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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  2005 Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mike - March 31 - 4:36 pm

  All around great vehicle. Great in snow (AWD). Very repsonsive and sporty, but also absorbs the bumps in the road very well. I would buy this vehicle again.

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  Love my endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By chaeuser - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome SUV. No one in our town even has one. Neighbor thought it was a BMW. Wife uses it for work, and kids have lots of room. I love the torque, this thing really grabs the road. Drives really smooth, nicer than most we tried. Only one I drove that was nicer was the lexus, and that cost 20000 more!

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  It was this or a Pilot... - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dungeoner - March 22 - 11:53 pm

  And I chose the Endeavor. I can honestly say, Ill never second guess my decision either. The vehicle drives like a dream. Ive driven the Pilot, Highlander, Trailblazer, Durango & Grand Cherokee(V8). All were wonderful, but only the Pilot & Endeavor drove like I wanted my wifes SUV to drive. The torque in this thing needs to be felt to be appreciated. It might not have seating for 7 or 8 people/children, but the 5 that do fit, do so comfortably. The steering is tight & responsive & the drive is stellar. If I had the funds, my wife & myself would be driving one. Everything seems solidly made & built. If I had to gripe about something, it would be the gas mileage on this capable engine.

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  Good All Around - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Patty - March 9 - 4:50 am

  Ive have had the Endeavor for two months now and love it. Its solid built, comfortable to drive and feel very secure driving my toddler around town. Which to me was important in selecting my new car, something that I feel safe with my child in. Handles curves and turns with ease. Roomy in the back even with the car seat.

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  Almost There.... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Almost There.... - February 22 - 10:00 am

  It seems as if Mitsubishi designers included what they could for the price range...As a former Montero owner, I did not want a larger truck, but a bigger car that did not look like a station wagon and a mid-size truck that did not look like a mini-van. I think Mitsubishi has accomplished this. The AWD handles nicely in the rain and has "some" kick. It seems loud upon rapid acceleration. Overall I am pleased with my second Mitsubishi. I think with a few improvements (see below) they will have the endeavor nailed!! They are almost there!

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  My best car ever! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By zoltan2 - February 18 - 9:22 pm

  I own a lot of cars but this one is the best. I bought it with 105kmiles 4 years ago. Except brake pads and timing belt I did nothing! The car has now 170k and runs like new. I also have a Mercedes and a Porsche but none of them can beat this car reability. I use just synthetic oil.My next SUV? Mitsubishi.

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  firstimer - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brucein - February 9 - 2:00 am

  so far i love this vehicle. plenty of room,smooth ride,great looks.Alittle disapointed in gas mileage,thought it would be better.Overall very happy with my endeavor,for the price.

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  Perfection - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cubster - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This SUV was everything I was looking for and more. Great safety, performance, and outstanding handling. I recommend this for anyone looking for a Cheap,Safe, contemporary SUV.

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  I love my suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By omahabutterfly - February 9 - 2:00 am

  like the looks. had a bad winter 10 to 14 inches of snow, drove like a dream.wish I would have brought one sooner.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BIGK - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This an SUV you will really enjoy. Rides like a car but with AWD its great in the snow.