Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has made its Endeavor model an even more compelling choice in the mid-size crossover SUV segment by equipping all models with standard rollover-sensing curtain side air bags and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Endeavor all-wheel drive models in addition gain the advanced Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC) system as standard equipment for even better all-weather driving stability and safety.
In addition to enhancing the Endeavor's safety technology, Mitsubishi has re-aligned the Endeavor model line to provide even better customer value - including making a navigation system available for the first time. Building on the styling revisions of the 2006 model year, the 2007 Endeavor's trim level offerings have been revised to offer richer content and greater value with the launch of the Special Edition (SE) Value Package.
"The Endeavor crossover SUV is an attractive choice for family buyers and those concerned about safety given that the vehicle has already received some of the industry's highest safety ratings," said Dan Kuhnert, senior vice president of sales and fixed operations of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). The Endeavor has achieved five-star ratings for frontal (driver) and side impact (front and rear seat) crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded Endeavor its highest ranking - "Good" overall - in its frontal offset crash test.
The sporty Endeavor combines driving dynamics superior to truck-type SUVs, along with impressive comfort, room and flexibility. Endeavor provides ample power and all-weather traction capability, whether in standard front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, to handle the hazards of rough weather and some off-pavement driving. The core engineering that makes Endeavor enjoyable to drive reflects Mitsubishi's renowned motorsports expertise. In 2006, Mitsubishi scored its sixth consecutive win in the Paris-to-Dakar off-road endurance race in a special competition-built SUV.
New SE Model in Three Versions
The Endeavor entry model for 2007 remains the well-equipped LS. New for 2007, the Endeavor SE Value Package builds upon the generous LS feature content and is in addition offered in SE with Sunroof Package and SE with Sunroof Package and Navigation System configurations.
All Endeavor SE models come with standard leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and side mirrors and a power driver's seat. The SE models will delight music buffs with the standard new 360-watt Rockford Acoustic Design(TM) premium audio system featuring steering wheel audio controls, plus SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, with a pre-paid six-month service subscription. For added convenience, SE models also get a standard multi-information display integrating readouts for a compass, outside temperature, a trip computer and maintenance recorder. This feature also provides an interface that allows customizing settings for many of the vehicle's interior functions.
Externally, Endeavor shows off styling detail refinements for 2007, including color-keyed bumpers on the LS model, and chrome grille trim, color-keyed door handles, side mirrors and rear license plate garnish on SE models. Inside - again building on the extensive enhancements made for the 2006 model year - the Endeavor LS model gains premium seat fabric, and all models feature redesigned door panels.
Agility, Space and Safety
Endeavor's 108.3-inch wheelbase contributes to a spacious rear seat area, featuring a generous 38.5 inches of legroom. The Endeavor's large doors and ideal ride height facilitate easy entry and exit. The driver and front passenger benefit from an elevated command seating position, and front seats are among the widest in the segment. Endeavor's unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension ensure a comfortable, quiet ride and confident handling.
The low-mounted, multi-link rear suspension reduces protrusion into the rear cargo area. Hydroformed crossmembers help minimize road noise and improve suspension performance by reinforcing the rear suspension mounting points to reduce flex. Standard 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels mount 235/65 R17 all-season tires.
All Endeavor models come equipped with an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags. All models include as standard an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
Power and Traction for All Conditions
The Endeavor's 3.8-liter, SOHC V-6 engine generates 225 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 255 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,750 rpm. With abundant torque available at lower engine speeds, Endeavor yields responsive yet relaxed performance, along with quiet powertrain operation. The standard four-speed automatic transmission features a Sportronic(R) mode that allows the driver to control gear shifting manually when desired.
Endeavor is available in front-wheel-drive or full-time all-wheel-drive configurations for improved wet weather handling and light-duty off-road capability. The standard traction control system (TCL) on all Endeavor models provides a "virtual" limited-slip differential effect by helping to prevent wheel spin during start up and acceleration in slippery conditions.
In the all-wheel drive Endeavor models, a transfer case combines a bevel-gear center differential with a viscous coupling to provide a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels. This full-time automatic system provides optimal grip on all road surfaces, and in all weather. Wheel slippage at either set of wheels causes the viscous coupling to transfer more power to the opposite set. The combination of all-wheel drive with ASTC gives Endeavor an especially useful traction advantage in slippery driving conditions.
The advanced ASTC system in the all-wheel drive Endeavor models helps to keep the vehicle traveling in the driver's intended direction by helping to prevent side slipping (spin and side drift) as a result of sudden steering wheel operation or on slippery roads. The system takes data input from a number of sensors, including steering angle, individual wheel speed and yaw, as well as from the powertrain electronic control unit (ECU). If the onboard sensors detect side-slip, ASTC helps the driver maintain direction through braking and throttle corrections.
Room for the Family - and Their Stuff
Endeavor was designed to handle families or outdoors enthusiasts with equal ease. The rear tailgate swings upward to reveal a versatile cargo area that can accommodate a four-foot-wide sheet of plywood or very large packages. The curved rear hatch glass can be opened independently of the rear tailgate. With the 60/40 split rear folding seatbacks folded, Endeavor offers 76.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity, with 40.7 cu. ft. available when all seatbacks are up.
The roomy front center console provides additional storage, and all Endeavor models come equipped with four 12v power outlets (three in cabin and one in cargo area). Standard roof rails are included on all Endeavor trim lines, and crossbars are available as an accessory.
Outstanding Value
The Endeavor LS is one of the most comprehensively equipped models in the segment, featuring as standard: air conditioning with rear heater ducts; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power windows with driver's auto-down; power mirrors and door locks; 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability and six speakers; keyless entry with integrated remote key; tubular roof rails, a color-keyed stone guard. Details such as the standard front mudguards, auto-off headlights, front floormats, rear seat center armrest and multiple folding assist grips are strong reminders that the entry Endeavor is hardly a "base" model.
In addition to all SE equipment described on page 2, the SE Sunroof Package upgrade combines a power glass sunroof, fog lamps, a retracting cargo cover and seven-spoke alloy wheels (in place of the standard five-spoke design). The SE Navigation Package upgrade is a new DVD-based navigation system featuring a seven-inch LCD touch screen. The navigation system features male or female voice guidance and a choice among English, Spanish or French languages. This versatile system also replaces the functions of the standard trip computer.
All 2007 Endeavor SE models are equipped with a standard towing prep package featuring an automatic transmission cooler, differential oil cooler, increased radiator capacity (AWD Models only) and a trailer hitch wiring harness. The front-wheel drive Endeavor SE models can tow a trailer up to 2000 lbs., and the all-wheel drive models raise that to 3,500 lbs.
All Endeavor models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., one of the industry's most flexible assembly plants. This facility produces four different models: Endeavor; Eclipse coupe and Spyder, and the Galant mid-size sedan.
Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components. All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, and marketing operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 540 dealers.
