Home » Car Reviews » Mitsubishi » Endeavor » 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
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Vehicle Exterior
Endeavor's exterior styling is based on Mitsubishi's SSU concept car from a few years back. It features a large, split, front grill with a very large company logo on it -- not very attractive. The lines of the grill's split continue up and across the hood forming a trianglae. Large rectangular headlights are mated to highly arched front wheel wells. The backend has a large tailgate with a hinged rear window. This is convenient when stowing something in the cargo area and there isn't enough space to open the tailgate. The hinged window is also great for getting smaller things in and out of the cargo area, or when long items demand extra space.
The styling is one of the best offered by Mitsubishi. The rear three quarter view is particularly attractive. It is far more contemporary looking than the Montero Sport, and significantly less "science fiction, other-worldly" than the Montero. Mitsubishi wanted Endeavor to look as if it belonged in the same category as the BMW x5 and Mercedes-Benz M Class., lloking less like its Japanese competitors and more like a European product.
The split grill, introduced on Outlander, is now part of the Mitsubishi design DNA. It will also be on the new Galant. Unfortunately that is the least attractive componet of Mitsubishi's design. It is bulbous and heavy. It looks more like a battering ram, or cow catcher, than the strong design element Mitsubishi claims it is. This design faux pas aside, if you choose to purchase an Endeavor you will be able to park near Mercedes and BMWs, and not feel like the poor kid on the block.
Vehicle Interior
The instrument cluster is clean and easy to see. There are three interlocking gauges in the cluster. On the right is a large analog tachometer. The left contains the fuel, water temperature and transmission position gauges. There is a large analog speedometer in the center.
The large center stack has a metallic finish. It looks out of place. Everywhere else inside the vehicle the surfaces are smooth and attractive. Mitsubishi has a habit of putting at least one unnecessary and out-of-place design cue in the interior and exterior of almost every vehicle they make.
The controls in the center stack are in the right places, and easy to find. At the top is a screen displaying information for the entertainment system, climate controls and clock. Below are the switches for the entertainment system. Underneath, where they should be, are the controls for the climate control system. There are also two large cup holders, big enough for water bottles.
The seats are very comfortable. They fit right and don't cut off circulation. We drove for hours on rural Louisiana roads and were relaxed and rested when we finished the test drive. Opt for the leather seating surfaces. They are easier to clean, more comfortable and very attractive.
