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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Fantastic - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Len - December 25 - 8:13 am

  Having driven almost every make of automobile over the years, as I was a manger of fleet operations for a local government, this SUV drives and handles better that the Cadies and Lincolns do. SUPRISE! I shure was. Good work Mitsubishi........

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  awesome - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Craig - October 7 - 8:36 pm

  This is the best SUV on the market in this price range. I have had a 4Runner, Trailblazer, Xterra, and this Endeavor is better in every way over all the others.

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  Hmm, Lets See! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Bodzio - October 7 - 10:00 am

  First, I like the interior and probably that is why I bought it.Second, at the beginning I had a problem with differential,was making this noise and you could feel it as well.4 times at the dealer(long story)and I still think its not fix like it supposed to be.Next,had a problem with the sunroof (was leaking),3 times at the dealer.Next,I have a problem with getting this "Service Enging Soon" light,4 times at the dealer and still comming up.Also, as you know, Endeavors tank should be filled with high octane gas.If you try to put regular(87 or 89)the engine is not working properly.I will be going for service AGAIN with the Servie Engine Soon.

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  Got One - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Stacy Cedars - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Its the most comfortable SUV we have driven.

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  Loved my 2004 so much I bought a 2007 - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By c. morris - September 12 - 7:16 pm

  LOVE THIS CAR! Handles great and fun to drive. Never had any trouble with my 2004 or my new one. Will buy another in the future. Lou Fusz made it so simple and were very nice.

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  New Mitsu for a GM loyalist - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TimmyD - September 12 - 2:33 am

  As a loyal GM owner, I have to admit when I began began researching new cars to replace our GMC Yukon, Mitsubishi was not high on our list. After a couple of weeks of searching we found that Mitsubishi had a generous factory rebate and decided to give the Endeavor a test drive. We were impressed by the handling and lively engine performance. We have two children and were concerned about interior room, since we were used to the spacious interior of our Yukon. We were pleasantly surprised when we all piled in and realized that we had plenty of room and that the large cargo area had sufficient space for our large stroller and many other "must haves" for parents. We took it home that day.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By S Cash - September 11 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I got into this vehicle to test drive, I fell in love with it. The interior design of my vehicle caught my attention first and once I fell in love with that the outside design appealed to me even more.

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  frejenendeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By frejen - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just a fun nice ride.

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  2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor LTD. is AWESOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By smason386 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Test drive it and you will buy one to.

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  Nice Comfortable Car-Like SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Shadowtrax - August 15 - 2:13 am

  A great vehicle thats much more nimble than its size appears - rides well on smooth streets as well as rough ones. Very good visibility and large front windshield is great - a person doesnt feel boxed in. Nice dash and lighting. Good sound/stereo. Gets same mpg in town as similar AWD SUVs (15mpg) if youre light on the gas and stops/starts. Feels very roomy in front AND back seat. Has separate liftgate window (most other SUVs dont offer this). Huge sunroof is nice - allows better head room and feeling of openess. Comfortable leather seats. We live in a snowy area, and the AWD does GREAT in the snow - used it many times for ski trips! And of course, the 5yr/60K bumper-to-bumper warranty