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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Endeavor 04 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lin516 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I thiink the Endeavor is a really easy SUV to drive. Its pretty quick and responsive. The back end is a little high for putting things in the trunk.I wish it offered a few more interior upgrades, maybe power seats on the passenger side and I miss the keyless entry key pad on the driver door.Aside from that, Im really enjoying it and love the way it drives.

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  Love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luvmyendeavor - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my endavor! Ive had some problems with my dealership and the quality of service. My stereo went out after about two months and I had to get a new one. I wish the antenna was retractable. But otherwise, the ride is smooth, the interior is wonderful and I get so many looks from other drivers. My Endeavor is great on the highway, I can feel how powerful it is. And everyone thats been in it wants to buy one now. I almost got a 4-runner, Im so glad I didnt!

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  Great Suprise - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rick - January 11 - 12:00 pm

  Bought used with 36K and now have 80K. Had no knowledge about it when we bought it, but enjoyed the test drive immensely. Have had absolutely no issues. Regular maintenance, including brakes at 75K and synthetic oil and she runs great. We have found that valves seem to click unless we use higher grade fuel. Lots of room, great OEM stereo, strong V6 have made our Endeavor an awesome SUV. Now looking for one for our daughter to take to college. This has been a very reliable vehicle

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  THE THRILL OF DRIVING - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By IVAN PRUETT - December 15 - 10:00 am

  CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT ON A ROAD TRIP. LOOKING FORWARD TO SHOWING IT OFF. I THINK IT IS BEST VEHICLE MITS HAS PUT OUT SINCE ITS GOT INTO THE AMERICAN MARKET

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Scool - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This SUV drives like a sedan. The ride is very smooth and quiet. This car has big cargo space along with fold down rear seat that goes lower to level with cargo.

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  Love my Bishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By blkwdw187 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  So far, I love my truck. I was seraching for the best truck for about 6 months and found this one. I like it the best. Good size for me and my two kids.

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  Love It! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By carmen_t - November 7 - 11:04 am

  Purchased at 19 miles. 4 years since then. No problems at 50,000 plus miles. Comfy long distances. Hwy mileage is very good, not so much in the city. AWD runs great off-road, including the sand --fun! The least i like about it, noticeable muffler from the back of the SUV, and U-turns are wide.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By John David Morgan - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Good car, but have had some trouble with mine and is less than a month old, however the dealership has been on top of it and taken great care of me.

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  cant beat the value of this machine - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By smartbuyer - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Best bang for the buck of any mid-size SUV I test drove, 0% financing to boot. Great leather heated seats, super 300+watt stereo, a head turner when compared to the competition. Be careful in fast acceleration, lotsa torque steer. Who said Mitsubishi isnt a Tier One automaker?

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  Superior Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By kmak - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Montero Sport for an Endeavor, and I love it. Mitsubishi actually took a lot of the popular features from several different SUVs on the market and combined them into one great vehicle. Would definitely suggest this to those who drive long distances. This comfortable ride has a great sound system, 4 power outlets, and plently of front cabin cargo area. A wonderful value for the money.