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 The Endeavor's four-speed automatic also became quickly outdated in a segment where five- and then six-speed transmissions became the norm, bringing with them enhancements to performance and fuel economy.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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  The Endeavor at Hall - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Terri L Hall - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, look forward to EVERY trip I take. I am a VP of a large company travel somewhat out of town, if I can drive I volunteer too! Great vehicle, the sound system is great...no upgrade needed!

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  Built on Monday? - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pismo sam - February 14 - 10:00 am

  For years I had told myself that my next vehicle would be a Toyota. I loved the new 4Runner, but thought it wise to consider other vehicles. Considered the WRX wagon and the Endeavor. Wife and I were really impressed with this vehicle. It has great low end power and reasonable fuel economy for an SUV. The one we purchased ended up having door fit and hood fit problems. In addition, the sound system (which is great when working!) was not working properly. Things one wouldnt expect from a new vehicle. The dealerships service dept has made a "game saving" catch to promptly remedy all issues and we love the vehicle.

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  I Miss it, it was Excellent - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Biosynth - February 11 - 4:10 pm

  My 2004 Endeavor was my baby. I loved that car. Comfortable, lots of power, fun to drive. I never ever EVER had a problem from it. Nothing. I could rely on it. Also, very roomy. I had to haul around a wheel chair and various other things and it had the room and more. I only sold it because I needed emergency money. My only complaint was that it really wasnt all that great on gas. I got something around 18 MPG and that was just killing me. Otherwise I recommend it.

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  Ojedas Opinion - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Interam - February 3 - 5:46 pm

  I had a Mitsubishi Montero for 10 years. I decided to change to another Mitsubishi as the experience had been fine. I went to see different alternatives though and still decided to stay within Mitsubishi. I did not know about the Endeavor until I saw it in a Car Fair and when seating in front of the wheel and feeling the inside I said this is the SUV I want. I have enjoyed it so far. Good response, confortable, fast in highways, stable. However not an economic vehicle.

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  best ever - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pmg - January 30 - 7:23 pm

  Handles like a car, and has all the comfort of a luxury vehicle. Love the visibility. A pleasure to drive, and the AWD is 100% reliable in any weather.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Arthur Fotopoulos - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Went in to get my car serviced (oil change, tire rotation etc) while waiting I asked the salesperson if I could test drive the Pearl White Endeavor. Of course he said yes and all it took for me was to drive and and fall in love with it. The auto I was getting service had just over 18,000 miles on it. 4 days after the test drive, I went back in to purchase the Endeavor.

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  Not a comfortable CAR - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Erica - January 24 - 11:33 pm

  Well, My husband traded my honda accord in for an Endeavor. They told me at the dealership that they will transfer my Sirius Radio into my new endeavor. They installed it only to find out that All I can hear it Static. Apparently they dont make a part that goes into the back of the radio to stop the interference with the radio. So I was pretty mad about that! Then I kept hearing the radio changing volumes, Like it was go in and out? It would drive me crazy. Next, I cant even keep a bottle of water in the cup holder without it flying all over the place. Its uncomfortable to drive. I just dont like it. Im sorry for all you endeavor lovers out there.

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  Best I have drove in a long time - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Matildaa - January 23 - 10:00 am

  WoW! What a great ride!

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  High mileage - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ronda - January 4 - 1:30 am

  My mitsu now has 151K miles; dealer does regular maintenance. Its a tank! I have had 2 wrecks, 1 front, 1 back. Crushed in the trunk and back door of first car I hit. Later I backed into a Lexus and did lots of damage. I had no damage except scratches (most of which wiped off). When I drove to dealer service after 1st wreck, they checked it out and asked me if I was sure I even had a wreck. I did have to get a new (used) transmission around 120K, but thats all other than regular maintenance. I want to keep driving to at least 200K.

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  10s Are Not Given Lightly - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mitsu Cam - January 2 - 10:00 am

  What a good looking SUV. Id call this the ideal commuters SUV since it blends very well, most required attributes of typical truck based models, with the demands of the sport car, sedan enthusiast, while impressing a masculine buldgey line style that is not the common slim doorme too for the SUV masses. This vehicles is one of the best handling SUVs available, but a 10 in FUN requires a race car.