Few products are engineered in Japan, styled in Southern California and built in Downstate Illinois. But the
2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor sport-utility vehicle is precisely such a product.
Is it 2004 already? It is, as far as the bold-looking Endeavor is concerned because it's an "early 2004'' sport-ute. Early, indeed, because the 2004 model year doesn't officially begin until Oct. 1.
The bold-looking, five-passenger Endeavor is designed expressly for the North American market, which is why it was styled in California. The interior has sculpted forms, metallic-finish surfaces and ice-blue lighting for a "cool'' interior designed to appeal to the many young American prospects for this vehicle.
Mitsubishi has an unusually large number of young American customers, and the Endeavor is part of its "Project America,'' which is its plan to develop and make its core products in this country.
The four-door, five-passenger Endeavor gracefully slides into the Mitsubishi sport-ute line between the new car-based compact Outlander and fairly large, truck-like Montero and Montero Sport.
Like most car-based sport-utes, all Endeavors offer either front- or all-wheel drive with no low-range gearing for tough off-road motoring.
There is only a partial price list for the base LS, mid-range XLS and top-line Limited (LTD) Endeavor models because they don't go on sale until March. The front-drive Endeavor LS will cost $25,597, while the Limited all-wheel-drive model will list at approximately $32,000. The all-wheel-drive Endeavor LS I tested will have a base price of $27,597.
Built at Mitsubishi's Downstate Normal plant, the Endeavor is a car-based "crossover'' vehicle, not a truck-based sport-ute. That's because it's the first Mitsubishi to be put on a new platform--also to be used by the automaker's upcoming Galant sedan and Eclipse sporty cars.
That platform should be good news for the increasing number of people who want a mid-size sport-ute with more carlike ride and handling than delivered by truck-based, mid-size sport-utility vehicles. For instance, the Montero definitely rides like a truck, while the Endeavor rides much like a car.
Many such folks also want better fuel economy than provided by truck-based sport-utes. The Endeavor has higher fuel economy than many SUVs, but is no fuel-miser. It delivers an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with front-drive and 17 and 21 with all-wheel drive.
The numbers would be higher if the Endeavor didn't weigh about 4,000 pounds or use a version of the potent 3.8-liter V-6 from the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
The upside is that the 215-horsepower V-6 provides strong acceleration during both in-town and highway driving. The overhead-camshaft, 24-valve engine is rather noisy when pushed and calls for premium fuel. But the V-6 quietly loafs at 2,400 rpm at 65 mph, and a 21.4-gallon fuel tank allows a good driving range.
A 100-mile trip that mainly consisted of highway travel that I guessed would use nearly half a tank of gasoline used less than a quarter of a tank.
The engine works with a smooth, responsive four-speed automatic transmission, which easily can be shifted manually with the console-mounted gear lever.
A fully independent suspension provides a supple ride, although occupants still can feel road imperfections such as prominent tar strips.
The steering is quick, and handling is quite good--thanks to a stiff chassis, large 17-inch wheels and a wide-track stance reminiscent of the BMW X5's. Pop the hood and you'll see a plastic engine intake manifold, which reduces the engine's center of gravity.
The brake pedal feels good, and stopping distances with the all-disc-brake setup are short. Anti-lock brakes are standard on the LS and XLS all-wheel-drive models and on all Limited models.
An anti-skid and traction control system is optional for the Limited, and front side torso air bags are optional for the XLS and standard on the Limited.
Even the front-drive LS has a decent amount of equipment, including air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, remote keyless entry, power windows and nicely sized mirrors. There's also a split/folding rear seat that flips forward to enlarge the impressive cargo area. The XLS has such things as a better sound system, and the Limited's standard equipment includes leather upholstery.
Large, nicely shaped door handles are easily gripped. The front seats are supportive, but rather firm. There is no third-row seat because Mitsubishi decided to give tall second-row occupants lots of legroom instead of jamming in a tight third-seat area. However, rear door openings are rather narrow.
The white-on-black instrumentation is easily read, and stylish radio and climate controls are delightfully oversized. Audio system settings often are hard to see because they're on a small center LCD dashboard screen.
Cupholders are conveniently put at the front of the console, which has two 12-volt/120-watt power outlets on the front of it and one on the back. The glovebox and center console bin are deep, and front doors have storage pockets.
The solid Endeavor is the best sport-utility Mitsubishi has come up with. It's stylish, fast, roomy, refined and fun to drive.
2004 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR
Price:
$25,597-about $33,000
Likes:
Carlike. Roomy. Supple ride. Comfortable in the fast lane.
Dislikes:
Engine rather noisy during hard acceleration. Narrow rear doorways.