We've had our Endeavor for 8 months, which should be sufficient time to have figured out the "bugs". I recommend anyone writing a review on anything to not write a review until you've used the item long enough to discover the bugs, at least a few months.

We purchased the 2006 Endeavor because we wanted an SUV and since the kids were older, we wanted to trade in our minivan for something "sporty". The Endeavor was a good-looking SUV and drove like a dream compared to the Jeep and Ford Explorer. To summarize the 2006 Endeavor, I would like to say that it only looks beautiful and rides nice.

Now for the "bugs"...

Let's start with gas mileage and gas prices. If you're looking for a vehicle that's economical, this one isn't it. Two reasons: one is that the manufacturer states that this vehicle must take premium gasoline only. We're paying enough at the pumps right now to have to put premium gas into it. At the time this review was written, it took approximately $60 to fill up. It gets about 17 miles per gallon.

Some things the manufacturers won't tell you:

Water Drainage in the Doors

The Endeavor has weep holes or drainage holes in the bottom of the doors that are not at the very bottom of the door. This creates a little "pocket" at the bottom of the door. We have discovered that while the doors are closed, water from rain or car washes is retained in the bottom of the doors until you open them. Know what that means? Yup...early RUST!

Interior Temperature Control

Now, what is up with the interior temperature control? If it's summer, you HAVE TO use the A/C to keep cool. If you just turn the control on to the coldest setting without using the A/C button all you'll get is hot air that's blowing off the engine. Cool air without using the A/C is impossible in this vehicle. Despite the problem with the cool air setting, the heat controls work well.

If you are considering this vehicle, I would recommend a light color. We have a red one ("Ultra Red Pearl"...the color of the "model" one shown) and it gets hot in the summer and takes longer to cool than a lighter color vehicle.

Shifting

A briefing on the shifting of this vehicle: You have your choice of automatic or "manumatic" shifting. The manumatic is manual shifting without a clutch. You can down-shift or up-shift when you want just by pushing the shift lever to the right and up or down. You can transfer between drive and manual shifting whenever you want to. When you slow down or brake in manual drive, the vehicle automatically downshifts without you having to.

The transmission does seem to be a little "lazy" when shifting in automatic. There sometimes seems like a delay when switching gears. The manual shift, I will say, does help with the sluggishness...especially downshifting when you go up hills. The engine is fairly quiet but occasionally you will hear a faint "whine" which I'm not sure if it's the transmission or the all-wheel-drive.

Cruise control works fine but I rarely use it.

Lastly, the Pros

Interior

This vehicle rides and handles nicely. The interior leg room and head room is nice and this was a vehicle that seemed to have a Goldilock's just right feel. It can seat five with extra cargo space for groceries, luggage or whatever (not as much room as a minivan but still o.k.) The rear seats fold down independently so you can make trips to Home Depot for long items with no problem. The shoulder belts are adjustable in the front. Controls are convenient and easy to use. The AM/FM/CD player also plays MP3s!

All Wheel Drive

The all-wheel-drive has yet to be put to the test since we had such a mild winter this past year so I cannot comment on it.

I hope this review helps you and I hope that the manufacturers read it and make the necessary improvements to make this a better vehicle!
Amount Paid (US$): 18000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2006
Model and Options: LX