www.womenwithwheels.com

2004_ Endeavor Limited AWD 4-door SUV
Some Updates and Additions

Susan Frissell

(Editor’s Note: We test drove the 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor earlier in the year and the review can be found on our site. In the meantime, Mitsubishi introduced a mid-year model with a few upgrades and additional equipment.)

Mitsubishi has updated and added to its new SUV Endeavor mid-year, adding a DVD system with remote control flip down 7-inch ceiling-mounted screen and two wireless headphones.

We had an opportunity to drive the 2004 _ for several days over the highway and on some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful back roads this summer. We found the vehicle to be very compatible, comfortable and easy to handle.

SPECS
MSRP	$32,799; total vehicle price $33, 694; destination $595
Assembled	Normal, IL
Engine	3.8-liter SOHC V6 w/MPI fuel injection
Vehicle class	Special Purpose; 5-passenger
Transmission	4-speed automatic w/overdrive, Sportronic
Tires
Wheels
Wheelbase
Height
Width
Length
Weight
EPA Fuel Economy	17/22 mpg.


Fuel Tank Capacity
Warranty	10-yr/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited; 3-yr/36,000-mile Basic New Vehicle Limited; 7-yr/100,000-mile Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited

For instance, amenities such as a power driver’s seat, height adjustable steering column, and 60/40 split one-touch fold rear seatbacks, all add to a very comfortable vehicle in which to travel. With 17-inch tires, tubular roof rails and integrated fog lights, the Endeavor 2004 1/2 is a pretty complete package. To top it off, Mitsubishi provides a full size spare. Options on our vehicle included the video entertainment system ($1,200), and a $900 discount for the sunroof with this package.

The Charcoal leather interior adds an upscale touch, gave the feel of driving in luxury and are easy to maintain. With a couple of hounds, shedding is expected which makes leather a smart choice. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be maintaining the fabric seating we endured in the "old" days.

Comfort and convenience abounds in the Endeavor, providing many goodies to enjoy, such as the 315-watt Infinity AM/FM/6-CD in-dash changer, seven speaker audio system, power everything, cruise, alarm and keyless entry, auto-off headlights, and oversized front console with armrest and remote audio controls on the steering wheel. We found the oversize console very handy, holding wallets, purses, CDs and the like.

We did notice during a sudden, sharp stop that the antilock braking system seemed spongy and lacking. This surprised us. Not sure if this was an aberration (faulty system), or just how they operate. We decided to give credit to Mitsubishi, figuring it was the former. Other than this one concern, all else seemed satisfying in the 2004 _ Endeavor.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to try out the entertainment system, but hopefully, next time around. More than once, we thought about just sitting in the SUV in the driveway, popping in a DVD and watching the movie right there. On a long trip, though, this would be a welcome feature.