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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Irish Eyes - April 4 - 2:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, but in great shape. I put an additional 35k miles in two years, since traded in for a newer Honda Pilot, which doesnt have the wow factor with body styling and interior design. The 2wd Endeavor got excellent gas mileage, but less than desirable handling in snow and ice. My next vehicle will be a new Endeavor.

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  Endeavor solid as a rock! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rocketman in Texas - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Weve had it about 4 weeks now, and like it more than when we bought it. Rides great, more than adequate power, plenty of head, leg, hip, and shoulder room. Nicely equipped for an entry level model. This being a car-based SUV rather than a truck-based model, it rides better than most truck-based SUVs. Corners more like a small sedan, despite being significantly taller than most. Styling, especially exterior styling, is great. These vehicles tend to stand out a litle from the crowd, and at least for the time being, you dont see yourself coming every time you get on the street, as you would in an Explorer.

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  Niche Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By PCWineguy - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Perfect for us DINKS who drive 90%+ on road, and 10% off. Very sporty, drives like our Maxima! Love the NO third seat option! Roomy, practical and gets surprisingly good gas mileage. Sound system is good, but not as good as the Bose system of other cars. Inside door is a little cheap, but overall quality is good.

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  No Regrets Whatsoever- Smooth - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jameo - March 24 - 4:03 am

  I bought this vehicle after painstaking research and test drives of so many others similar in this class. I have to say that have no regrets with my decision for many reasons. I had used this forum as the basis for my final decision and most of the other reviewers and I are in agreement. Overall one of the best deals out there. I live in a snow region and my first driving experience was during a blizzard. While other SUVs and 4WD vehicles where busy with low speed flashers, I cruised along effortlessly among the pack. Smooth ride, lots of midrange power, very roomy, and excellent driver response. Did I mention my insurance rates dropped lower than another vehicle I own, a 1997 Passport?

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  Best New Car on the Market - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Debbie Reeder - March 22 - 8:20 am

  The Endeavors design and detail were clearly thought through thoroughly by the car designers. The designers were truly thinking about what the consumer would like to have in an automobile.

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  NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Impulse buyer - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Handling is excellent. Drives like a car. But driving in freeway is annoying. Wind noise, you have to put the radio to higher volume just to muff the noise from the wind. I drove different suvs, but nothing compared to this one as far as wind noise. Hope Mitsubishi will do a recall on this kind of problem.

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  I love my new Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jillc - March 11 - 10:00 am

  After a LOT of research the choice for me was easy to make. I loved the looks, the ride, and the price of the Endeavor. I was thrilled to learn that it came with 3-years/45k miles scheduled maintenance for free. There is nothing about my Limited that I dont love. I have not went a single day without at least one person saying they love it, too! I was happily surprised when I filled up that I was getting 20.5 MPG with mixed city/hwy.

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  comfort & reliabolity - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By asett1@bellsouth.net - March 11 - 10:00 am

  good looking,comfortable,good ride.. interior provides plenty of room,dealer add ons enhance appearance

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  After 3 years, still love it! - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gege - March 11 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle is Mitsubishis best kept secret. It handles with ease in all types of weather & road conditions. We are quite comfortable traveling long distances, no back aches... no more leg pains! We are tall people and having the leg & head room plus comfy seating is simply awesome! I get exceptional gas mileage in town, averaging 19-24 and on the highway our best was 29 mpg! Cant beat that for this sized vehicle. The engine runs smooth, automatic shifts easily and steps right into passing gear when you need it!

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  Loved This Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JEV - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Endevor after a very extensive search. I had look at a good many wagons and SUVs online as wellas driven a few. Even cars that were 7000 to 10000 dollars more left a lot to be desired. I am amazed that more web sites do not give justice to the quality of this vehicle. This worked out great for me because I was able to get a well above adverage SUV for much less than the so call best in class cars. I am sure that I will be laughing all the way to the bank. One more thing this car has a warranty that rivals the top of the line cars!