2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Review

All 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavors have a 3.8L V6 engine that makes 225 horsepower and a respectable 255 pound-feet of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine is tuned for strong response and torque at low engine speeds, good for towing and hauling and quiet operation, and the transmission has a Sportronic mode that allows manual gear selection.

Two different models are offered, the LS and the especially luxurious SE. On either model there's a choice between front-wheel drive and a road-oriented, full-time all-wheel drive system, which normally routes power 50/50 between the front and back wheels but can momentarily, upon wheel slip, send power to the wheels with the best traction. The traction-control system functions as a limited-slip differential in especially slippery conditions by helping to prevent wheel spin.

Active Stability and Traction Control, a form of electronic stability control, gathers input from several sensors to help prevent the loss of control, either on slippery roads or with sudden accident-avoidance maneuvers. It's standard, along with anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags.

The Endeavor has uni-body construction, along with a low-mounted multi-link rear suspension design that allows a smooth ride and carlike handling. Handling is further enhanced, and road noise reduced, with the use of hydroformed crossmembers underneath.

Inside, there's seating for five and a generous 38.5 inches of rear legroom, with a slightly elevated seating position in back. The cargo area has a very wide, flat cargo floor, large enough for a four-foot wide sheet of plywood, and on SE models the glass window can be opened separately from the hatch. The 60/40-split rear seat folds forward to expand the cargo space from about 41 cubic feet to more than 76 cubic feet. Tubular roof rails are standard on all models.

LS models come quite well equipped, with air conditioning, rear heater ducts, cruise control, steering-wheel controls, keyless entry, and a six-speaker, MP3-compatible CD audio system. SE models upgrade to heated front seats, heated side mirrors, a multi-information display, body-colored mirrors and door handles, a flashier machined alloy wheel design, Sirius satellite radio, and a 360-watt Rockford Acoustic Design audio system with six-disc changer. A navigation system is among the available major options.
All 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor models now get the active stability and traction control system, Mitsubishi's electronic stability control, and Sirius satellite radio, including six months of prepaid service, is now included in the Endeavor SE model.

A new two-tone interior-with Suki Beige seating and black side bolsters-is optional on the SE, while three new exterior colors are offered throughout the model line for 2008. see less