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2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Review
The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor gets a standard antiskid system on all models. This midsize crossover seats five and comes in LS and SE trims. Both versions are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 225-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Previously standard only on AWD Endeavors, the antiskid system is now standard on all models. Other available safety features include ABS, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.



News
Endeavor stands to be overshadowed by Mitsubishi's redesigned Outlander SUV, which seats up to seven, not just five, and promises better fuel economy. Given that, we'd look for Endeavor to be recast as a "driver's" crossover a la BMW X3. That suggests a Ralliart version in the near future with racy cosmetics and upgraded suspension. A recent concept supports that idea, but cash-short Mitsubishi might not be able to afford it.

Mitsubishi is now fighting for its life in the U.S. market, where its reputation is as badly damaged as its sales prospects. Assuming it works a turnaround in the next few years, Endeavor would be redesigned around model-year 2011, sources say, though production might shift from Illinois to an overseas facility.
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2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Visibility
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
5 5 5.5

Strong off the line--an AWD SE did 8.4 seconds 0-60 mph in Consumer Guide testing. Good midrange response requires a heavy throttle foot to get a downshift from the smooth-acting transmission, making its manual-shift feature useful on congested freeways and in hilly terrain.
Fuel Economy

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
3 3 3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Endeavors averaged 11.0-16.8 mpg, depending on driving conditions. No opportunity to measure with a 2WD model. Mitsubishi recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
6 6 5.5

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

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
5 5 4.4

Not quite car-like, but Endeavor is pleasant with moderate cornering lean and good highway stability. This crossover is subject to some wander in gusty crosswinds. Steering feel is precise, but feels too light as speed rises. Good stopping control, but the brake pedal travel is longer than ideal.
Quietness

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
5 5 5.4

The front pillar area is subject to noticeable wind rush at highway speeds. Engine and road noise are nicely hushed.
Controls

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
6 6 6.3

A strong point. The gauges are easy to read. Audio and climate controls are large, clearly marked, and easy to reach. SE has a dashtop audio/compass/climate display separate from actual controls; it can be hard to read in some light conditions. Smooth, precise switchgear and trendy blue dashboard lighting lend a bit of an upscale touch to the cabin.
Details

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
5 6 5.4

Most cabin trim is appropriate for the price, though the LS's seat cloth looks unattractively utilitarian. The SE's leather upholstery feels more upscale. We've not evaluated an Endeavor with the navigation system.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
7 7 7.1

Step-in height is moderate, so entry and exit are easy. Generous headroom, but tall folks might wish for more legroom. Cloth seats are generously padded; leather almost coddles. Visibility to the sides and rear are hurt by wide roof pillars, but large outside mirrors partly compensate.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
7 7 6.1

Ample head, leg, toe space, even with the front seats well aft. Three adults fit with some squeezing. The seatbacks recline. The cushion is slightly soft for best support, but comfortably chair-height. Large door openings make for easy entry and exit.
Cargo Room

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
9 9 8.6

Opening tailgate glass is handy, but the load deck is relatively high. Rear seatbacks fold with a single motion and sit nearly flat with the floor, even with the headrests in place. The spare-tire well and a sidewall net store small items. Ample interior storage is highlighted by plenty of tie-down hooks, cabin bins, a large console, and glovebox.
Value within Class

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
5 5 5.8

Endeavor's strengths are its pleasant driving manners and roomy interior. It's also discounted more than such rivals as the Honda Pilot, Saturn Outlook, 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. Note also that Mitsubishi's own Outlander is a newer design that rivals Endeavor for size and power at a potentially lower cost.
Total Score

2WD LS AWD SE Class Average
63 64 63.7
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
53
Average Score
63
High Score
76
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2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/16/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD LS 4-door wagon $27,599 $26,612 $650
AWD LS 4-door wagon $29,099 $27,426 $650
2WD SE 4-door wagon $27,599 $26,012 $650
AWD SE 4-door wagon $29,099 $27,426 $650
Price note: SE requires Special Edition Extra Value Pkg.
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/SE
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, 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.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Special Edition Extra Value Pkg. P7
SE
$1,800
$1,575
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, color-keyed and heated power mirrors, Rockford Acoustic Design AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, cargo area power outlet, flip-up liftgate glass, transmission oil cooler.
Special Edition Extra Value Pkg. P4
SE
$3,000
$2,625
Special Edition Extra Value Pkg. P7 plus power sunroof, cargo cover, fog lights.
Special Edition Extra Value Pkg. P3
SE
$4,300
$3,763
Special Edition Extra Value Pkg. P4 plus navigation system.
Appearance Pkg.
LS/SE
$656
$395
Cargo tray, side steps, rear mudguards.
Tow Pkg.
LS/SE
$487
$249
Trailer hitch, wiring harness.
Deluxe Tow Pkg.
LS/SE
$658
$396
Cargo tray, rear mudguards, trailer hitch, wiring harness.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cargo cover
LS/SE
$84
$61
Rubber floormats
LS/SE
$98
$68
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
LS/SE
$130
$92
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2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mitsubishi Endeavor 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 108.3
Overall Length, in. 190.8
Overall Width, in. 73.6
Overall Height, in. 67.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 4090
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 15/19
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
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
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