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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Its a pleasure to drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tweety - August 20 - 6:46 am

  Bought this Endeavor used two years ago and love it. Now has 77,000 miles and still looks new.

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  Trade up - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mitowner - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I did extensive research on the car based SUVs available and almost passed the Endeavor by. We traded in our 01 Mazda Tribute. The idea was to trade up to something roomier, better riding and different. There is no comparison, the Mitsubishi wins hands down. The fit and finish are impecable. The ride is much like our Passat. The sound system is out of this world. We looked at the Pilot and Highlander as well and couldnt be more pleased with our choice. It is still early in the game, but I expect that this vehicle will live up to the high standards that I have seen so far.

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  Why Dont You Back Your Vehicle? - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Vaughn - August 12 - 3:10 pm

  This vehicle could be one of the greatest vehicles put on the road, except when problems arise no one is willing to look into the problem while the vehicle is still under warranty, God forbid they will have to pay for something thats wrong with it. My vehicle has had a break problem since the day I drove it home. I have to do a break job on the front every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. When I take it in for a brake job, they tell me it is because of the way I drive, but as soon as the warranty was up and I would have to pay for all the repairs, they found almost a thousand dollars worth of repairs to do. This was with a Mitsubishi dealer and not the dealership I leased the vehicle from.

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  This is a great car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Susan Wasyk - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I was looking at the Honda Pilot, but this offered me the same, but at a better price. The interior is very roomy, especially for those with long legs, the sound system is great and is very comfortable driving, especially on long trips. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  Best car weve ever owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TripJAV8R - August 8 - 5:43 pm

  I bought the Endeavor for my wife in 2004 to replace her Volkswagen Jetta. I have never been happier with a vehicle. The Endeavor has a nice ride, plenty of "get up and go" and is a comfortable ride for 4-5 adults. Plenty of cargo space for all of our stuff plus our 110 pound Lab. The only maintenance weve had to do was preventive in nature. Oil changes, replaced the tires, replaced the brakes and changed the timing belts at 100,000 miles. The vehicle now has 115,000 and still runs as well as the day we bought it. I HIGHLY recommend this vehicle to anyone who asks me about it. When it finally does give up the ghost (maybe 10 years from now) I will definitely purchase another.

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  opinion - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ahm - August 5 - 5:43 am

  The side molding on my 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor came off first week. The A/C went out twice. Had squeak & grind noise in steering wheel. Replaced steering column at about 15,000 miles. Seats squeak. Radio (am/fm) & CD makes awful noise. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem, but does every time I drive car. Working on that now! Needs another set of mud guards. Stays dirty but do not make for 2004 model. Front dashboard scratches real easy and cannot be cleaned or buffed out. Side mirrors have good visibility, but are a pain when trying to reach a drive thru window. Cloth seats are already wearing out threads with only 21,000 miles.

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  Enjoying my Endeavor..... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Greg Dabor - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my new Endeavor, the handling is superb. I cannot believe the fit and finish, it is perfect. I would strongly recomend this vehicle to anyone interested in a SUV.

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  best inversion - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By efrain aliceaq - July 31 - 10:00 am

  When I drive this vehicle is like going in a Mercedez Benz without the heavy price.Is a well build vehicle an drives like a car.

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  mitsubishi endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tmeister - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had the endeavor for appx 9 months and am extremely happy. My experience at the dealership has also been positive.

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  Good Choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MS Franks - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great comfort for an SUV. No stepping up. Great sound system. 6 CD changer. Things I like the best, sun roof has sliding roof panel, so you can see the sky without opening the entire sun roof. Second the controls on the steering wheel. Real easy to turn up or change the tunes without ever taking my hands of the wheel. Exellent safety rating. Dual air bags. Would recommend getting the cargo liner. Looks really sharp in the back with the liner.