Within minutes of setting out in the Endeavor, a blunt, aggressive grille travelling at warp speed grew steadily larger in one of the periscope-like side mirrors. A Bentley Continental GT shot past and rapidly disappeared over the horizon. Minutes later, I was passed by a Ferrari F430. Although I'd like to say that we were attracting some exceptional company, it's more likely that spring fever had finally struck and garage doors everywhere have flung open and their exotic occupants are shaking hibernation's cobwebs out.
Underhood, the 3.8-liter V6 produces 225 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, providing plenty of highway driving power. It hooks up to a four-speed automatic transmission with a Sportronic mode that allows the driver to change gears. I found the transmission a little slow to downshift, but otherwise it performed well.
The chunky, leather-wrapped steering wheel felt good and solid and the rack-and-pinion steering was nicely weighted. Since the Endeavor rides on a car-based structure, rather than a ladder-type truck frame, it handles well with a minimum of body lean and is balanced and secure while cornering. The independent suspension provides a well-damped, smooth ride over rough roads. But without low-end gearing or a locking differential, it's not intended for off-roading. A maximum towing rate of 3,500 lbs. is about average for this segment. Fuel consumption is less than stellar with a (litres per 100 km) rating of 16.6 (city) and 12.3 (highway).
I liked the interior, which despite being all black was livened up by sharp metallic trimmed gauges, a big chunky centre console and funky bright blue backlighting for all instrumentation. The centre stack was topped with a hooded peak which was interesting albeit a bit odd. It wouldn't have looked out of place flipped around and mounted on the hood--to me, it resembled a ram air scoop. But it housed a navigation system that was bright and easy to operate, with a menu of programmable vehicle functions, and a first-rate Rockford Fosgate sound system.
The dash and surrounding materials were of a contrasting texture that were warm and yielding to the touch, imparting a sense of luxury to the interior. Seats were deep, comfortable leather - the driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support. There's a deep cushioned console between the front seats featuring removable trays and two 12-volt outlets.
Rear seat has generous legroom and a center armrest with two cup holders. The 60/40 rear seats fold totally flat, providing a cargo area that will accomodate a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
Those with big families might be bothered by the lack of a third-row seating option and that the rear DVD player is no longer offered as a factory option (it is now a dealer-installed accessory).
Overall, the Endeavor is a decent mid-sized SUV, offering car-like handling, with a touch of styling distinction and interior luxury.
photo:Lesley Wimbush, Philippe Champoux
Underhood, the 3.8-liter V6 produces 225 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, providing plenty of highway driving power. It hooks up to a four-speed automatic transmission with a Sportronic mode that allows the driver to change gears. I found the transmission a little slow to downshift, but otherwise it performed well.
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| The cabin is functional albeit a little odd is some respects. |
The chunky, leather-wrapped steering wheel felt good and solid and the rack-and-pinion steering was nicely weighted. Since the Endeavor rides on a car-based structure, rather than a ladder-type truck frame, it handles well with a minimum of body lean and is balanced and secure while cornering. The independent suspension provides a well-damped, smooth ride over rough roads. But without low-end gearing or a locking differential, it's not intended for off-roading. A maximum towing rate of 3,500 lbs. is about average for this segment. Fuel consumption is less than stellar with a (litres per 100 km) rating of 16.6 (city) and 12.3 (highway).
I liked the interior, which despite being all black was livened up by sharp metallic trimmed gauges, a big chunky centre console and funky bright blue backlighting for all instrumentation. The centre stack was topped with a hooded peak which was interesting albeit a bit odd. It wouldn't have looked out of place flipped around and mounted on the hood--to me, it resembled a ram air scoop. But it housed a navigation system that was bright and easy to operate, with a menu of programmable vehicle functions, and a first-rate Rockford Fosgate sound system.
The dash and surrounding materials were of a contrasting texture that were warm and yielding to the touch, imparting a sense of luxury to the interior. Seats were deep, comfortable leather - the driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support. There's a deep cushioned console between the front seats featuring removable trays and two 12-volt outlets.
Rear seat has generous legroom and a center armrest with two cup holders. The 60/40 rear seats fold totally flat, providing a cargo area that will accomodate a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
Those with big families might be bothered by the lack of a third-row seating option and that the rear DVD player is no longer offered as a factory option (it is now a dealer-installed accessory).
Overall, the Endeavor is a decent mid-sized SUV, offering car-like handling, with a touch of styling distinction and interior luxury.
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| The Endeavor is a supremely smooth and comfortable SUV. |
photo:Lesley Wimbush, Philippe Champoux
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