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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Love our Limited - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lemonjeep2 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a dynamite vehicle. Very comfortable and enjoyable to drive. We test drove lots and lots of cars and did some research, but the choice was easy. This vehicle just felt much better from the drivers seat. It handles well, has great AC and stereo, and the seating is comfortable. The rear cargo area has a fair amount of room. I was concerned about the dash after looking at photos, but is is really attractive when you see it in person. I previously had a Mitsubishi truck that I beat up for over 200,000 miles and it never broke down, so I hope this one runs as well. So far our mileage has been good, around 20 mpg for mixed use.

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  My first SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gzane711 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  After week one, and only have about 300 miles on it, the skies opened up and we got 6" of snow! I was like a kid in a candy store! I found the Endeavors handling in the snow outstanding. Great visibilty. My son likes the DVD.

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  best of the best - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dina - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have only on word PERFECT.

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  So far...so fabulous! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Macman617 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car to replace our Windstar! Yaahooo! No More Vans! We looked at everything in its class...Highlander (boring,overpriced and not nearly as fun to drive) Pilot (too truck like...looks like a Jimmy!) Isuzu Axiom (did not like the way it handled) Saturn VUE (way too small) and the Endeavor. Wow this SUV drive great. Handles well in Boston traffic (and you people from Boston can appreciate that!). It was a great value, priced perfect. Wish I bought the XLS! Miss a sunroof!

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  Terrific Crossover SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Brian Burgeson - July 19 - 10:36 am

  Ive had my 2005 Endeavor LS AWD for several months now and Im very happy with it. It drives like a car - both its general driving and the use of its AWD are smoother than my fathers Grand Cherokee. It has been very good in the limited off-roading Ive done so far. The towing capacity is a little low, but adequate for my uses. If youre looking for an all-around midsize SUV, this is tough to beat. V6 is a great blend of power and fuel economy compared to others in this class.

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  Best of all test driven - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Big Andy - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I test drove about a dozen SUVs and the only one that surpassed the Endeavor was the Lexus RX330 at 15K more. The ride, acceleration and handling are superlative. I was thoroughly impressed with the value received for money spent. This vehicle is Mitsubishis hidden gem.

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  More noise than a toddler toy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By bayd - July 16 - 8:18 pm

  I bought my endeavor used in 2010 with 90,000 miles, for more room. Heater blower motor immediately started to scream. Replacing it was a nightmare. Ended up having to go to machine shop to modify the new motor, just so that I could have heat in the winter. AC doesnt work at all. Needs a whole new compressor. Tires, breaks and bearings all needed to be replaced. And tires for this bad boy are SPENDY! Ive had the thing almost a year and spent more than $3k on it. Now I have to get a minivan and am screwed because resale of these is so low. Used to have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, and that was my all time favorite car!

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  solid alternative to standard SUVs - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By elenagracia - July 16 - 1:10 am

  I did quite a bit of research before I decided to purchase my first SUV, and after test driving a few, I was afraid I would have to make the jump to the luxury SUVs when I decided to try the Mitsubishi Endeavor. This is a beautiful SUV with distinctive exterior and interior styling, and an excellent carlike ride and drive. It feels really solid -- being a bit longer and wider than the Honda Pilot - - and takes me everywhere (with its AWD) safely and securely. This trim level feels lush and spacious, and carries five adults and plenty of cargo comfortably. The Endeavor is a stylish, powerful alternative to the standard SUV box -- its definitely worth a look.

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  mitsu endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mrtomm - June 22 - 10:00 am

  having recently gotten my first sport ute, I am quite impressed with mitsus brand of so called cross-over. The ride and handling is awesome! the turning ratio compared to the so called sports car i drove before is much better, I am surprised how easily navigated tight shopping mall parking lots are. And I can finally see over the shrubs that abound at the mall!!

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  Leader of the Pack - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Starfather - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I wanted to buy what I considered the best mid-size and mid-price SUV for a tall person. I spent 3 months and test drove 11 SUVs. I read all the guides and compared all the specs. The Endeavor won on power, space, handling, quality control,ride, and features. Overall best SUV for under 30,000!