The Mitsubishi Endeavor is a mid-size crossover SUV built at Mitsubishi’s plant in Normal, Illinois from 2003 to 2011. It was the first vehicle of Project America, a programme aimed at vehicles designed for North America without compromises for other markets, and its sales never came close to the company’s target.
Mitsubishi Endeavor at a glance
| Maker | Mitsubishi Motors, Normal, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Production | 2003–2011 |
| Platform | PS |
| Programme | Project America |
| Design origin | Mitsubishi SSU concept, 1999 |
| Engine | 6G75 3.8-litre V6, 215 hp |
| Power after 2004.5 update | 225 hp, 255 lb-ft |
| Gearbox | four-speed automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive, optional all-wheel drive with 50/50 split |
| First-year target | 80,000 |
| Sold in first year | 32,054 |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Mitsubishi Endeavor.
History of the Mitsubishi Endeavor
A concept with different parts
The Endeavor’s design can be traced to the Mitsubishi SSU shown at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, although the production car did not share the concept’s mechanical underpinnings. The prototype used a 305 hp version of the 6A13TT 2.5-litre twin-turbo V6 driving all four wheels through an INVECS-II five-speed automatic and AYC.
When the Endeavor went on sale in March 2003 it had the 6G75 3.8-litre V6 with 215 hp and 250 lb-ft, a four-speed automatic and an optional all-wheel-drive system that split torque 50/50 by default. It was the first vehicle built under Project America, which aimed to introduce vehicles for North America without having to compromise for, or accommodate, global markets.
Updates and facelifts
In April 2004 a mid-year upgrade made daytime running lamps, dual-stage front airbags with occupant sensors and a tyre-pressure monitor standard. Some versions, such as the XLS, gained side impact airbags, and new options included a rear-seat DVD system and traction and stability control. The 2004.5 update raised power to 225 hp and 255 lb-ft. A mild restyle followed for the 2006 model year.
No 2009 Endeavors were built for retail sale, but a fleet-only 2009 model shared the look of the incoming 2010 car and had a cloth interior and Bluetooth. The 2010 model, which went on sale in June 2009, had new front and rear fascias and came in a single trim with leather and hands-free Bluetooth calling, without the navigation package of the 2008 Limited. On 25 April 2011 Mitsubishi announced that Endeavor production would end in August 2011.
Sales that never arrived
Reviews at the launch were reasonably favourable, but the market did not follow. Mitsubishi aimed for 80,000 sales a year and reached only 32,054 by the end of the debut year, with sales falling every year afterwards. The Endeavor therefore stands as an example of a car designed specifically for one market that market did not take to.
Design and features
- Project America: the first model designed specifically for North America.
- 3.8-litre V6: 215 hp at launch, 225 hp after the 2004.5 update.
- Optional all-wheel drive: a 50/50 default torque split.
- Fleet-only 2009: no retail 2009 model was made.
- Single-trim ending: the 2010 car came in one specification.
Mitsubishi Endeavor versions
- Endeavor (2003): 215 hp, front- or all-wheel drive.
- 2004.5 update: 225 hp and more standard equipment.
- 2006 restyle: a mild exterior revision.
- 2009 fleet model: cloth interior and Bluetooth, not sold to the public.
- 2010 facelift: new fascias and a single trim level.
The Endeavor was replaced in the range by the Outlander, and its smaller relative was the ASX. More cars are in the Mitsubishi collection.
Sources
- Mitsubishi Endeavor, English Wikipedia: design, engines, updates, sales
