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Posted August, 2006

Road Test: 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor

By Kevin S. Lowery

Not long ago, Mitsubishi, like other car manufacturers, realized that not everyone needs a full-size SUV. To be fair, there was an SUV backlash and people were thinking twice. It became apparent that this demographic didn’t want to give up their generous interior space or the occasional need for off-road features. Enter the Endeavor. It’s part of a segment of vehicle whose popularity is gaining momentum called the crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It combines the styling and utility of an SUV with the driving performance and handling of a car.

The exterior of the 2006 Endeavor is virtually unchanged. Except for the front and rear end of the vehicle. Mitsubishi had hoped a redesign would add a sporty edge to the exterior. I don’t get it. I mean, though Endeavor is far from offensive, it’s just not going to set apart the Endeavor from other SUV or SUV-type vehicles.

Under the hood, the it’s powered by a 3.8-liter, 60-degree SOHC V6 engine that propels the car by producing 225 horsepower at 5000 rpm, with peak torque of 255 pounds-feet at 3750 rpm. The Endeavor is available as either FWD or as a full-time AWD configuration. Every vehicle equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission features a Sportronic mode.

On the inside, the Endeavor has a much richer and brighter appearance with the addition of new cabin color trim, instrument panel chrome accented controls and a bright silver metallic finish on the inner door levers. The location of the buttons were intuitive and within easy reach of the driver.

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. It's large doors and ideal ride height make for easy entry and exit of five adult passengers, and roomy interior space provides sufficient rear legroom to transport them in comfort. The driver and passenger view the road from an elevated "command position" sitting upon comfortable front seats among the widest in its class.

For 2006, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) is standard for all trim lines. Also standard is a full-size spare wheel and tire with a towing prep package. But for 2WD models, traction control is standard. The Limited AWD model offers optional Mitsubishi Active Traction and Skid Control (M-ATSC) that in the event of a skid, helps the driver maintain control.

There is more room in the cargo area and now facilitates easy loading and unloading of cargo (that can even include a four-by-four wide sheet of plywood or odd-shaped boxes). In addition, the curved rear hatch glass can be opened independently of the rear tailgate, perfect for loading smaller items. Speaking of loading and hauling, included on all trim lines are roof rack cross-members that facilitate the mounting of accessories such as ski or bike racks.

It’s graceful, car-like handling is the result of a four-wheel independent suspension that provides superior stability and ride quality. The weight of its suspension is lighter than a truck-based suspension due to an up-front MacPherson strut design. In addition, a large, rigid cross-member helps control the torsional flexing, improving suspension performance while also reducing NVH.

The Endeavor’s power rack-and-pinion steering system provides the feeling and responsiveness of a passenger car. The system makes parking and low-speed maneuvering easy through a new low-speed steering control.

The Endeavor is available in four configurations: two trim levels (LS and Limited) available in either front-wheel or full-time all-wheel-drive. The trim levels cover a wide range of standard features and also offer the most popular optional equipment combinations including leather trim, premium Mitsubishi/Infinity audio and rear seat DVD entertainment system. For 2006, the Endeavor adds MP3 playback capability to every CD system as a standard feature.

The base model, Endeavor LS, includes all the expected amenities such as air conditioning, power accessories, AM/FM/CD audio system and very roomy center console storage. Other standard features include front air bags and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof rails and a color-keyed stone guard, as well as a 60/40 rear folding seat, driver's-side vanity mirror and four accessory outlets. The LS model is visually distinguished by its seventeen-inch, five-spoke cast aluminum wheels. The rugged and sporty LS represents a tremendous midsize SUV value, providing drivers with superior driving dynamics and cargo flexibility at an attractive price. Optional equipment for the LS includes the new road trip package with a rear DVD-video entertainment system with two wireless headphones and remote control, a Mitsubishi/Infiniti AM/FM/CD premium audio system with six-disc changer and steering wheel audio controls, a color dot-matrix center information display with drive computer, compass, outdoor temperature and maintenance recorder, anti-theft alarm system, cargo cover net, and a sport-touch steering wheel.

The Limited adds more standard equipment, including premium fabric seats, a power driver's seat, auto air conditioning with rear passenger A/C controller and blower, fog lamps, a seven-speaker, 315-watt Mitsubishi/Infiniti AM/FM/CD premium audio system with six-disc changer and steering wheel audio controls, and a color dot-matrix center information display with drive computer, compass, outdoor temperature and maintenance recorder. Roof rack crossbeams and cargo area cover are also on the long list of standard equipment.

The Limited offers a large sliding power sunroof or a rear DVD-video entertainment system with two wireless headphones and a remote control as options. Its leather package option includes leather seating surfaces, leather door trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and heated front seats and outer mirrors.

All Endeavor models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois right alongside of the Galant, Eclipse, and Spyder.

We drove the onr that was full-tilt, decked out with every option package available. I’m talking about the Endeavor LS AWD. According to the EPA, this model gets 17 mpg City/ 22 mpg highway. So if you’re looking for an improvement in gas mileage over the full-sized SUVs, sorry. Still, with a base price of $27,999 and all the plethora of fancy features you get, you should endeavor to visit your Mitsubishi dealer. R&D