Automakers are like pop singers. Sometimes, they produce hits (think Mazda Miata or Ford Escape, two vehicles that enjoy steady popularity year after year); other times, they fail miserably (think Suzuki X-90, Subaru Tribeca or Chevrolet HHR, a trio that simply missed the mark and now lives in oblivion).
The Mitsubishi Endeavor is one of those non-success stories. Neither bad nor ugly, it just suffered from bad timing. Its Canadian introduction took place in 2004, two years after the first few Mitsubishi dealers started operating locally. It was a time when most car buyers weren’t even thinking about the Japanese brand when shopping for a new SUV. Barely 30 months later, the American economy began to crumble and millions of drivers across the entire continent soon turned to smaller, cheaper and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
In the U.S., Endeavor sales have been freefalling ever since it came to market. And the numbers are even worse north of the border. You have to look at the very bottom of the charts to find the odd customers who chose this Mitsubishi over a Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer or Toyota 4Runner. Last year, there were no more than 500 of them. During the first half of 2010, less than 200 purchased an Endeavor!
Is it still worth buying? Well, if residual value isn’t a top priority, then maybe yes. At least the price ought to be enticing. After all, Mitsubishi dealers that still carry Endeavors in their stocks are likely more than willing to bargain!
Too old yet not too shabby
Styling may be ridiculously outdated, both inside and out, but the functional layout and comprehensive equipment know how to please. The lone trim level for 2010 is called SE and features a 225-horsepower, 3.8-litre V6 under the hood. A 4-speed Sportronic automatic transmission also accompanies this 5-passenger unibody SUV.
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| Most consumers haven’t even heard about the Mitsubishi Endeavor! (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The Mitsubishi Endeavor is one of those non-success stories. Neither bad nor ugly, it just suffered from bad timing. Its Canadian introduction took place in 2004, two years after the first few Mitsubishi dealers started operating locally. It was a time when most car buyers weren’t even thinking about the Japanese brand when shopping for a new SUV. Barely 30 months later, the American economy began to crumble and millions of drivers across the entire continent soon turned to smaller, cheaper and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
In the U.S., Endeavor sales have been freefalling ever since it came to market. And the numbers are even worse north of the border. You have to look at the very bottom of the charts to find the odd customers who chose this Mitsubishi over a Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer or Toyota 4Runner. Last year, there were no more than 500 of them. During the first half of 2010, less than 200 purchased an Endeavor!
Is it still worth buying? Well, if residual value isn’t a top priority, then maybe yes. At least the price ought to be enticing. After all, Mitsubishi dealers that still carry Endeavors in their stocks are likely more than willing to bargain!
Too old yet not too shabby
Styling may be ridiculously outdated, both inside and out, but the functional layout and comprehensive equipment know how to please. The lone trim level for 2010 is called SE and features a 225-horsepower, 3.8-litre V6 under the hood. A 4-speed Sportronic automatic transmission also accompanies this 5-passenger unibody SUV.
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| Styling may be ridiculously outdated, both inside and out, but the functional layout and comprehensive equipment know how to please. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |