2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited Winter Road Test

Mitsubishi would do well to offer its Canadian marketers the brand's recently announced standard 10-year, 100-thousand mile (160,000 km) limited powertrain warranty for all Mitsubishi Motors products sold in the U.S., beginning with '04 models. It actually makes more sense in Canada than the U.S. No doubt the idea came from new Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO and Hyundai expatriate Finbarr O'Neill, who during his previous tenure never offered the best-in-industry warranty north of the 49th.

I'm a sucker for a vehicle that actually lives up to its marketing hype. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Being that Hyundai was even more established in Canada than it was in the U.S., having started here in 1984, and our national preoccupation with smaller more efficient cars, sticking with a slightly better than average warranty was good enough. But Mr. O'Neill, you're not running Hyundai anymore. Mitsubishi is the unknown quantity in Canada now, and despite the high quality of the Japanese brand's cars a best-in-class warranty could go a long way to attracting traditionally skeptical and conservative Canadian customers. A warranty that is no better than GM's won't exactly pull in the uninitiated.

Despite the warranty issue, I suppose it's not difficult to tell I like this sport utility. Maybe I'm a sucker for a vehicle that actually lives up to its marketing hype? Maybe it's that I'm particularly enamored by this particular SUV's combination of superior functionality and exhilarating driving dynamics. I don't know, I guess it's a little bit of everything. All said the Endeavor speaks to my personal priorities better than most sport utility vehicles, and would be high on my list if I was in the 5-passenger SUV market.

Specifications (Limited):

• Price Range (MSRP):$33,998 - $43,998
• Body Type: 5-door SUV, unibody
• Layout: front engine, FWD (opt AWD)
• Engine: 215 hp, 250 lb-ft of torque, 3.8-L, 24-valve, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 4-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS with EBD
• Curb Weight: 1,885 kg (4,156 lbs)
• Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 9.0 seconds
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (seats up/folded): 1,152 / 2,163 L (40.7 / 76.4 cu ft)
• Towing Capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lb)
• Ground Clearance: 211 mm (8.3 in)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.8 / 11.2 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain* (see note below)
• Competitors: Acura MD-X, Buick Rainier, Chevy Trailblazer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus RX 330, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90
• Web Site: www.mitsubishicars.ca

Note*: The standard warranty has been upgraded for 2004, 2004.5 and 2005 models as of October 26, 2004, to 60 months/100,000 km comprehensive, and 120 months/160,000 km powertrain. A 60 month/unlimited mileage roadside assistance package is also included.