The Mitsubishi Endeavor continues to define the crossover segment, balancing the styling and utility of an SUV with the driving performance and handling of a car. Endeavor is designed for consumers in need of interior space while preferring a car's dynamics with the occasional inspiration to go "off road." The 2006 Endeavor lineup offers two trim choices: an enhanced LS and a value-oriented Limited.
"The Endeavor offers a unique blend of style, roominess, car-like performance and value rarely found in the competitive midsize SUV class," said Rich Gilligan, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). "This vehicle is truly the hallmark of its class - and it's a thrill to drive."
Bolder Exterior, Richer Interior
For 2006, the Endeavor receives a bolder front end accentuated by a new, stylish chrome grille. The front bumper and chin spoiler give a more daring, adventurous appearance and tightly balance the new styling of the rear bumper and the addition of a rear bumper extension. Platinum Pearl is the 2006 addition to Endeavor's palette of exterior color choices.
The interior of the 2006 Endeavor has a much richer and brighter appearance with the addition of beige color trim in the cabin, chrome accents to the instrument panel controls, and a bright silver metallic finish on the inner door levers and accent.
The Endeavor's responsive 3.8-liter V6 engine generates 225 horsepower at 5000 rpm and is designed to produce the majority of its 255 pound-feet of torque at a lower rpm. The Endeavor is available as either front-wheel-drive or as a full-time all-wheel-drive configuration for improved wet weather handling and light-duty off-road capability. Every Endeavor comes equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission featuring a Sportronic(TM) mode that allows the driver to manually engage a desired gear.
Improved Safety Equipment
The Endeavor's standard safety features will satisfy the safety concerns of even the most discriminating SUV buyer. For 2006, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) is standard for all Endeavor trim lines, as is a full-size spare wheel and tire with a towing prep package. Traction control is standard for 2WD models.
A tire pressure monitoring system alerts Endeavor drivers when tire pressure is low - which may help slow tire wear and reduce the potential for a blowout. Other safety standard features include front seat-mounted, side-impact air bags and daytime running lights (DRLs).
The Limited AWD model offers optional Mitsubishi Active Traction and Skid Control (M-ATSC) that senses the onset of traction loss and, in the event of a skid, helps the driver maintain direction through braking and throttle corrections.
More Function And Utility
A successful crossover SUV needs to offer its owner a level of function and capability that far exceeds that of a five-passenger car, and the well-executed Endeavor excels in this capacity. The Endeavor's large doors and ideal ride height facilitate easy entry and exit of five adult passengers, and roomy interior space provides sufficient rear legroom to transport them in comfort. The driver and passenger view the road from an elevated "command position" sitting upon comfortable front seats among the widest in class. The vehicle delivers an exceptionally comfortable ride due to a chassis tuned to handle roads rather than bouncing over them.
The rear suspension incorporates strut-mounting points low enough to provide a large, broad, and flat cargo floor that facilitates loading and unloading of cargo. The easy-to-operate rear tailgate swings upward high enough to clear taller heads and reveals a cargo area that can accommodate a four-foot-wide sheet of plywood or the oversized boxes from the local electronics store. In addition, the curved rear hatch glass can be opened independently of the rear tailgate, perfect for loading smaller items. Functional roof rails are included on all Endeavor trim lines; the Limited includes roof rack crossmembers that facilitate the mounting of accessories such as ski or bike racks.
The 2006 Endeavor also features a standard integrated remote key with a panic button for greater convenience.
Drivetrain And Chassis
The Endeavor is powered by a responsive 3.8-liter, 60-degree SOHC V6 engine that provides brisk acceleration, efficient fuel economy and a broad torque curve. The engine propels the front-drive SUV from zero to 60 mph in under 9.5 seconds (est. for 2WD LS) by producing 225 horsepower at 5000 rpm, with peak torque of 255 pounds-feet at 3750 rpm.
The Endeavor features a complex four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic(TM) shifting and adaptive shift control. All-wheel drive equipped Endeavors rely on a transfer case that combines a bevel gear center differential with a viscous coupling to achieve a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels. The transfer case includes a fine-pitch hypoid gear that helps reduce noise and differential oil cooler that helps improve the unit's reliability. Final drive ratios are optimized to improve off-the-line acceleration, as well as make the Endeavor well suited for highway performance
Suspension
The Endeavor's graceful, car-like handling is the result of a four-wheel independent suspension that provides superior stability, ride quality. The weight of the Endeavor's suspension is less than a truck-based suspension from a proven up front MacPherson strut design. In addition, a large, rigid cross-member helps control the torsional flexing forces of the front sub-frame, improving suspension performance while also reducing NVH.
The rear suspension utilizes a low-mounted, multi-link configuration with trailing arms that, with its reduced protrusion into the rear cargo bay, helps increase the rear cargo carrying capacity. Hydroformed crossmembers also help reduce road noise and improve suspension performance by reinforcing the rear suspension mounting points to reduce flex.
The Endeavor has a proven power rack-and-pinion steering system that provides the feeling and responsiveness of a passenger car. Utilizing effort multiplication, the system makes parking and low-speed maneuvering easy through low speed steering control.
Trim Levels
The 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor is available in four configurations: two trim levels (LS and Limited) available in either front-wheel or full-time all-wheel-drive. The trim levels cover a wide range of standard features and also offer the most popular optional equipment combinations including leather trim, premium Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) audio and rear seat DVD entertainment system. For 2006, the Endeavor adds MP3 playback capability to every CD system as a standard feature.
The comprehensively equipped base model, Endeavor LS, includes all the expected amenities such as air conditioning, power accessories, AM/FM/CD audio system and very roomy center console storage. Other standard features include front air bags and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof rails and a color-keyed stone guard, as well as a 60/40 rear folding seat, driver's-side vanity mirror and four accessory outlets. The LS model is visually distinguished by its 17-inch, five-spoke cast aluminum wheels. The rugged and sporty Endeavor LS represents a tremendous midsize SUV value, providing drivers with superior driving dynamics and cargo flexibility at an attractive price. Optional equipment for the LS includes the new road trip package with a rear DVD-video entertainment system with two wireless headphones and remote control, a Mitsubishi/Infiniti(R) AM/FM/CD premium audio system with six-disc changer and steering wheel audio controls, a color dot-matrix center information display with drive computer, compass, outdoor temperature and maintenance recorder, anti-theft alarm system, cargo cover net, and a sport-touch steering wheel.
The Endeavor Limited adds more standard equipment, including premium fabric seats, a power driver's seat, auto air conditioning with rear passenger A/C controller and blower, fog lamps, a seven-speaker, 315-watt Mitsubishi/Infiniti(R) AM/FM/CD premium audio system with six-disc changer and steering wheel audio controls, and a color dot-matrix center information display with drive computer, compass, outdoor temperature and maintenance recorder. Roof rack crossbeams and cargo area cover are also on the long list of the Limited's standard equipment.
The Endeavor Limited offers a large sliding power sunroof or a rear DVD-video entertainment system with two wireless headphones and a remote control as options. The Limited's leather package option includes leather seating surfaces, leather door trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and heated front seats and outer mirrors.
Warranty And Manufacturing
All Endeavor models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, one of the most advanced car-building facilities in the world. The facility also produces Galant, Eclipse, and Spyder.
Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles are backed by a comprehensive new vehicle limited warranty that covers the vehicle from bumper to bumper for five years/60,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. The program also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for five years/unlimited miles.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 570 dealers.
# # #
