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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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

• 

  FUN IN EVERY WAY - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By agoody68 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  It drives, and handles like a car. Great power, and room.

• 

  Good SUV... but - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dude2 - December 31 - 12:23 pm

  Overall my 05 Limited Endeavor has been a pretty good vehicle, but the initial quality issues I encountered have killed my opinion of the brand. I had the thing into the shop eight times in the first couple months.. since then Ive had no issues. It drives awesome.

• 

  2004 Mits Endeavor XLS - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Melissa - December 23 - 4:36 pm

  I like it a lot - great on gas for an SUV. Sometimes not thrilled with a loose sounding noise from the engine when accelerating, and the interior has a ton of wind noise. Also having minor problem with the trim on the bumper (under the liftgate.) But overall a nice car. Depreciated WAY too fast though - unsure why.

• 

  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By drawdad - December 23 - 10:00 am

  the car has a lot of room and a good amount of power also fun to drive.

• 

  Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By smithmga - December 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 2004 Endeavor XLS 2WD at invoice and then subtracted the two thousand rebate. We also got the model with ABS, security system, side airbags and the moonroof if I remember the package correctly. The SUV has been great so far. We have about 7,000 miles and no problems.

• 

  Odor & AC design issues - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Danny Thompson - November 10 - 10:23 pm

  We have had an on going issue with a "rotten egg odor" with this vehicle. I took it to the dealer during warranty to review this problem and was given a standard read out that the problem is caused by 2% alcohol found in all grades of gas. This appears to be a problem with Mitsubishi vehicles. With onset of hot weather and running the AC, I noticed that the carpet under the drivers side was wet. I took the Endeavor to service and was informed that in order to clear a clogged AC line it would be necessary to remove the entire dash at a cost of $1,240.00. I am clearly paying a high price for a design fault in the manufacturing of your car.

• 

  Nice ride - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By go mitsu! - November 10 - 6:26 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle used after looking at other new and used SUVs of this size. We love it! The ride and space inside is great especially for 2 kids. Not one thing has gone wrong with it since ownership.

• 

  excellent car overall - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By fruiz83039 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  the most comfortable suv i ever drove

• 

  Love At First Sight - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By GraceOKC - October 29 - 2:00 am

  My friends tease that I am the only person they know who goes in for an oil change and drives away in a new car. I couldnt help it, it was love at first sight. We first met last Christmas. The Endeavor was parked under a huge Christmas tree at a strip mall and after staring at it for over 15 minutes, I had to ask the owner about its performance. She was pleased and I was drooling. In keeping with the rules of infatuation, I got home and looked up all the info I could about the object of my affection. Almost 3 months later, I take my 1 year old car in for an oil change and drive home in my new Endeavor.

• 

  Best New mid-size SUV on the Market - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By C Wheeler - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Looks like a stallion, rides like a dream, handles effortlessly. This is my 3rd SUV, by far the best, puts Toyota to shame on the driving performance and feel. I highly recommend this SUV to anyone who wants comfort, style, and perfomance