2004 Mitsubishi Galant: Road Test
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2004 Mitsubishi Galant ▼
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- MSRP: $17,997 -$25,697
- Invoice: $17,090 -$24,141
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Our road test for the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant help you decide if a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
The 4-cyl Galants have more-than-adequate power for most situations--test car did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph--but lack the added driver control of V6's manual shift feature. Galant's V6 among largest in midsize class. Delivers strong jump from a stop, satisfying power to merge and pass. Test V6 did 6.8 sec 0-60. Torque steer--pulling to one side under quick acceleration--noticed by some testers. Manual-shift feature provides usefully quick downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test ES 4 cyl averaged 24.2 mpg in city/highway driving mix. Extended-use LS V6 averaging 19.6 mpg over first 5979 mi. V6 Galants require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Comfortable in ES, LS trim, but not as composed at highway speed as Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Mazda 6. Firmer GTS suspension in keeping with sporty character, but isn't harsh riding.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
GTS appropriately sporty, with nicely weighted steering, little lean in corners. Reasonably nimble ES, LS have less direct-feeling steering, feel floaty over some crests. Stopping power feels adequate in routine braking, but quick stops reveal spongy pedal feel, mediocre modulation.
QUIETNESS
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Road, tire noise pronounced in GTS, less intrusive in ES and LS, but none are as quiet as Accord or Toyota Camry. V6 sounds, feels coarse under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Major controls logically placed, fall readily to hand. Interior has sound assembly, midgrade materials that are in line with Galant prices.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Easily accommodates 6-footers, and cabin feels impressively wide. Good seat comfort, though addition of telescoping steering wheel would help fine-tune driving position. Cars tested had metallic console trim that reflected in windshield in midday light; outward visibility otherwise fine.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Head room tight for 6-footers, but 3-across seating possible without undue crowding. Unconfining footwells, and as much knee clearance as any competitor. Seat nicely contoured, but too soft for best comfort. Wide door openings mean easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.6 |
Short decklid, high liftover conspire to limit access to otherwise well-shaped trunk. Rear seatbacks don't fold, but trunk pass-through standard on all models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Mitsubishi aims Galant squarely at the midsize-class-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Galant matches those cars in roominess and holds its own in acceleration and handling, if not composure or refinement. Transaction prices are likely to be lower, though. Mitsubishi's historically uneven workmanship and poor resale values dampen its appeal, but for cost-conscious midsize shoppers, Galant is worth considering.
Total Score
| ES | LS | GTS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 58 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 58
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