Mitsubishi Endeavor

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Mitsubishi Endeavor
2004-2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor -- 03-11-2011.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors
Production2003–2011
Model years 2004–2011
AssemblyUnited States: Normal, Illinois (MMNA)
Designer Dave O'Connell (2000)
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive 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 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.3 in (2,751 mm)
Length190.2–190.8 in (4,831–4,846 mm)
Width73.6 in (1,869 mm)
Height69.6–70.2 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 that was 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. [1]

Contents

Design

Mitsubishi SSU 1999 Concept.jpg
1999 Mitsubishi SSU Concept
2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE AWD, front right, 12-08-2022.jpg
2006–2009 Mitsubishi Endeavor

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. [2] The prototype was powered by a 305 hp (227 kW) version of the 6A13TT 2.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline, which directed the power to a full-time all-wheel drive system through its INVECS-II five-speed automatic transmission and AYC. [3] When the Endeavor debuted in March 2003, it used the 6G75 3.8-liter V6 gasoline produces 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, [4] 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, [5] and sales fell every year thereafter.

History

In April 2004, the Endeavor received a mid-year upgrade, improving standard equipment which included daytime running lamps, dual-stage airbags with occupant sensors in front, and a tire-pressure monitor became standard. 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. [6] 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.[ citation needed ] 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. [7]

2009-2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor -- 05-12-2011.jpg
2009–2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
2009-2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor rear 4.28.18.jpg
Rear view

Annual production and sales

YearProductionSales (USA only)
200210-
200348,98739,181
200419,44820,920
200522,40318,568
200618,09714,043
200713,46510,669
20082,3164,342
20095,4014,057
20106,4444,433
20118,6078,324
2012-255
Sources: [8] [9] [10] [11]

References

  1. 1 2 "Mitsubishi Motors Announces "Project America" – First product Is Next Generation SUV" (Press release). Mitsubishi Motors. February 14, 2000. Archived from the original on 2006-05-19.
  2. Schifsky, Chuck. "2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor". autoMedia.com.
  3. "Mitsubishi SSU Concept Model Unveiled At 1999 Detroit Motor Show" Archived 2006-12-10 at the Wayback Machine , Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 5, 1999
  4. Dunlop, Neil (June 13, 2002). "2003 Midsize Crossover SUVs Comparison Test". Edmunds . Archived from the original on 2009-04-25.
  5. Zachary, Katherine (March 1, 2004). "So Long, Sport - Montero Sport". Ward's AutoWorld . Archived from the original on 2007-01-12.
  6. "Mitsubishi Motors announces pricing on 2004.5 Endeavor" (Press release). Cypress, CA: Mitsubishi Motors. April 16, 2004. Archived from the original on 2024-01-05.
  7. Beene, Ryan (2011-04-25). "Mitsubishi plans to halt U.S. production of 3 models in August". AutoWeek . Crain Communications. Archived from the original on 2011-04-27.
  8. Facts & Figures 2005
  9. Facts & Figures 2008
  10. Facts & Figures 2011
  11. Facts & Figures 2013