The seats seem identical to those in

Still no fifth gear, but the engine's got plenty of torque to make the most of the four forward gears it has. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

the 2005, which is no bad thing being that they are among the more comfortable in the class, while the CUV's overall ergonomics leave little to be desired. The steering wheel is ideally shaped and sized for sporting yet comfortable operation, while all pedals are easy to reach and modulate for most drivers - the left one now connecting through to standard antilock brakes. The baseball stitched gearlever continues forward, attached to a superb four-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Yes, you heard me right. The one complaint I reiterated countless times during the long-term test, its somewhat antiquated four-speed autobox, still hasn't been remedied by the addition of another forward cog. Good news is on the horizon, however, as a five-speed automatic, derived from that in the Eclipse sports car, is said to be making its way into both the Endeavor and the four-door Galant sedan which shares its underpinnings by model year 2007. With the update, pickup should become even more enthusiastic no matter the situation. Fuel economy, never a big issue with our long-term Endeavor, should also be improved thanks the new transmission's ability to shift lower in the rev range while maintaining similar, if not better straight-line performance.

Word

Twist the new integrated keyfob and the powerful engine with 255 lb-ft of torque comes to life. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

has it the rest of the powertrain will remain the same, including its robust 3.8-litre SOHC, 24-valve, V6, which incidentally makes 225-horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 255 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm - not super-SUV-like but energetic enough for most. The new Endeavor, like this 2006 model and those that came before it, will continue to be made available with front-wheel drive as its standard drive configuration, and all-wheel drive optional. But really, a four-speed automatic is the best Mitsubishi can do at a time when its competitors have come to market with super-slick CVTs and six-speed automatics?

For some, the promise of a new five-speed automatic will be

Infinity stereo system continues to crank the tunes out, loud and clear, but now with MP3 compatibility. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

reason enough to wait for a 2007 model, although it seems like there couldn't be a better time to by an Endeavor than now. The Detroit News, after an exhaustive study, reports that it remains on dealers lots among the longest of any vehicle currently being sold in North America. It ranks 13th from the bottom, taking an average of 177 days from the time it arrives in the showroom to when it finally gets purchased. No doubt, during the process it loses much of its markup, giving its new owner a ripe deal for the taking.

And

We can't understand why the Endeavor isn't flying off showroom floors; it's a practical and dynamic all-star with the best warranty anywhere. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

that new owner could be you. Don't let the general publics' disinterest sway you; they're too busy lining up for the similarly priced Buick Rendezvous, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Freestyle. Nothing wrong with these vehicles at all, of course, especially the blue-ribbon and blue-oval variants, but neither drive quite as well as the Endeavor, offer as upscale yet outlandishly styled environment inside, or as pleasing an overall design to the young in heart. For me, the Endeavor is one of the best crossovers available at any price, and should be considered seriously by all who are looking for an accommodating family hauler. The fact that those smart enough to take advantage also benefit from a five-year, 100,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year, 160,000 km powertrain warranty, just makes it smell all that much sweeter.

All that and exclusivity too? Sounds too good to be true.