Used 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor

In a sea of car-based, crossover sport-utility vehicles, it’s easy to overlook the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor. Although the Endeavor has been around for a number of years, it is still not on many consumers’ radar. For those not needing rock-climbing off-road ability or the need to tow a big boat, a vehicle like the Mitsubishi Endeavor makes good, practical sense. With room for five and available all-wheel drive, the Endeavor competes with such venerable favorites as the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano and GMC Terrain. However, it’s the Mitsubishi Endeavor’s long list of standard features and competitive price that will probably motivate most consumers to give this sporty crossover a second look.

In our few days spent behind the wheel of the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor, we found the vehicle delivered good ride quality with steering that was direct and responsive. On long highway stretches, the Endeavor tracked straight and true, and was seemingly impervious to strong crosswinds and buffeting. In city and suburban driving, the car’s modest size translates into easy parking and maneuverability. Thanks to its high seating position and low beltline, drivers of all sizes will find they have a commanding view of the road. Rated at 225 horsepower, the Endeavor’s V6 isn’t as strong as some competitors, nor is it as quiet. We could live with both attributes if the trade-off was great gas mileage, but the Endeavor is rated at a mere 15 miles per gallon in the government’s city driving cycle and 21 miles per gallon in the highway driving test.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor provides plenty of passenger space both front and rear. Fold down the Endeavor’s rear seats and its cargo hold expands to fit any number of items, from bags of mulch to a flat screen TV. The instrument panel is rather pronounced, with a bulging center stack containing the climate and audio controls, flanked by two wing-like vents. Atop the stack is a large LCD graphic display screen that shows various functions and information and, on Endeavor SE, houses the DVD navigation. One particular feature that caught our eye is the small corner window forward of the front door that provides a clear, unobstructed view of pedestrians and other traffic normally blocked by the mirrors and windshield pillar.

While Mitsubishi identifies the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor as a crossover, its sculpted lines and muscular fender flares give it the appearance of a capable SUV. Far from being just another overgrown station wagon, the Endeavor impresses with its good ground clearance, tall roof, and large cargo hold. Clever design elements include a low load-in height at the rear hatch, pedestal-style folding side mirrors, and an integrated roof rack. The base LS trim features color-keyed door handles and mirrors, while the up-level SE gets heated side mirrors.

Rockford Fosgate Audio System
This mild family cruiser gets a little extra kick over its competition, thanks to the
360-watt Rockford Fosgate system.

Handy Power Outlets
You shouldn’t have a problem finding places to plug in your accessories: The Mitsubishi Endeavor features four 12-volt power outlets.

Standard equipment on the base 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS includes a 225-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine connected to a Sportronic Sequential-Shift four-speed automatic transmission. Other standards include remote keyless entry, four 12-volt outlets, remote tailgate release, and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Standard audio is an AM/FM stereo unit with a CD player. The up-level Endeavor SE adds heated outside mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, leather seating, a DVD-based navigation system, a power sunroof, rear backup camera, and a 360-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.

Options for the Endeavor LS and SE trims include a tow package (trailer hitch and wiring harness) and the Appearance Package (rear mud guards, rear cargo tray and black side steps).

The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor offers only one engine choice: a 225-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 that pulls adequately but achieves marginal fuel economy. The engine is teamed to a four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission that features a manual shift mode good for passing or engine braking when descending steep grades.

3.8-liter V6
225 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
255 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (2WD), 15/19 (AWD)