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2007 Mitsubishi Galant Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
2007 Mitsubishi Galant Review
Freshened styling, curtain side airbags, and a sporty Ralliart model headline the 2007 revamp of Mitsubishi's midsize-sedan line. DE, ES, and SE models have a 160-hp 4-cyl engine. The GTS has a 230-hp V6. New for '07, the Ralliart has a 258-hp version of the V6. All use automatic transmission--a 4-speed on DE, ES, and SE, a 5-speed on GTS and Ralliart. All Galants have 4-wheel disc brakes and all but the DE have ABS. GTS and Ralliart also have traction control. The '07s get revised nose and tail appearance. Ralliarts have unique styling cues and suspension tuning. All models come with front side airbags and now with curtain side airbags. SE, GTS, and Ralliart have leather upholstery, and GTS and Ralliart have heated front seats. A sunroof is standard on SE and Ralliart, available on GTS.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
Galant won't change much for a while. A redesign isn't expected until model-year 2010-11, and only if Mitsubishi's U.S. arm can end its long losing streak in sales and earnings. But assuming business turns up, the next Galant would likely use a scaled-up version of the so-called C-platform developed with Chrysler Group. This serves the 2007 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass/Patriot crossovers, and next appears beneath Mitsubishi's redesigned 2008 Lancer compact cars. The coming years will also be crucial for the Illinois plant that builds Galants, sporty Eclipses and Endeavor SUVs. The factory is now operating far below capacity, and there's talk it may be closed at decade's end as a money-saving measure.
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2007 Mitsubishi Galant Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Build quality
Ride Rear-seat head room
Handling/roadholding (GTS)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
5 7 7 5.9

Four-cyl Galants have more-than-adequate power for most situations--test ES did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph. V6 is among largest in class, provides strong takeoffs, satisfying midrange snap. Test GTS did 6.8 sec 0-60. Ralliart V6 even more responsive. Test V6s sometimes scrambled for traction in quick getaways.
Fuel Economy

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
6 5 5 5.1

Test 4-cyl ES averaged 24.2 mpg in city/highway mix. Test 230-hp V6 Galant averaged 19.7 mpg over 9869-mi. test. Test Ralliart averaged 17.6 mpg. V6 Galants require premium-grade fuel; 4-cyl models use regular.
Ride Quality

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
6 5 5 6.1

Comfortable in DE and ES trim, but Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima are more composed at highway speeds. GTS and Ralliart have firmer suspension for improved control with little comfort compromise.
Steering/Handling/Braking

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
6 7 7 6.2

Sporty-feeling GTS and Ralliart have 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 simulated panic stops revealed spongy pedal action and only average stopping distances.
Quietness

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
7 6 6 6.2

Road, tire noise pronounced in GTS and Ralliart, less so in other models, but no Galant matches the refinement of Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. V6 sounds, feels refined.
Controls

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
6 6 6 6.7

Most switchgear handy and logical. Cabin materials OK for this price range, but hardly impressive, and some Galants tested suffered some ill-fitting interior panels.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
7 7 7 6.8

Easily accommodates six-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 caused annoying daytime windshield reflections. Aft visibility subpar.
Room/Comfort (rear)

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
5 5 5 5.1

Head room tight for six-footers, but three adults fit without undue crowding. Foot and knee room good. Seat nicely contoured, but some testers say it's too soft for best comfort. Wide door openings ease entry/exit.
Cargo Room

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
3 3 3 4.8

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 GTS Ralliart Class Average
5 5 5 6.3

Galant matches the class-topping Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for roominess, and holds its own in acceleration and handling. But it lags in mechanical refinement, solidity, and interior-materials quality. Yes, Galant typically sells for less than Accord and Camry, but that's offset by Mitsubishi's lower resale values.
Total Score

ES GTS Ralliart Class Average
56 56 56 59.2
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
47
Average Score
59
High Score
69
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2007 Mitsubishi Galant Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
DE 4-door sedan $19,899 $18,979 $625
ES 4-door sedan $20,999 $19,813 $625
SE 4-door sedan $22,699 $21,417 $625
GTS 4-door sedan $24,999 $23,587 $625
Ralliart 4-door sedan $26,999 $25,474 $625
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
DE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain 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.
SE adds to ES:
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power sunroof, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, 215/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
GTS adds to ES:
Powertrain
3.8-liter 230-horsepower V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, steering wheel radio controls, heated power mirrors, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, 215/55VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Ralliart adds to GTS:
Powertrain
3.8-liter 258-horsepower V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, power sunroof, Rockford Acoustic Design AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 235/45VR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
ES
$1,000
$876
Tire-pressure monitor, Rockford Acoustic Design AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, unique exterior trim, rear spoiler, alarm.
Sun and Sound Pkg.
GTS
$1,000
$876
Power sunroof, Rockford Acoustic Design AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, alarm.
Protection Pkg.
DE, ES, SE, GTS
$373
$224
Rubber floormats, cargo mat, door sill guards, mud guards.
Appearance Pkg.
DE, ES
$143
$86
Bright exhaust tip, mud guards.
Convenience Pkg.
DE, ES, GTS, Ralliart, SE
$237
$142
Cargo mat and net, door sill guards, wheel locks.
Popular Pkg.
ES
$365
$219
Mud guards, door sill guards, bright exhaust tip, fog lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Ralliart
$1,850
$1,621
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2007 Mitsubishi Galant Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mitsubishi Galant 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 108.3
Overall Length, in. 191.0
Overall Width, in. 72.4
Overall Height, in. 57.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3417
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 sohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /145 3.8 /234 3.8 /234
Horsepower @ rpm. 160 @ 5500 230 @ 5250 258 @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 157 @ 4000 250 @ 4000 258 @ 4500
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
4-speed automatic 23/30 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 18/27 18/27
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
Rollover Resistance 4
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

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Mitsubishi Galant
Trim Level:  Ralliart
Arrival Date:  12/21/2006
Engine:  sohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $26,999
Price as Tested:  $29,474
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  7981
Mileage at End of Test:  8450
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  26.694 gals.
 

Major Options:  Navigation Package (Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System w/DVD Based Navigation, Full Map Type, 7-inch LCD Touch Screen Panel, Points of Interest Locator)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  17.57 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Galant Ralliart is the best vehicle Mitsubishi sells right now. It's sporty, roomy, and comfortable, despite some interior fit and finish gaffes in our test vehicle. This is a nice car, but not one that can be heartily endorsed given Mitsubishi's weak resale values and troubled brand image.

Kirk Bell The Galant Ralliart is a fast, roomy, generally pleasant car. Somewhat ironically, I believe the engine and architecture match just about any rival. The problem is the materials and fit and finish are lacking. Combine that with Mitsu's unclear future and poor resale values and this car is a bit of a risk to purchase.

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