2006 Mitsubishi Galant Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Mitsubishi's midsize sedan offers 4-cyl DE and ES models, and V6 LS and sporty GTS versions. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic; V6 models add a manual shift gate. All come with front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, keyless entry, and power windows/locks/mirrors. Antilock brakes are standard on all but DE, where they're unavailable. GTS features sport-tuned suspension, specific grille, rear spoiler, leather upholstery, and sunroof. It also has 17-inch wheels vs. other models' 16s. Galant lends its platform to Mitsubishi's Endeavor midsize SUV.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.

2006 Mitsubishi Galant Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Rear-seat head room

Ride	Cargo room

Handling/roadholding (GTS)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
5	7	7	5.6

The 4-cyl is more than adequate for most situations--we timed 9.0 sec 0-60 mph--but lacks the added control of V6's manual-shift feature. V6 is among largest in class, provides strong takeoffs, satisfying midrange snap; one test car did 6.8 sec 0-60. V6s sometimes scrabble for traction in quick getaways, even with front wheels dead straight.

Fuel Economy

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
6	5	5	5.2

Test 4-cyl ES averaged 24.2 mpg in city/highway mix. Extended-use LS V6 averaged 19.7 mpg over 9869-mile test. No opportunity to measure with GTS. V6 Galants require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
6	6	5	6.1

Comfortable in standard trim, but Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Nissan Altima are more composed at highway speeds. GTS suspension firmer, but not harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
6	6	7	6.1

Sporty-feeling GTS has nicely weighted steering, little cornering lean. Other models reasonably nimble, but don't control body motions as well on their softer suspensions. Brakes adequate in routine use, but our panic-stop tests revealed spongy pedal action and only average distances.

Quietness

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
7	7	6	6.2

Road, tire noise pronounced in GTS, less so in other models, but no Galant matches the refinement of Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. V6 sounds, feels coarse under full throttle.

Controls

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Most switchgear handy and logical. Interior decor unexceptional, though midgrade materials are in line with prices.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
7	7	7	6.6

Easily accommodates 6-footers. Good seat comfort, though addition of telescope steering wheel would help some drivers fine-tune their positioning. Cars tested had metallic console trim that would cause annoying daytime windshield reflections. Aft visibility subpar.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
5	5	5	5

Head room tight for 6-footers, but three adults fit without undue crowding. Foot room good; as much knee clearance as any competitor. Seat nicely contoured, but too soft for best comfort. Wide door openings ease entry/exit.

Cargo Room

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
3	3	3	4.5

Short decklid, high liftover limit utility of roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Rear seatbacks don't fold, but trunk pass-through standard on all models.

Value within Class

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
5	6	5	6.1

Galant matches class-favorites Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for roominess, and holds its own in acceleration and handling. But it lags in refinement, ride comfort, and workmanship. And the Mitsubishi brand's record of weak resale value offsets typically lower transaction prices. Still, Galant is worth a look, especially if you're on a budget.

Total Score

ES	LS	GTS	Class Average
57	59	57	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70

2006 Mitsubishi Galant Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/13/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

DE 4-door sedan	$19,399	$18,502	$595

ES 4-door sedan	$20,299	$19,153	$595

LS 4-door sedan	$22,999	$21,700	$595

GTS 4-door sedan	$26,999	$25,474	$595

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 215/60HR16 tires, wheel covers.

ES adds to DE:

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.

LS adds to ES:

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

GTS adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, steering-wheel radio controls, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 215/55VR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sunroof Pkg.
ES, LS	$800	$698
Power sunroof, overhead console, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors. Requires Audio Pkg., Leather Plus Pkg. ES requires alloy wheels.

Leather Plus Pkg.
ES	$1,285	$1,121
LS	$985	$859
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat (ES), heated power mirrors. Requires Audio Pkg. ES requires alloy wheels.

Audio Pkg.
ES, LS	$1,151	$1,004
Infinity AM/FM/radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded steering wheel w/radio controls, alarm. Requires Leather Plus Pkg. ES requires alloy wheels.

Protection Pkg.
ES, LS, GTS	$270	$235
Rubber floormats, cargo mat, door sill guards, mud guards, wheel locks. ES, LS require Audio Pkg. Leather Plus Pkg. ES requires alloy wheels.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels
ES	$400	$349

2006 Mitsubishi Galant Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mitsubishi Galant 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	108.3

Overall Length, in.	190.4

Overall Width, in.	72.4

Overall Height, in.	57.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3351

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.7

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	37.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc I4	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /145	3.8 /234

Horsepower @ rpm.	160 @ 5500	230 @ 5250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	157 @ 4000	250 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	23/30	19/27

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mitsubishi Galant 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	10/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	5/60,000	--

Corrosion	7/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2006 Mitsubishi Galant Photos

Also in the 2006 Mitsubishi Galant Review:

Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi Galant Road Test

Mitsubishi Galant Prices & Equipment

Mitsubishi Galant Specs & Safety

Mitsubishi Galant Photos

Mitsubishi Galant Full Review

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