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2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited Long-Term Test Update No. 3

Still Favored Above Most Weekly Test Vehicles

Another two weeks, or so, a total of 1,729 miles is on the odometer, and were still smitten with our long-term Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited.

So far so good... without even a hiccup from the SUVs mechanicals and all of its electronics working perfectly.

Mileage: 1,160 miles

Trevor: Another trip to Ikea, but this time the load wasnt as cumbersome as the four desks and monstrous bookcases I had to transport last time, if not any less expensive. I should buy shares in the place with all that Jennifer and I have spent there in the last year alone. I think that investing in Mitsubishi might be a better long-term bet, however, as the stock price is way down and the companys core products are truly excellent. Youve heard me go on and on at how engaging the Endeavor is to drive, but the same is true of all of the Japanese

After a few more weeks and many more miles, were still smitten with our long-term Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

companys models. For instance, I just brought the little Lancer Ralliart back to Mitsubishis handler, and what a blast that car is. Its like an EVO-light; nowhere near the power of the brands flagship WRC replica, but still amazingly nimble and a sheer delight to run through the gears. Its great to get back into the Endeavor though, as it offers a lot of dynamism behind the wheel and a great deal more practicality.

Mileage: 1,259 miles

Had to "fly" to the airport for an early morning flight; which I was late for as usual. Virtually no traffic made for a speedy

The Endeavor is a fun vehicle to drive fast, unusual in this segment, and never during my expedited trip did I feel out of control. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

commute, and the Endeavor was an ideal conveyance. Circuitous highway ramps were dealt with quickly, and with imperceptible body-roll, while the SUV put long straightways behind its rearview mirror in record time. Its a fun vehicle to drive fast, unusual in this segment, and never during my expedited trip did I feel out of control. Even if you dont drive as quickly, the same control will be there when you need, which just might be when trying to avoid some crazy SUV driver attempting to get to the airport at 5AM.

Mileage: 1,291 miles

Jennifer: Trevor left the Endeavor at the airport parking garage while he was away on a trip to who-knows-where, and I didnt have

The Endeavor was ready and willing to scrub off miles and miles of roadway at a brisk pace. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

access to it for an entire two days. Instead I had a small sedan, and it was a pain to get the kids in and out of. Kaden, our four-year old, is enamored with the Endeavors rear center armrest, especially now that its cupholders are fully stocked with water bottles. I always have water bottles in them for both kids, and my four-year old can easily pull it out, take a drink and put it back.

Mileage: 1,471 miles

Trevor: Had to run to the ferry (large boat with cars and passengers commonly found in the Pacific Northwest) in order to pick up my daughter today. Once again my inability to schedule enough time to do all the things that I need to accomplish, with picking up those who rely on me was compromised, and a need for speed once again became evident. And just like my trip to the airport last week, the Endeavor was

Im still in love with this SUV, and that from someone who speaks her mind liberally. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

ready and willing to scrub off miles and miles of roadway at a brisk pace. I bet youre figuring out the method to my madness? If Im late, then I can justify driving quickly and thus maximize my smile per mile ratio, so therefore, subconsciously or not, I make sure that Im disorganized enough to be late often.

Mileage 1,537 miles

Jennifer: I can easily change the audio system without looking down from the road ahead and without taking my hands off of the steering wheel. The steering wheel controls, in case I havent already explained, are hidden behind the spokes, and ideally placed for an easy reach with the fingers. I like Mitsubishis system much better than that used by most manufacturers, which place their various buttons on top of the steering wheel spokes. Not only does the hidden system look better, but I find adjusting front-mounted buttons requires pulling the fingers away from the steering wheel and then making adjustments

Ive driven them all, and this is my favorite sport utility, hands down. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

with the thumbs - very awkward. While it takes a bit to get used to what each button does, there are six in total, the Endeavors system is much better to use overall, becoming second nature after only 1,729 miles - or less as I cant remember when I stopped thinking about it and just started flicking away by intuition.

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