2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor Review

Performance-Oriented CUV Sounds Too Good to be True

Most whove read these pages over the last few years will know that I have a fondness for Mitsubishis Endeavor. I liked it since first setting eyes on it, but not only due to its unorthodox “do it my way” styling, but also because its so amazingly capable at pretty well everything it attempts - on road that is.

For the 2006 model year, Mitsubishi has given the worlds best kept SUV-crossover secret a freshening, in hopes of making it more appealing to the masses. It has certainly lost some of its individuality in the transition, its proud aristocratic body-color nose softened somewhat, given way to what appears to be a flatter, gray protrusion designed to blend in more with the grille openings at each side. Chrome trim now pulls the entire grille design together, embellished with a bold strikethrough broken at center by a large, chrome tri-diamond badge.

Its amazing, really, how these few additions can completely change the look of Mitsubishis flagship CUV, and in so doing make it appear classier, at the expense of its once sporty pretensions. Of course, that sporty character wasnt just skin deep, and for that matter still isnt. Just one drive up the 1-5, including a few high-speed cloverleaf highway ramp entrances and exits jettisoning me onto a half dozen of Portlands ancillary roads was all it took to realize that this updated Endeavor was every bit as athletically inclined as the old 2005 model.

If you remember back to last year, Mitsubishi had loaned our West Coast office a fully-loaded Endeavor Limited for six months, and we lauded it with each bimonthly update. Road trip after road trip, commute after commute, shopping excursions to Ikea to pick up shelving units in its sizable rear cargo area, after trips to the mall, local grocer, recreation center and kids schools, it performed flawlessly, all the while causing my wife Jennifer and I to grow to appreciate it more and more - and we dont often agree on anything automotive. I liked it for its performance-oriented driving dynamics and enticing interior, and Jennifer, for all of the above plus its awesome stereo, which now features MP3 capability, and beyond that its general cool factor.

Cool factor still intact, the 2006 model has had its interior updated somewhat. Actually, comparing the new one to the outgoing model, the new matte-black surfaces, aluminum-look switches, plus chrome-trimmed HVAC buttons and instrument dials, really give it an air of distinction. Like the exterior changes, not much as been done to differentiate the 2006 model from the outgoing Endeavor, but enough so that it appears unique, and once again classier.

The seats seem identical to those in the 2005, which is no bad thing being that they are among the more comfortable in the class, while the CUVs overall ergonomics leave little to be desired. The steering wheel is ideally shaped and sized for sporting yet comfortable operation, while all pedals are easy to reach and modulate for most drivers - the left one now connecting through to standard antilock brakes. The baseball stitched gearlever continues forward, attached to a superb four-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Yes, you heard me right. The one complaint I reiterated countless times during the long-term test, its somewhat antiquated four-speed autobox, still hasnt been remedied by the addition of another forward cog. Good news is on the horizon, however, as a five-speed automatic, derived from that in the Eclipse sports car, is said to be making its way into both the Endeavor and the four-door Galant sedan which shares its underpinnings by model year 2007. With the update, pickup should become even more enthusiastic no matter the situation. Fuel economy, never a big issue with our long-term Endeavor, should also be improved thanks the new transmissions ability to shift lower in the rev range while maintaining similar, if not better straight-line performance.

Word has it the rest of the powertrain will remain the same, including its robust 3.8-liter SOHC, 24-valve, V6, which incidentally makes 225-horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 255 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm - not super-SUV-like but energetic enough for most. The new Endeavor, like this 2006 model and those that came before it, will continue to be made available with front-wheel drive as its standard drive configuration, and all-wheel drive optional. But really, a four-speed automatic is the best Mitsubishi can do at a time when its competitors have come to market with super-slick CVTs and six-speed automatics?

For some, the promise of a new five-speed automatic will be reason enough to wait for a 2007 model, although it seems like there couldnt be a better time to by an Endeavor than now. The Detroit News, after an exhaustive study, reports that it remains on dealers lots among the longest of any vehicle currently being sold in North America. It ranks 13th from the bottom, taking an average of 177 days from the time it arrives in the showroom to when it finally gets purchased. No doubt, during the process it loses much of its markup, giving its new owner a ripe deal for the taking.

And that new owner could be you. Dont let the general publics disinterest sway you; theyre too busy lining up for the similarly priced Buick Rendezvous, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Freestyle. Nothing wrong with these vehicles at all, of course, especially the blue-ribbon and blue-oval variants, but neither drive quite as well as the Endeavor, offer as upscale yet outlandishly styled environment inside, or as pleasing an overall design to the young in heart. For me, the Endeavor is one of the best crossovers available at any price, and should be considered seriously by all who are looking for an accommodating family hauler. The fact that those smart enough to take advantage also benefit from a five-year, 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, just makes it smell all that much sweeter.

All that and exclusivity too? Sounds too good to be true.