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2009 Mitsubishi Galant Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
2009 Mitsubishi Galant Review
The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant gets freshened styling and adds models to its lineup. The ES and Ralliart versions of this midsize car are joined for 2009 by the Sport Edition and Sport V6. ES and Sport Edition have a 160-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Sport V6 models use a 230-hp 3.8-liter V6. Ralliarts have a 258-hp 3.8-liter V6. All V6 Galants use 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.
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.
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2009 Mitsubishi Galant Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Build quality
Ride Rear-seat head room
Handling/roadholding (Ralliart)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
5 7 5.8

Four-cylinder Galants have more-than-adequate power for most situations--an ES did 9.0 seconds 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

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 gas; 4-cylinder models use regular.
Ride Quality

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
5 5 5.9

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

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
5 6 5.8

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

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
7 6 5.9

Road and tire noise are pronounced in the Ralliart, less so in other models. No Galant matches the refinement of the midsize-class leaders. The V6 has a sporty exhaust note that some may find tiresome.
Controls

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
6 5 7

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

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
5 4 5.8

Cabin materials are OK 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)

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
6 6 6.8

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)

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

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
3 3 3.7

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

ES Ralliart w/navigation Class Average
5 5 6.7

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 64.1
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
48
Average Score
64
High Score
74
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2009 Mitsubishi Galant Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/05/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
ES 4-door sedan $21,099 $19,908 $625
Sport 4-cylinder 4-door sedan $21,099 $19,908 $625
Sport V6 4-door sedan $23,099 $21,795 $625
Ralliart 4-door sedan $27,149 $25,616 $625
Price note: Sport 4-cylinder, Sport V6 require Sport Value Pkg.
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
ES
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 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, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/60HR16 tires, wheel covers.
Sport 4-cylinder adds to ES:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
Sport V6 adds to Sport 4-cylinder
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, heated front seats, power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, Rockford Acoustic Design AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 215/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Ralliart adds to ES:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 235/45VR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sun, Sound, and Leather Pkg.
ES
$2,550
$2,234
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, power sunroof, heated power mirrors, Rockford Acoustic Design AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, unique exterior trim, fog lights, alarm, 215/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Sport Value Pkg.
Sport V6
$1,400
$1,226
Std. equipment.
Protection Pkg.
ES, Ralliart, Sport 4-cylinder, Sport V6
$270
$190
Cargo mat and net, mud guards, door sill guards.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Ralliart
$1,500
$1,314
iPod adapter
ES, Ralliart, Sport 4-cylinder, Sport V6
$199
$144
Cargo organizer
ES, Ralliart, Sport 4-cylinder, Sport V6
$56
$42
Rubber floormats
ES, Ralliart, Sport 4-cylinder, Sport V6
$95
$67
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
ES
$129
$90
Rear spoiler
ES
$295
$200
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2009 Mitsubishi Galant Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mitsubishi Galant 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 108.3
Overall Length, in. 191.1
Overall Width, in. 72.4
Overall Height, in. 58.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3395
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 @ 5750
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 157 @ 4000 250 @ 4000 258 @ 4500
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
4-speed automatic 20/27 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 16/25 16/25
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%.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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