Mitsubishi Endeavor

Mitsubishi Endeavor
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	2002-2011
Model years	2003–2011
Assembly	Normal, Illinois, United States
Designer	Dave O'Connell (2000)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style	5-door sport utility vehicle
Layout	Front engine, front- or four-wheel drive
Platform	Mitsubishi PS platform
Related	Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Galant
Powertrain
Engine	3.8 L 6G75 SOHC 24v V6
Transmission	4-speed semi-auto
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.3 in (2,751 mm)
Length	190.2–190.8 in (4,831–4,846 mm)
Width	73.6 in (1,869 mm)
Height	69.6–70.2 in (1,768–1,783 mm)
Curb weight	3,869–4,167 lb (1,755–1,890 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Montero Sport[1]
Successor	Mitsubishi Outlander Mitsubishi Montero Sport (2011)

The Mitsubishi Endeavor is a mid-size crossover SUV built by Mitsubishi Motors at their manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. 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 to accommodate other export markets.^[2]

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.^[3] 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 semi-automatic transmission and AYC.^[4] When the Endeavor debuted, it used the 6G75 3.8 liter V6 offering 215 hp (160 kW) (improved to 225 hp (168 kW) in 2004) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m), mated to a four-speed semi-automatic transmission with an optional all wheel drive system that splits the torque 50/50 by default. In 2011, the Endeavor again featured a 3.8L V6 but upgraded once more to produce 225 hp and 255 ft. lbs or torque. It received a mild restyle for the 2006 model year.

Despite some reasonably favorable reviews on its release,^[5] the Endeavor's performance in the marketplace failed to meet Mitsubishi's expectations. On its release in March 2002 the company aimed for 80,000 annual sales but achieved only 32,054 by the end of its debut year,^[6] and sales fell every year since.

Mitsubishi did not produce any 2009 Endeavor models for the retail market. They did produce a 2009 model for fleet customers that are turning up as used, off lease vehicles. They share the exterior appearance with the 2010 model, however are equipped with cloth interior, and add bluetooth. For the 2010 model year, the Endeavor gets another facelift, with newer front and rear fascias. The 2010 Endeavor went on sale in June 2009. It only came one way for 2010, lacking the navigation package of the 2008 Limited trim, and only came equipped with leather seating. Also adds hands free bluetooth calling.

On April 25, 2011, it was announced that Endeavor production would end in August 2011.^[7]

• 

  2006–2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor

• 

  2009-2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor

Annual production and sales

Year	Production	Sales (USA only)
2002	10	-
2003	48,987	39,181
2004	19,448	20,920
2005	22,403	18,568
2006	18,097	14,043
2007	13,465	10,669
2008	2,316	4,342
2009	5,401	4,057
2010	6,444	4,433
2011	8,607	8,324
2012	-	255

(sources: Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2008, Facts & Figures 2011, Facts & Figures 2013, Mitsubishi Motors website)

References

1. "Mitsubishi Motors Announces "Project America" – First product Is Next Generation SUV", Mitsubishi Motors press release, February 14, 2000
2. "Mitsubishi Motors Announces "Project America" -- First product Is Next Generation SUV", Mitsubishi Motors press release, February 14, 2000
3. "2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor", Chuck Schifsky, autoMedia.com
4. "Mitsubishi SSU Concept Model Unveiled At 1999 Detroit Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 5, 1999
5. "2003 Midsize Crossover SUVs Comparison Test", Neil Dunlop, Edmunds.com, June 13, 2002
6. "So Long, Sport - Montero sport", Katherine Zachary, Ward's AutoWorld, March 1, 2004
7. "Mitsubishi plans to halt U.S. production of 3 models in August - AutoWeek Magazine". Autoweek.com. Retrieved 2011-04-26.

External links

• Mitsubishi Endeavor official page, MitsubishiCars.com