The Mitsubishi Endeavor defines what it means to be a "crossover vehicle" by incorporating the utilitarian design of an SUV with dynamic, car-like performance. Although certainly capable of venturing off the road, the Endeavor SUV lives up to its middle name - utility - on a daily basis by providing interior roominess, excellent dynamic handling, and power on demand. And to satisfy customer demand, the equipment list keeps growing.
"The Endeavor offers owners a well-balanced equation of styling and driving performance not found in several competitive midsize SUVs," said Rich Gilligan, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). "Adding value to that equation, all Mitsubishi cars and trucks are backed by warranties and roadside assistance equaled by none. There's simply no need to worry about reliability when it's guaranteed."
The Mitsubishi Endeavor received an update midway through its first year of production, with 10 extra horsepower, more standard features and more optional equipment: A tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights and dual-stage front airbags became standard on all 2004.5 Endeavors. Advanced anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and traction control became available on all 2WD models. For 2005, more equipment is standard, including front seat-mounted side impact airbags on all Endeavors and an anti-theft system on the XLS trim line.
The Endeavor's responsive 3.8-liter V6 engine now develops 225 horsepower at 5000 rpm; its powerful engine is designed to produce the majority of its 255 pound-feet of torque at lower rpm. The Endeavor is available as either front-wheel-drive or, for improved wet weather handling and light-duty off-road capability, a full-time all-wheel-drive configuration. All Endeavors come equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic(TM) mode that allows drivers to manually engage their desired gear.
More Safety Equipment
Safety is a primary concern with many SUV buyers. All Endeavors feature a tire pressure monitoring system that serves to alert the driver when tire pressure is low - which in turn may help to reduce tire wear as well as reduce the potential for a blowout. Other safety features are front seat-mounted side impact airbags and daytime running lights (DRLs).
Additionally, an improved anti-lock braking system (ABS) that includes electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and traction control (TCL) is optional on the Endeavor LS 2WD and standard on the XLS 2WD and Limited 2WD models. A full-size alloy spare wheel and tire with a towing prep package is standard on Endeavor LS AWD, XLS and Limited (optional on LS 2WD).
Mitsubishi Active Traction and Skid Control (M-ATSC) is optional on the Limited AWD model. The system senses the onset of traction loss and, in the event of a skid, helps the driver maintain direction through braking and throttle corrections.
Function and Utility
A successful crossover SUV needs to offer its owner a level of function and capability that far exceeds that of a five-passenger car, and the Endeavor excels in this capacity with a very well thought out execution. The Endeavor's large doors and ideal ride height facilitate the easy entry and exit of five adult passengers. Roomy interior space provides sufficient rear legroom to transport these occupants in comfort. The driver and passenger view the road from an elevated "command position" sitting upon comfortable front seats among the widest in class. Ride comfort is exceptional due to a chassis tuned for handling roads rather than bouncing over them.
The rear suspension incorporates strut-mounting points low enough to provide a large, broad, and flat cargo floor that facilitates loading and unloading of cargo. The easy-to-operate rear tailgate swings upward high enough to clear taller heads and reveals a cargo area that can accommodate a four-foot-wide sheet of plywood or the oversized boxes from the local electronics store. In addition, the curved rear hatch glass can be opened independently of the rear tailgate, perfect for loading smaller items. Functional roof rails are included on all Endeavor trim lines; the XLS and Limited include roof rack crossmembers that facilitate the mounting of accessories such as ski or bike racks.
Trim Levels
The 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor is available in any of six configurations; each of the three trim levels (LS, XLS, and Limited) is available in either front-wheel or full-time all-wheel-drive versions. The trim levels cover a wide range of standard features and also offer the most popular optional equipment combinations including leather trim, Infinity audio or rear seat entertainment.
The comprehensively equipped base model, Endeavor LS, includes front airbags and front seat-mounted side impact airbags, roof rails and a color-keyed stone guard, as well as a 60/40 rear folding seat, driver's-side vanity mirror and a total of four accessory outlets. The LS model is visually distinguished by its functional black bumper garnish. The rugged and sporty Endeavor LS represents a tremendous midsize SUV value, providing drivers with superior excellent driving dynamics and cargo flexibility at an attractive price. Optional equipment for the LS 2WD (standard on AWD) includes a towing package with a full-size spare tire mounted to an alloy wheel and pre-wiring for a dealer-installed tow hitch and harness.
The Endeavor XLS adds more standard equipment: premium fabric seats, a driver's power seat, an improved seven-speaker, 315-watt, AM/FM/CD premium audio system with steering wheel mounted controls and a six-CD changer, center console's color display with ambient temperature and compass, roof rack crossbeams and cargo area tonneau cover.
The XLS model is distinct among Endeavor models with its chrome bumper caps. The Endeavor XLS offers a choice of two options: a large sliding power sunroof or rear Video Entertainment System, which includes a roof-mounted DVD player and two sets of wireless headphones.
At the top of the trim lineup is the fully equipped Endeavor Limited. Leather seating surfaces, leather door trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power sunroof, rear passenger A/C controller and blower and fog lamps are on a long list of the Limited's standard equipment. The Endeavor Limited also is equipped with color-keyed bumper garnish at the front and rear of the vehicle. The optional DVD entertainment system replaces the standard sunroof when installed
Mitsubishi SUV Family
As the latest SUV in Mitsubishi's North American lineup, the Endeavor sits between the entry-level, crossover Outlander and the supremely capable, technological flagship Montero. Given its size, sophistication, appointments, configurations and price, the Endeavor is positioned to attract SUV buyers who are looking for more interior room than an Outlander, yet don't necessarily require the off-road performance of the Montero.
The Endeavor offers drivers a refined car-based chassis that exhibits stable, predictable road manners when navigating through the urban environments where SUVs spend the majority of their time.
Source: Mitsubishi
