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IN THIS REPORT |
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| • | Overview |
| • | Quick Recommendations |
| • | Ratings |
| • | Compare models |
| • | Hybrid-car preview |
| • | Toyota Prius |
| • | Chevrolet Malibu |
| • | Mitsubishi Galant |
| • | Suzuki Verona |
| • | Dodge Stratus |
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THE GALANT LINE Body style Sedan Drive wheels Front Trim lines DE, ES, LS, GTS Engines & transmission 2.4-liter 4 (160 hp), 3.8-liter V6 (230 hp); 4-speed automatic Base price range $17,997 to $25,977 |
HIGHS | Acceleration, transmission.
LOWS | Ride, rear seat, engine noise, turning circle.
The redesigned Mitsubishi Galant is a sound car but isn't much of an improvement over the previous generation. The four-cylinder engine delivers quick acceleration and decent fuel economy, but it is very noisy under acceleration. The stiff ride transmits impacts to the passengers, and the wide, 43-foot turning circle hampers maneuverability.
The quality of the interior materials and rear-seat room aren't on par with that of competitors such as the Mazda6. Overall, this is a middle-of-the-pack sedan. We have no reliability data yet on this redesigned version.
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THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The stiff ride makes impacts feel firm and pronounced, with abrupt motions. Even the highway ride is a bit choppy. The engine has a raspy whine, but wind and road noise are suppressed.
Handling is secure, with well-contained body lean. The steering is quick but light, and lacks feedback. In our emergency handling tests, the Galant was secure and forgiving. It posted a speed in our avoidance maneuver that's comparable to the others here, but required frequent steering corrections to maintain the intended direction.
The spirited 160-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers the quickest acceleration of the group. We averaged 23 mpg in mixed driving. The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. Braking distances were fairly short and straight, with a firm pedal. The halogen headlights delivered average range with good intensity.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The interior is unremarkable. Fit and finish is OK, but hard plastic materials abound. The driving position, however, provides good visibility, with easy reach to most controls.
The front seats are fairly comfortable, though some taller drivers found the sun visor too close. During longer drives, seating support deteriorated for some people. The rear is roomy for three adults, with ample leg room. But the low, soft seat lacks thigh support, and head room may be tight. Front and rear access is easy.
We found the gauges very clear and easy to read. The controls are intuitive and easy to reach. Minor complaints centered on the unlighted mirror controls and the lack of a transmission gear display in the instrument cluster or a manual shutoff on the dash vents. There are two sturdy cup holders up front and a second pair in the rear. The rear seatbacks don't fold, but there is a small pass-through behind the rear center armrest for carrying long, thin items.
SAFETY NOTES
Front air-bag deployment varies, depending on the crash force, driver's seat position, and the front passenger's weight. Rear safety belts may tug a bit on some people's shoulders. The center rear seat lacks a head restraint.
Driving with kids. Rear-facing child seats may require some added effort to secure. Though recessed, the LATCH anchors are easy to use.
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Copyright © 2004 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.