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2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor Review
This car-type midsize SUV is little-changed for 2005. Endeavor comes in LS, XLS, and top-line Limited models. All have a 225-hp V6 and automatic transmission with manual shift gate. All offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing and is not intended for severe off-roading. A liftgate with separate-opening glass is included. So are 60/40 split folding rear seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, tire-pressure monitor, and 4-wheel disc brakes. Antilock brakes are optional for the 2WD LS, standard elsewhere. Traction control is included on XLS and Limited 2WDs, and is optional for the 2WD LS. Limited AWDs offer an optional antiskid system. For 2005, LS models join other Endeavors with standard front side airbags. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are unavailable. Rear DVD entertainment is available for all XLS and Limited models.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
News
Mitsubishi's near-term plans are clouded by recent setbacks that have devastated the company's reputation and put a big hurt on sales worldwide. A turnaround program is underway, but it's unclear how soon or successful it will be. With that proviso, Endeavor is expected to get a freshening and somewhat more horsepower for 2007.

Meantime, Mitsubishi strongly hints that an extra-sporty model will be added for '06 along the lines of the recent Endeavor Ralliart concept. Ralliart is Mitsubishi's racing and performance-parts division. The name already graces a mildly hopped-up version of the company's Lancer subcompact sedan. The concept Endeavor used a 3.8 V6 tuned for 260 hp, and that could show up in the showroom model.
2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Visibility
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
5 5 4.9

Strong off the line; test AWD Limited did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph. Good midrange response requires a heavy throttle foot to get a downshift from smooth-acting transmission, making its manual-shift feature useful on congested freeways and in hilly terrain. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.
Fuel Economy

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
4 3 3.9

Test AWD models averaged 11.0-16.8 mpg, depending on driving conditions. No opportunity yet to measure 2WD models. Mitsubishi recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
6 6 5.1

Soft but stable. Never jarring over bumps, with pleasing absence of undue float on highway and minimal side-to-side or fore-aft rocking.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
5 5 3.8

Near carlike manners, with moderate cornering lean and good highway stability despite some wander in gusty crosswinds. Steering precise, but feels too light as speed rises. Test 2WD LS without optional traction control suffered occasional torque steer--an unwanted pulling to one side in brisk acceleration. Good stopping power, but brake-pedal stroke longer than ideal.
Quietness

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
5 5 4.8

Noticeable highway wind rush from front-pillar area. Engine and road noise nicely muted.
Controls

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
6 7 6.3

A strong point. Gauges easy to read. Audio and climate controls large, clearly marked, easy to reach. XLS and Limited have dashtop audio/compass/climate display separate from actual controls; it can be hard to read in some light conditions. Smooth, precise switchgear, trendy blue dashboard lighting. Most cabin trim appropriate for price, though LS seat cloth looks utilitarian. XLS has richer cloth. Limited's standard leather feels upscale.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
7 7 6.7

Step-in height moderate, so easy ingress/egress. Standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat help drivers get comfortable. Generous head room, but tall folks might wish for more leg room. Cloth seats generously padded; leather almost coddles. Visibility to sides, rear hurt by wide roof pillars, but large outside mirrors partly compensate.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
7 7 6.2

Ample head, leg, toe room even with front seats well aft. Three adults fit with some squeezing. Seatbacks recline. Cushions slightly soft for best support, but comfortably chair-height. Large door openings.
Cargo Room

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
8 8 7.8

Separate-opening tailgate glass handy, but load deck relatively high. Rear seatbacks fold with single motion and sit nearly flat with floor, even with headrests in place. Spare-tire well, side-wall net store small items. Plenty of tie-down hooks and cabin bins, plus large console and glovebox.
Value within Class

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
5 5 5.6

Despite bold styling, pleasant driving manners, and a roomy interior, Endeavor trails the likes of the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander. Granted, it's discounted far more than most class rivals, but that's because of Mitsubishi's troubled image, lower-rung customer-satisfaction scores, and mediocre resale values.
Total Score

2WD XLS AWD Limited Class Average
58 58 55.1
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
37
Average Score
55
High Score
67
2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/01/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD LS 4-door wagon $25,699 $24,234 $595
AWD LS 4-door wagon $27,999 $26,395 $595
2WD XLS 4-door wagon $29,099 $27,428 $595
AWD XLS 4-door wagon $30,599 $28,838 $595
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $31,999 $30,153 $595
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $33,499 $31,562 $595
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LS
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, full-size spare tire.
XLS adds to LS:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power driver seat, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, outside-temperature indicator, compass, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.
Limited adds to XLS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Accessory/Cargo Pkg.
2WD Limited
$129
$112
Cargo tray and net, chrome exhaust tip.
Outdoor Pkg.
AWD Limited
$361
$321
Accessory/Cargo Pkg. plus trailer hitch. Requires rear-seat DVD entertainment system, power sunroof delete.
Cold Zone Pkg.
AWD XLS
$300
$262
Heated front seats, heated power mirrors.
Family Entertainment Pkg.
XLS, Limited
$1,500
$1,309
Rear-seat entertainment system, side steps. XLS requires Cold Zone Pkg. Limited requires power sunroof delete. 2WD Limited requires Accessory/Cargo Pkg. AWD Limited requires Outdoor Pkg. NA w/power sunroof.
Towing Prep Pkg.
2WD LS
$300
$262
Transmission cooler, trailer-hitch wiring, full-size spare tire. Std. AWD LS, XLS, Limited.
Powertrain
Traction control
2WD LS
$100
$87
Requires Towing Prep Pkg., antilock brakes.
Safety
Antilock brakes
2WD LS
$500
$436
Requires Towing Prep Pkg., traction control.
Antiskid system
AWD Limited
$995
$868
Includes traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof delete
Limited (credit)
$-900
$-785
Requires Family Entertainment Pkg. 2WD requires Accessory/Cargo Pkg. AWD requires Outdoor Pkg.
Power sunroof
XLS
$900
$785
2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mitsubishi Endeavor 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 108.7
Overall Length, in. 190.2
Overall Width, in. 73.6
Overall Height, in. 67.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 4079
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 76.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.4
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.4
Rear Head Room, in. 38.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.8 /234
Horsepower @ rpm. 225 @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 255 @ 3750
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
4-speed automatic 17/22
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Mitsubishi Endeavor 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 10/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 5/60,000 --
Corrosion 7/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 5/unlimited --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Trim Level:  Limited
Arrival Date:  01/11/2005
Engine:  sohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $33,199
Price as Tested:  $34,463
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  7181
Mileage at End of Test:  7356
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  15.7786 gals.
 

Major Options:  Rear Entertainment System (DVD with Remote Control, Flip Down 7-inch Ceiling-Mounted Screen, 2 Wireless Headphones), Outdoor Pkg. (Cargo Tray, Cargo Net, Exhaust Tip, Trailer Hitch, Trailer HItch Wiring Harness)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  11.09 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Rick Cotta Endeavor is an impressive midsize SUV with a competitive price that suffers unduly from its Mitsubishi heritage. That may net you a strong bargaining position in the showroom. But if you don't mind taking risks on an iffy nameplate to save money up front, a Kia Sorento might be a better choice.

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