2004-11 Mitsubishi Endeavor

The Endeavor’s acceleration is strong off the line, but good midrange response requires quick use of the gas pedal to trigger a downshift from the smooth, quick-acting transmission. The easy-to-use manual-shift feature is a help on congested freeways and in hilly terrain. A test AWD Limited did 0-60 mph in 8.4 sec. A test AWD XLS averaged 16.8 mpg in mixed city/highway travel. A test AWD Limited averaged 15.3, including gas-eating performance runs. Mitsubishi recommended premium-grade fuel.

The Endeavor’s ride is soft but stable. It’s never jarring over bumps, with a pleasing absence of undue float on the highway and minimal side-to-side or fore-aft rocking motions. Handling is almost carlike–body lean in turns is well-controlled. There is some wander in highway crosswinds, but Endeavor is secure otherwise. The steering is precise, but grows too light as speed rises. The front-drive LS without optional traction control exhibits torque steer (pulling to one side) under full throttle acceleration from a stop. Brake-pedal travel is longer than ideal, but stopping power is good. There is noticeable highway wind rush from the front windshield-pillar area, but engine and road noise are nicely suppressed.

Interior controls and materials are an Endeavor strong point. Easily read instruments are ringed by stylish metal-finish plastic. Large, clearly marked audio and climate buttons and knobs are mounted in an accessible “boom box” structure protruding from dashboard. The XLS and Limited models add a dashtop audio/compass/climate display separate from actual controls; it can be hard to read in some light conditions. Switchgear is smooth and precise, with trendy blue dashboard illumination. Most materials are appropriate for the price range, though the LS’s seat cloth looks no more than utilitarian. The XLS has richer cloth. The Limited’s standard leather upholstery feels upscale.

Endeavor’s step-in height is moderate, so ingress and egress is easy. The standard tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat allow for a commanding view of the road. Head room is generous, but tall folks might wish for more leg room. Cloth seats are generously padded; Limited’s leather almost coddles. Visibility to the sides and rear is hurt by wide roof pillars, but the large outside mirrors help. There is ample head, leg, and toe room in the rear seat area, even with front seats well aft. Three fit with some squeezing. The rear seat’s cushions are slightly too soft for the best support but are comfortably chair-height. The rear seatbacks recline–a nice feature. Large door openings help entry and exit.

The separate-opening tailgate glass is handy, but the load floor has a high liftover. The rear 60/40 split seatback sections fold in a single motion without removing headrests, and sit nearly flat with floor. The spare-tire well and side-wall net store small items, and handy tie-down hooks abound. There are numerous cabin bins, a large console, and a generous glovebox. Regular-size soda cans are the limit for twin console cupholders, though. LS and XLS get four cupholders, while Limited has just two in the center armrest.