For the first day of July, Myk Belmonte invites you to explore more of this SUV through this review.
2007-2009 Mitsubishi Endeavor
History
If Mitsubishi was successful in the Philippines, the story in the United States can be liken to a roller coaster ride. While it gained an increase in sales in the most part of the 90s and between 2000 and 2002, 2003 saw some problems which includes the so-called "0-0-0" finance offer that promises buyers (most of them are credit risky who took a bite on this offer but failed to pay for their cars in the end) zero percent down and interest and - the best part is - you have nothing to pay every month. This left Mitsubishi with tons of vehicles worth nothing and priced less than when it was manufactured. Sales fell down while the introduction of the new Outlander and Eclipse were positive, the Endeavor (the SUV we will be featuring for today) didn't meet sales expectations.
This SUV targeted the American market, which is why it was debuted under the "Project America" program and used the PS platform that is is also utilized by the Eclipse and Galant, both Americanized vehicles and also assembled in Normal, Illinois. Those who reviewed this SUV liked it, but consumers didn't warmed up to the model and as a result, sales had fallen every year and the 2009 model is exclusive for fleet consumers. It finally got the ax in 2011, with the last unit rolling out the production line in August of that year.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation brought in the Endeavor in 2007 as a part of their product line-up expansion. This battled the Honda Pilot and the Nissan Murano but the Mitsu was dropped silently in 2009 with the Nissan having its second gen in 2010 and Honda resurrecting the second generation Pilot in 2012.
This SUV targeted the American market, which is why it was debuted under the "Project America" program and used the PS platform that is is also utilized by the Eclipse and Galant, both Americanized vehicles and also assembled in Normal, Illinois. Those who reviewed this SUV liked it, but consumers didn't warmed up to the model and as a result, sales had fallen every year and the 2009 model is exclusive for fleet consumers. It finally got the ax in 2011, with the last unit rolling out the production line in August of that year.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation brought in the Endeavor in 2007 as a part of their product line-up expansion. This battled the Honda Pilot and the Nissan Murano but the Mitsu was dropped silently in 2009 with the Nissan having its second gen in 2010 and Honda resurrecting the second generation Pilot in 2012.
Value and Costs
Same with its other Yankee rivals, the Endeavor can be had for between P650,000-P970,000, depending on the vehicle condition and mileage.
This will cost you more to maintain than a Montero Sport but is similar to the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot, both SUVs with V6 engines. Parts are to be ordered in your suking casa since this is not a volume vehicle, and this entails a long waiting time.
This will cost you more to maintain than a Montero Sport but is similar to the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot, both SUVs with V6 engines. Parts are to be ordered in your suking casa since this is not a volume vehicle, and this entails a long waiting time.
Exterior and Interior
While it has some design cues that dictates Bionic Man, the rest of the body tells that the Endeavor is shy. There are some fender flanks, but it looks like more of a raised wagon.
Black is the theme inside, with the dashboard painted in that color. This can bring either an advantage (less maintenance) or a disadvantage (boring looks) but controls are mixed with some high quality ones sitting side by side with those fitted to a USDM Galant. Only five people can hop in since this does not offer a third row, but the good thing is that there is oodles of space for your baggage.
Black is the theme inside, with the dashboard painted in that color. This can bring either an advantage (less maintenance) or a disadvantage (boring looks) but controls are mixed with some high quality ones sitting side by side with those fitted to a USDM Galant. Only five people can hop in since this does not offer a third row, but the good thing is that there is oodles of space for your baggage.
Engine
An American SUV isn't American when it does not offer a V6 engine, and for the Endeavor, the 6G75 3,828cc with 225hp at 5,000rpm and 343Nm at 3,750rpm is standard although this is a 2004 update with the original power figures playing at 215hp. It does not have any MIVEC magic, but still accomplishes the job well. Nothing spectacular to write about the vehicle's engine.
Driving Impressions
With the under chassis based from the Galant, it drives and behaves like one. The suspension is silky smooth and the chassis does not make the occupants dizzy while absorbing the road ruts. However, this lacks AWD but then the trade-off is that it corners with aplomb and there is some oversteer but the traction control keeps things panted. Not a hoot to drive, but more of an object of utility rather than desire.
Verdict
While the Endeavor is one great car, there are some faults present like the high running costs and the lack of a third row seat. But once behind the wheel you get some great moments albeit in a dull fashion, just don't drive recklessly.
The Good:
- Comfortable seating for five
- Behaves like a car
- Not a pain to drive
The Bad:
- Why U No offer a third row?
- Interior materials not fitting a SUV
- Lacks character
The Pick: Limited
THE SPECS
Engine: 3,828cc 6G75 V6 gasoline
Power: 225hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 343Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel Consumption: 6-8km/L (city), 7-9km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent multi-link
MORE INFO
Price (New): P2,150,000
Price (Now): P650,000-P970,000
Rivals: Nissan Murano, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Veracruz, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, Subaru Tribeca, Dodge Journey
On Sale: 2007-2009
Resources:
Contacts:
Diamond Motors Valle Verde - (02) 671-9590
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