The Mitsubishi Endeavor is a mid-size crossover SUV built by Mitsubishi Motors at their manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois from 2003 until 2011. Based on the PS platform, it was the first vehicle built under Mitsubishi's "Project America", a program aimed at introducing vehicles for North America without having to compromise for, or accommodate, global markets.

Design

Its design origins can be traced back to the Mitsubishi SSU which debuted at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, although the Endeavor does not share the concept's mechanical underpinnings. The prototype was powered by a 305 hp (227 kW) version of the 6A13TT 2.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which directed the power to a full-time all-wheel drive system through its INVECS-II five-speed automatic transmission and AYC. When the Endeavor debuted in March 2003, it used the 6G75 3.8-liter V6 offering 215 hp (160 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m), mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with an optional all-wheel-drive system that splits the torque 50/50 by default.

Despite some reasonably favorable reviews on its release, the Endeavor's performance in the marketplace failed to meet Mitsubishi's expectations. On its release in March 2003 the company aimed for 80,000 annual sales but had achieved only 32,054 by the end of its debut year, and sales fell every year thereafter.

History

In April 2004, the Endeavor received a mid-year upgrade, improving standard equipment which now included daytime running lamps, dual-stage airbags with occupant sensors in front, and a tire-pressure monitor amongst others. Some versions received additional upgrades, such as standard side impact airbags on the XLS, while new options included a rear-seat DVD system and traction and stability control. The 2004.5 update also brought a slight increase in power, up to 225 hp (168 kW) and 255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m). The Endeavor received a mild restyle for the 2006 model year.

Mitsubishi did not produce any 2009 Endeavor models for the retail market. However, they did produce a 2009 model for fleet customers which shared the exterior appearance with the incoming 2010 model and came equipped with cloth interior and Bluetooth. For the 2010 model year, the Endeavor received a facelift, with new front and rear facias. The 2010 Endeavor went on sale in June 2009. It only came in one trim level for 2010, lacking the navigation package of the 2008 Limited trim, but equipped with leather seating and hands-free Bluetooth calling.

On April 25, 2011, it was announced that Endeavor production would end in August 2011.

Annual production and sales

References

External links

• Mitsubishi Endeavor official page, MitsubishiCars.com