EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A solid all-around package for those who crave non-traditional styling more so than ultimate cargo- or people-toting capacity.
Pros
Carlike ride, roomy seating front and rear, torquey V6 power plant, solid build and materials quality, good crash test scores.
Cons
Less cargo capacity than the class leaders, polarizing interior design.
What''s New for 2004
Although the Endeavor is an all-new vehicle for 2004, an upgraded 2004.5 model was released midway through the year to address some initial shortcomings. The list of upgrades includes more horsepower (225), daytime running lamps, advanced dual-stage front airbags and a tire-pressure monitor as standard. An improved ABS system (with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and traction control) is now available on LS 2WD models and standard on XLS 2WD and Limited 2WD. A full-size spare with alloy wheel and a towing prep package is now standard on LS AWD (optional LS 2WD) and XLS. Standard side-impact airbags for front-seat passengers have been added to the Endeavor XLS. Rounding out the 2004.5 changes are a handful of new options, including a rear-seat DVD entertainment system for XLS and Limited, and traction and stability control for the Limited AWD.
Overview
Introduction:
In some ways, Mitsubishi has embraced its role as a niche player in the bigger automotive picture. Mitsubishi cars and trucks used to be nothing more than second or third runners-up to more popular brands like Honda and Toyota, but recent strides in both product and marketing have helped it to carve out its own unique niche. Without argument, Mitsubishi has done a great job of getting its message to the public by combining carefully chosen music and images. So effective and focused are its ads that one can''t help but feel that to own a Mitsubishi is to gain entrance to a cool and exclusive club. Based on the SSU concept vehicle that first made the auto show rounds in 1999, the Endeavor is looking to add, as Mitsubishi calls it, "Urban Chic" to the SUV mix. Admittedly, Mitsubishi has not reinvented the SUV, but it has put its own stamp on it with regard to styling. The Endeavor shares its prominent front-end design, a recent Mitsubishi styling cue, with such vehicles as the Galant and Outlander. The Endeavor also shares the Montero''s sculpted sides and prominent wheel arches -- somehow the Endeavor manages to fit in, and at the same time carve out its own niche. Built on an all-new "Project America" platform specifically designed for the U.S. market, the Endeavor is aimed at SUV buyers who want a large helping of style mixed in with their utility. Because of its car-based underpinnings, the Endeavor is a crossover vehicle rather than a traditional SUV. By combining carlike characteristics like sharp handling and a smooth highway ride, the Endeavor doesn''t force buyers to choose between sport and utility. Still, Mitsubishi has taken steps to insure that the Endeavor''s go-anywhere look is backed up by some off-road ability. Ground clearance is just over eight inches and the Endeavor''s V6 engine offers class-leading torque as well. The Endeavor joins an SUV lineup that includes the affordable Outlander, the truck-based Montero Sport and the rugged Montero. The Endeavor is the most family-oriented out of the four, but it still manages to maintain the Mitsubishi look and personality that assures it won''t be seen as "just another look-alike sport-ute."
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
There are three trim levels: base LS, midlevel XLS and top-of-the-line Limited. The LS offers your typical standard features like power windows, locks and mirrors along with remote keyless entry, air conditioning and a 140-watt CD stereo. The XLS adds a power driver seat, upgraded cloth upholstery and a 315-watt stereo with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The Limited upgrades to leather upholstery and an automatic climate control system with separate rear controls. All trim levels offer an available towing package, while the XLS and Limited models offer additional options like a sunroof and heated seats and mirrors.
Powertrains and Performance:
All Endeavors come with a 3.8-liter V6 coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. Output for early 2004 models is rated at 215 horsepower and a class-leading 250 lb-ft of torque. The 2004.5 Endeavors feature 225 hp. Although many vehicles in this class offer substantially more horsepower, the Endeavor''s ample torque gives it an equally powerful feel. Two-wheel-drive models are front-wheel drive, and all-wheel-drive models utilize a full-time system with a viscous center differential.
Safety:
Antilock brakes are standard on AWD models and the 2WD Limited, but optional on the early 2004 2WD XLS and unavailable on the early 2WD LS. ABS is standard on all 2004.5 XLS and Limited models, and optional on the 2WD LS. Side airbags are standard on the Limited, optional on the early 2004 XLS (standard on 2004.5 XLS). A tire-pressure monitoring system is also standard on Limited trim vehicles but unavailable on the early LS and XLS trim lines (standard on all 2004.5 models). The Endeavor scored well in IIHS frontal offset crash testing, earning the top mark of "Good." In government crash tests, it earned a perfect five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for the front passenger. The Mitsu scored five stars across the board for side-impact protection.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
A large center console dominates the interior, giving the Endeavor a slightly different look than most other sport-utes. In keeping with the exterior''s bold and unique design, sporty faux metallic trim is used throughout the cabin. A small screen placed atop the dash provides vital radio and climate information, but it doesn''t support an optional navigation system. Like most other sport-utes in its class, the Endeavor uses a flip-up rear hatch along with a separate lift-glass for added convenience. Cargo capacity maxes out at 75 cubic feet, less than either the Honda Pilot''s or Ford Explorer''s.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Due to the Endeavor''s impressive 250 lb-ft of torque, the 3.8-liter engine feels responsive off the line and into the midrange. The transmission can be a little slow to downshift on highway grades, but overall the Endeavor performs as well as most other vehicles in the class. Its car-based chassis provides a comfortable ride on the street and reasonably adept handling on mildly rutted dirt roads. The steering is a little slower to react than we''d like but the weighting seems perfectly balanced for everyday errand running or commuting.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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