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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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Like my Mitsubishis - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Debtei - June 12 - 10:00 amThis is the third mitsubishi I have had and I love it. It is a very comfortable ride. I just wish that there wasnt that cheap plastic in the interior of the vehicle on the doors. It handles well in inclement weather. I am having some trouble with the airconditoner now. It is leaking inside on the passenger side. Also the switch for the ABS brakes had to be replaced at 8200 miles.
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2004 Mits Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By MikeLI - June 7 - 10:00 am12K miles and it rattles like a bucket of bolts on the slightest of rough surfaces. Have complained to Mitsubishi which has fallen on deaf ears.
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My 2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By beachgoer - May 22 - 5:05 pmSo far, I have 215,000 miles on this SUV. The only non-maintenance item that I had to change are the 2 rear power window motors, which actually a small plastic piece broke off which held the cable assembly. When I purchased this SUV, I was really worried about the quality, but so far its been fantastic. Im crossing my fingers it will last through the end of 2014 without any major problems.
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I love this car - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By ChardonnayBee - April 30 - 6:03 pmI have had this car for awhile now and I absolutely LOVE it! Its just the right size for me and its really fun to drive!
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2004.5 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By suvlights - April 25 - 10:00 am1,000 miles so far, some minor things
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This SUV Rocks! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Endeavor - April 25 - 8:00 amThe 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor is easy to handle and turns and parks more easily than I ever imagined. Its gas mileage is not as bad as some fellow SUV owners get. The Endeavor gets 23 mpg compared to a friends Explorer Eddie Bauer at 16 mpg. It has classy lines and design. I can now haul vertical blinds and bigger items.
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Not bad, needs improvement - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By John - April 18 - 6:20 pmI bought my suv with 11K miles. This lightweight SUV is good for what it is: "A lightweight suv." I previously had a honda pilot, that SUV was excellent in the snow, this Mitsubishi in the snow tends to slide a lot, even with the AWD option that I had. Towing capacity: 3500 lbs., not many boats you can tow with that. Interior is very cheaply designed, while the outside is not that much better. Premium gas requirement is a major minus especially in this economy. But you feed it its premium gas and it performs very well. Steering is excellent, as the low engine makes this car practically stick to the ground, love that feature. An overall good suv if you dont have many expectations.
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New Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By rroze - April 5 - 10:00 amThis is my 3rd Mitsubishi...I loved my full size Montero, looking for better gas mileage we decided to try the Endeavor limited. It drives great, and has all the options. The one problem I have is the interior plastic dash which has a tendency to rattle.. the r2d2 looking design, trying to replicate a silver metal, but indeed is still very plastic...all in all it is a very comfortable drive, the options are great, but then again they are not cheap. If had to do over again I would stay with my full size Montero
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Mitsubishi Endeavor, WOW - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By rob - April 5 - 10:00 amIncredible ride, great looks, comfortable $ affordable
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First Enveavor, second Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By ficuss - April 4 - 12:46 pmVersatility of a mid size SUV and comfort of a large car, that is what I wanted and what I got. The 2005 Endeavor rides and turns like a tight sports car. Fit and finish are perfect. The motor/exhaust combo gives off enough "growl" to make you feel you are going fast even when you arent. The gearing is such that you always feel like there is plenty of power waiting to be used if needed. It has just enough gadgets to satisfy all but the uber gadgeteers. The first month of ownership have been a pleasure especially comming off of 4 years of a troublesome experience with a G.M. SUV.
