2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This car-type midsize SUV gets styling updates and a smaller model roster for 2006. Endeavor comes in LS or top-line Limited models. The XLS model is dropped. Both have a 225-hp V6 and automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Both offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing and is not intended for severe off-roading. A liftgate with opening glass is included. So are a 60/40 split folding rear seat, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Traction control is included on 2WD models. AWD Limiteds offer an optional antiskid system. Front side airbags are standard on both; curtain side airbags are unavailable. DVD entertainment is optional.

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 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

News

No immediate major changes loom for Endeavor. Mitsubishi has lately lost big money, especially in the U.S., where its reputation is as badly damaged as its sales prospects. The automaker is therefore focusing on the redesigned Outlander crossover, Lancer compact car and other upcoming models, praying they'll work a turnaround. That said, an Endeavor Ralliart with sporty cosmetics and upgraded suspension is possible in the next year or two.

2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	5

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 LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
4	3	3.8

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

Ride Quality

2WD LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5.4

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 LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	4.1

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. Good stopping power, but brake-pedal stroke longer than ideal.

Quietness

2WD LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	5.2

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

Controls

2WD LS	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. Limited has 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. Limited has richer cloth. Limited's optional leather feels upscale.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Step-in height moderate, so easy ingress/egress. 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 LS	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 LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
9	9	8.3

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 LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	5.7

Endeavor presents bold styling, pleasant driving manners, and a roomy interior. It is discounted more than such rivals as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander. That recognizes the stronger overall appeal of those competitors, but also reflects Mitsubishi's troubled image, lower-rung customer-satisfaction scores, and mediocre resale values.

Total Score

2WD LS	AWD Limited	Class Average
59	59	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66

2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/17/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD LS 4-door wagon	$26,599	$25,079	$595

AWD LS 4-door wagon	$27,999	$26,395	$595

2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$30,799	$29,025	$595

AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$32,299	$30,434	$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

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 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/MP3 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

Full-size spare tire, 235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.

Limited adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate controls w/rear controls, 6-way power driver seat, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering-wheel radio controls, outside-temperature indicator, compass, trip computer, cargo cover.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Polished alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Road Trip Pkg.
LS	$2,000	$1,744
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering-wheel radio controls, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, cargo cover and net, alarm.

Leather Plus Pkg.
Limited	$1,400	$1,220
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, leather shift knob.

Protection Pkg.
AWD Limited	$485	$422
Antiskid system, cargo tray, all-weather floormats, side steps, wheel locks. Requires Leather Pkg.

Safety
Antiskid system
AWD Limited	$995	$868
Includes traction control. Requires Leather Plus Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Limited	$1,200	$1,047
Requires Leather-Plus Pkg., sunroof delete.

Power sunroof delete
Limited (credit)	$-900	$-785
Requires Leather Plus Pkg., rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mitsubishi Endeavor 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.3

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

< 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor Photos

Also in the 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor Review:

Mitsubishi Endeavor

Mitsubishi Endeavor Road Test

Mitsubishi Endeavor Prices & Equipment

Mitsubishi Endeavor Specs & Safety

Mitsubishi Endeavor Photos

Mitsubishi Endeavor Full Review

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