lot of SUVs in my lifetime and find this vehicle to be perfectly configured with all the right equipment at a very good price. The Endeavor compares to my 2002 Envoy that cost me $29,000 with its handling ability, comfort and performance making it fun- to-drive. The 2004 incentives and trade-in allowance help close the deal for me on this quality vehicle.

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  Different, but it in great way - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By country bumpkin - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The appearance of the Endeavor took me a couple of viewings to get used to, but like all good things, has grown on me and now Ive come to appreciate the unique styling that Mitsubishi has put together. It separates itself in a class that has become fairly boring. I dont agree with Mitsubishis advertising focus and I think theres an awful lot of people that have been misled into thinking of this vehicle as trendy.Its quality, fun to drive,comfortable and beats the heck out of the others in its class. If you werent considering one, test drive one and youll change your mind!

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  My last Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By GrayVA - February 13 - 3:10 pm

  I loved it at first. But took it in for several problems. Front strut was collapsed (covered under ext. warranty), inter. exhaust pipe baffles broken (part $1,400, labor $200), rear liftgate rattles terribly, visor mirror broke, handle fell off sunroof visor, console lid broke and much more. This vehicle has only 45,000 miles. What a piece of junk. I have to pay for exhaust repairs. I have always owned Mitsubishis but this will be my last.

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  My Ruby - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mandy - February 9 - 10:30 am

  These SUVs are for the people that want a SUV but feel comfort in driving a car. This vehicle is really nice and it is roomy. I had 3 children in the back seat and they still had plenty of room even with all of them in carseats. Definitely recommend to someone that is looking for an SUV.

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  One Nice SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MidloHokie - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I never really considered a Mitsubishi product until I saw their TV advertisement. I had looked closely at the Highlander and Pilot, but really liked the "curb appeal" of the Endeavor. It is great to drive with great acceleration and smooth shifts. The SportTrak is a nice feature for the manual drive wannabees. Great stereo system....look forward to tailgating in it.

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  My Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rebcurless - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car-like SUV. Attractive styling, good handling and good gas mileage for an SUV. Nice audio equipment. However, Ive only had the vehicle for 4 weeks, and already the power windows have failed and an interior storage compartment has broken.

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  Overall Excellent - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By NS - January 27 - 3:40 am

  My 2007 Endeavor XLS is an excellent drive. It has a very smooth transmission. It provides excellent handling around the corners, almost like a car.