Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS AWD SUV. It is a 4-Door 5-passenger sport Ute and God help me I love these things. But I must admit I feel guilty driving gas guzzlers of any kind. If Mao Tse Tung could convince a billion Chinese to limit families to only one baby you’d think we could convince the driving public to buy more fuel efficient cars.
Mao’s policy is still in effect and it has reduced the population of China by 350 million people (the population of the entire United States ).
But noooooooooooooooo, we keep buying the damn things and contribute to the ruin of what’s left of the polar ice caps. It is conceivable we’ll have SUV’s long after the Polar Bear is extinct. I didn’t use to feel this way because I expected supply and demand to solve all the problems in this area. People would react to the increasing price of gas and “Natural Selection” would rule. Consumers would opt to eat rather than feed their big Suburbans, Tahoe’s, Ford Explorers, Hummer – one, two and three and on and on ad nauseam.
It hasn’t worked for a few reasons but mainly because the US has subsidized the cost of gas. And not until the beginning of the 21st century did government begin to stay out of the gas issue. Oh sure they start a few wars to assure us of having the fuel we demand but they refuse to use Americas oil reserves to keep the price down. After all we may want to embark on another World War and that would require us having those oil reserves available. Government is a dirty business, eh?
Public Service:
Subject is Boom Boxes. Come on, tell me it drives you crazy too. In any case I won’t offend anyone because the annoying people who pound your senses with more watts than should be legal can’t read anyway. I hate to stereotype those people but you do your own ‘straw poll’ and see if it doesn’t lean heavily in one direction. I’m sure you know what I mean? You pull up to a light or stop sign and your car begins to rumble and you go to close your windows and find they’re already shut tight. But that boom, boom, thud, thud, bang, bang snakes its way through any crack and crevice of your car to assault you ear drums and other senses. How can we change that? Any ideas? I’ll print them next time.
Reader Mail:
After the Toyota Yaris column ran I received email from Dave and Karen regarding a typo of the model year being a 2006. Indeed the Yaris debuted as a 2007. So I asked if they owned one and this was the reply: “Yeah, we have one and are getting 40 mpg average! We went to buy a Toyota Corolla and saw this Yaris in the lot. The salesman wasn\’t interested in showing it to us but we were insistent – we were shopping for a commuter car and this is perfect as we drive an \’05 SUV and an \’02 2500 HD GMV Pick Up!”
Great testimony and one that supports what I believe more and more folks will do realizing the need for large vehicles for work and play. Pull the boat or haul tools etc. for work life, but on the commute these inexpensive high mileage cars are really the hot ticket.
Handling & Performance:
Quite good, but in a sea of SUV ‘s they’re all like sisters with similar builds. High profiles generally make them obviously top heavy so less steady on their feet. Kinda like a woman in high heals.
The 3.8 liter V6 is more than enough by providing 225 horses to push you down the road as fast as your heart and the Highway Patrol will allow you to go.
Styling:
Nice outside and I got quickly comfortable with the interior lay out.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Not bad, based on the competition and because it is Japanese the demand means a higher purchase price.
Conveniences:
See the listing of features below and you get an idea of how many goodies are standard. $2,000 more will add a Road Trip Package that includes a DVD video entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote control, Infinity AM/FM with 6-disc CD changer with MP3 playback and 7 speakers, steering wheel audio controls, color info display for compass, outside temp, drive computer and maintenance recorder, cargo net and soft cover and anti-theft alarm system.
Consumer Recommendation:
Buy the SUV if that’s your thing – want – or need and then look at the Yaris as a commuter. We all know we’re headed for parity with the world and $4 a gallon is only the beginning. Act early.
Recognized Competition:
Mitsubishi Endeavor $27-32,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $24-32,000, Ford Explorer $27-36,000, Volvo XC 70 $36,135, Toyota Highlander $25-32,000, Infiniti FX $38-50,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $27-43,000, Honda Pilot $27-35,000, Kia Sorento $19-27,000, Subaru Outback $19-36,000, Dodge Durango $29-38,000, Nissan Murano $28-32,000, Saab 9-7X $39-41,000.
Good News:
Comfortable ride, powerful V6, well appointed and assembled, and competitively priced.
Bad News:
Gas guzzler.
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter V6 225 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans (w/OD), dual front and side airbags, anti theft engine immobilizer, latch system for child seats and safety locks, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, power assist rack and pinion steering, front and ear stabilizer bars, vented front and solid rear disc brakes, front Mac Pherson strut and rear multilink suspension, stainless steel exhaust, full size spare, air conditioning, 140 watt CD/MPs playback with 6 speakers, power windows and locks, power mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, auto off headlights, rear hatch with flip up window, fabric seating, height adjustable steering column, illuminated vanity mirrors, 60/40 split rear folding seats, rear intermittent wiper / washer, carpeted mats, 17′ alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 22 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,999.
