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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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:

• 

  Rental - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Endeavor Envy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have not yet purchased this vehicle. I had it as a rental and loved it. Seriously considering getting one. Very nice ride. Built like an SUV, although rides very smooth. Lots of pep. Fun to drive.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dano - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Performance has been great,comfort is very good, I have a very long torso and dont fit well in many cars and SUVs including Pathfinder. Could be a 9 or 10 with an adjustable up & Down Seat Fuel Economy could be better in light of premium only fuel. Great SUV drives like a car! The design is good the materials not as good (plastic interior) Exterior build great would be better than 5 if interior was better. Reliability has been great so far. Caution on the trans see below do the maintenance. I had been told to watch for trans issues. Probably would be eliminated with a bigger trans. EXT Design AWESOME A.W.D. and stability control Awesome 1st winter was very icy handled very well.

• 

  2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor - Bakersfield - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By englishtoy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I had a Montero Sport and this car has more room, power and class. The interior has all the amenities you could ask for with power seat, seat heaters, and 6 CD changer and the motor has power to spare. I have an octogenarian living with me and the access and rear seating are superb.

• 

  First Year Ops. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By fleetguy - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Awsome. This is a Lexus in Mitsubishi clothing. The ride, handling and comfort are superb. Everything works as advertised. Excellent value. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

• 

  Sleeper SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ronald - February 10 - 4:33 pm

  I have had absolutely no problems with my 2005 Endeavor LS AWD. It has plenty of power and is comfortable. It looks sporty and overall build quality is very good. It handles very well and is a fairly quiet ride. It has not missed a beat and other than scheduled maintenace it has operated flawlessly. The AWD system is inferior to my Subaru. The stock tires may be part of the problem. I will install new snow tires and see if traction improves.

• 

  CIOOOOOOOOOOOOOl - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tanu - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. it is the best in the road!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  SUV With Attitude - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Arthur Michael - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor XLS for only a short time, but absolutely enjoy the ride and style. My wife purchased a 2004 Honda CR-V, and after test driving the Endeavor, said she had made a mistake and should have purchased the Endeavor. (Of course,the Endearvor wasnt even out or just released back in April.) Everything is functional and the easy to reach. Otherwise, Im really enjoying driving again. Dont know if I can ever ride "low" again in a regular car. The Endearvor "Rocks"!

• 

  Best SUV out there - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Love my Endeavor!! - January 19 - 1:16 pm

  When I traded in my 02 Galant, I purchased the 04 Endeavor in Sept 04 and it is great. My routine maintenance was covered for the first 3 years which saved me thousands because the 36,000 mile service was covered (a $500 service). The only problem I had is that the windshield washer fluid pump went out but it only cost $50 and took 20 minutes to fix. That has been my only "complaint" in almost 4 years and 55,000 miles. I have taken at least 15-20 road trips and never had a single problem!!! I think I made a wise investment in purchasing this vehicle new. I definitely recommend this vehicle. As having owned the Galant, they drive the same. Good job Mitsubishi.

• 

  Great care - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brownr1 - January 15 - 7:21 pm

  Overall I really love the car. Living in a snowy place, I like the AWD. Also, I have two good size dogs, so I wanted a SUV that has a spacious cargo area; this car does. The car has a lot of great feature (hands free blue tooth, heated leather seats, sunroof, rear vent control, comfortable seats, front windshield whippers clear a bigger area than most, and the blind spots arent that bad). Unfortunately, the GPS leaves a lot to be desired. Even if you dont put in a category or city, it still greys out letters so you cant choose them, and there is no where to search for general stores, only shopping centers. I still keep my Garmin in my car. Lastly, this car has a poor turn radius.

• 

  outstanding - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Doogie53 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle. Mitsubishi has come along way. My family now owns 2 mitsubishis. The ride, acceleration, design and comfort were all well thought out before they threw this one together. I have owned a lot of vehicles in my day and this one rates way up as one of the best.