TheCarConnection.com's SUV experts have combed the latest reviews of the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor to bring you the facts and thoughtful opinions. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven recent editions of the Mitsubishi Endeavor, to provide you a clear opinion on this SUV and to compare the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor with other vehicles in its class.
Likes
Standard V-6 power
Roomy interior
Good warranty
Dislikes
No third-row seat
Design is getting old
Doesn't stand out from crowd
Back in 2002, Mitsubishi created a roomy mid-size crossover SUV called the Endeavor. It has received continuous improvements, with the last significant changes happening in 2006. The original SUV's styling became less forced with the most recent makeover, but this vehicle has never been exceptionally popular. Editors from TheCarConnection.com agree that while the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a good crossover-type SUV, it's not a great one.
The basic 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor package includes a 225-horsepower 3.8-liter SOHC V-6 engine that requires regular-grade fuel. A four-speed automatic is also standard. In today's market, this powertrain is merely capable. Many competitors, including the popular Toyota Highlander, feature more powerful standard V-6 engines that send power to transmissions with more gears and, therefore, deliver better acceleration with modest improvements in fuel economy.
All of the equipment you expect to be standard on the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is present, including Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) systems. All Endeavor models also come equipped with dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and rollover-sensing side curtain airbags, plus anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Endeavor's available all-wheel-drive system divides power evenly front to rear, adjusting the distribution in response to wheel spin.
While the above list is complete, the 2008 Endeavor is hardly the only vehicle in this class to offer those features. Frankly, these features are required just to be competitive. But it's good to be competitive.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is available in two trim levels: the LS and the better-equipped SE (with standard leather seats and other premium features). For Mitsubishi, 2008 is the year the company positions the SE to challenge near-luxury brand mid-size SUVs on a feature-by-feature level, but at a lower price point. It sounds like Mitsubishi is learning from the Korean manufacturers in terms of offering great value to get noticed in the market.
One of the Endeavor SE's most appealing features is the standard 360-watt Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system featuring steering wheel audio controls, plus Sirius Satellite Radio with a six-month pre-paid service subscription. With this feature, it's easy to rock on down the highway.
On the road, the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is quiet and capable, but not a standout performer. All seating positions offer good comfort, and the cargo area can handle loads up to 4 feet wide. Cargo capacity is 76.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, 40.7 cubic feet with the seatbacks are up.
As part of Mitsubishi's value story, the 2008 Endeavor is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty.
The Bottom Line: The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a mid-pack performer in the crowded SUV/crossover class.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor, also consider:
Chevrolet Equinox
Suzuki XL7
Saturn Outlook
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Journey
Reason why
The mid-size SUV market is so rich with choice that there are easily two dozen vehicles you could compare to the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor. The Chevrolet Equinox and the Suzuki XL7 share many components, and both are value priced. Based on recent experiences with the Equinox, we'd only recommend it with the new 3.6-liter engine, and even then, we don't endorse it strongly. However, the bigger XL7 represents a very good value in a package that's about the same size as the Outlander.
If you're looking for something larger, consider the big Saturn Outlook. While it has shortcomings, its huge interior helps it makes lots of friends.
Honda and Toyota build some of the most popular vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment. The Pilot (new for 2009 and already on sale) and the Highlander (completely redesigned for 2008) are both excellent vehicles that benefit from more advanced engineering.
Another rookie worth considering is Dodge's Journey. The all-new 2009 Journey is taking aim at every target in the mid-size SUV market, and its overtly crossover style may attract a lot of lookers.
Buying Tip
The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor isn't a class leader in sales, and that means it's easier to make a deal at the showroom. Since you'll save money versus a more expensive Honda or Toyota, go ahead and tick off the option box for the high-powered audio system; it makes the Endeavor a little more special.
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