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2008 Mitsubishi Galant Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
Also in the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Galant Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mitsubishi Galant Review
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant gets a slimed-down model lineup. This midsize sedan comes in DE and ES trims as well as the sport-themed Ralliart. The mid-level SE and GTS models have been discontinued. DE and ES have a 160-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Ralliarts have a 258-hp 3.8-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Ralliarts have specific styling cues and suspension tuning.
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 Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
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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2008 Mitsubishi Galant Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Build quality |
| Ride | Rear-seat head room |
| Handling/roadholding (GTS) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Four-cylinder Galants have more-than-adequate power for most situations--an ES did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. The Ralliart's V6 is very responsive in any situation. On all, the automatic transmission provides smooth shifts. Even with traction control, some test Ralliarts scrambled for traction in quick getaways.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 5.6 |
Four-cylinder Galants have more-than-adequate power for most situations--an ES did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. The Ralliart's V6 is very responsive in any situation. On all, the automatic transmission provides smooth shifts. Even with traction control, some test Ralliarts scrambled for traction in quick getaways.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an ES averaged 24.2 mpg in a city/highway mix. A test Ralliart averaged 17.6 mpg in similar driving conditions. V6 Galants require premium-grade fuel; 4-cylinder models use regular.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an ES averaged 24.2 mpg in a city/highway mix. A test Ralliart averaged 17.6 mpg in similar driving conditions. V6 Galants require premium-grade fuel; 4-cylinder models use regular.
Ride Quality
Comfortable in DE and ES trim, but most midsize rivals are more composed at highway speeds. Ralliart has a firmer suspension for improved control with little comfort compromise.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Comfortable in DE and ES trim, but most midsize rivals are more composed at highway speeds. Ralliart has a firmer suspension for improved control with little comfort compromise.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The Ralliart has nicely weighted steering and little cornering lean. Other models are reasonably nimble, but don't control body motions as well on their softer suspensions. The brakes are adequate in routine use, but simulated panic stops revealed spongy pedal action and only average stopping distances. One test Ralliart suffered from squeaky brakes during hard stops.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 |
The Ralliart has nicely weighted steering and little cornering lean. Other models are reasonably nimble, but don't control body motions as well on their softer suspensions. The brakes are adequate in routine use, but simulated panic stops revealed spongy pedal action and only average stopping distances. One test Ralliart suffered from squeaky brakes during hard stops.
Quietness
Road and tire noise is pronounced the Ralliart, less so in other models. No Galant matches the refinement the midsize-class leaders. The V6 has a sporty exhaust note that some may find tiresome.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 |
Road and tire noise is pronounced the Ralliart, less so in other models. No Galant matches the refinement the midsize-class leaders. The V6 has a sporty exhaust note that some may find tiresome.
Controls
On models without the navigation system, most switchgear is handy and logical. The gauges are easy to read. The navigation screen absorbs, and complicates, most audio controls. It's poorly integrated by sticking out of the center of the dashtop.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
On models without the navigation system, most switchgear is handy and logical. The gauges are easy to read. The navigation screen absorbs, and complicates, most audio controls. It's poorly integrated by sticking out of the center of the dashtop.
Details
Cabin materials are okay for this price range, but are hardly impressive. Some Galants tested suffered from ill-fitting interior panels. One test Ralliart had a persistent and loud dashboard squeak.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5.6 |
Cabin materials are okay for this price range, but are hardly impressive. Some Galants tested suffered from ill-fitting interior panels. One test Ralliart had a persistent and loud dashboard squeak.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Easily accommodates six-footers. Good seat comfort, though the addition of a 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 is subpar.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Easily accommodates six-footers. Good seat comfort, though the addition of a 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 is subpar.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom is tight for six-footers, but three adults fit without undue crowding. Foot and knee space is good. The seat is nicely contoured, but some testers say it's too soft for best comfort. Wide door openings ease entry/exit.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Headroom is tight for six-footers, but three adults fit without undue crowding. Foot and knee space is good. The seat is nicely contoured, but some testers say it's too soft for best comfort. Wide door openings ease entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Short decklid and high liftover limit utility of the roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Galant is hurt by offering only a center pass-through to the cabin, rather than folding rear seatbacks. Cabin storage is nothing special.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Short decklid and high liftover limit utility of the roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Galant is hurt by offering only a center pass-through to the cabin, rather than folding rear seatbacks. Cabin storage is nothing special.
Value within Class
Galant matches the midsize-class leaders for roominess, and holds its own in acceleration and handling, particularly the sporty Ralliart. These sedans lag in mechanical refinement, solidity, interior materials, and assembly quality. Yes, Galant typically sells for less than its rivals, but that's offset by Mitsubishi's lower resale values.
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Galant matches the midsize-class leaders for roominess, and holds its own in acceleration and handling, particularly the sporty Ralliart. These sedans lag in mechanical refinement, solidity, interior materials, and assembly quality. Yes, Galant typically sells for less than its rivals, but that's offset by Mitsubishi's lower resale values.
Total Score
| ES | Ralliart w/navigation | Class Average |
| 58 | 57 | 63.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2008 Mitsubishi Galant Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/16/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| DE 4-door sedan | $19,999 | $19,073 | $625 |
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| ES 4-door sedan | $21,099 | $19,908 | $625 |
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| Ralliart 4-door sedan | $27,149 | $25,616 | $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, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/60HR16 tires, wheel covers.
ES adds to DE:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, floormats.
Ralliart adds to ES:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Rockford Acoustic Design AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, sport suspension, 235/45VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sport Pkg.
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||
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ES
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$1,000
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$876
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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, alloy wheels.
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Protection Pkg.
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DE, ES, Ralliart
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$230
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$168
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Cargo mat, mud guards, door sill guards.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Ralliart
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$1,850
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$1,621
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Floormats
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DE
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$64
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$46
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Rubber floormats
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DE, ES, Ralliart
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$98
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$70
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Fog lights
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ES
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$125
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$88
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 3428 |
| 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 | 258 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 157 @ 4000 | 258 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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||
| 4-speed automatic | 20/27 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 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 |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Galant Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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