Mitsubishi Endeavor
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.[2]
| Mitsubishi Endeavor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | 2003–2011 |
| Model years | 2004–2011 |
| Assembly | United 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) |
| 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) |
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.[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 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 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 (168 kW) and 255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m) of torque. It received a mild restyle for the 2006 model year.
History
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 2003 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. However, they did produce a 2009 model for fleet customers which shared the exterior appearance with the incoming 2010 model and was 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.[7]
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
- "Mitsubishi Motors Announces "Project America" – First product Is Next Generation SUV", Mitsubishi Motors press release, February 14, 2000
- "Mitsubishi Motors Announces "Project America" -- First product Is Next-Generation SUV" Archived 2006-05-19 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, February 14, 2000
- "2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor", Chuck Schifsky, autoMedia.com
- "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
- Dunlop, Neil (June 13, 2002). "2003 Midsize Crossover SUVs Comparison Test". Edmunds. Archived from the original on 2009-04-25.
- Zachary, Katherine (March 1, 2004). "So Long, Sport - Montero Sport". Ward's AutoWorld. Archived from the original on 2007-01-12.
- 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.
External links
- Mitsubishi Endeavor official page, MitsubishiCars.com