2009 Mitsubishi Galant 4-door ES Sedan

The Galant's interior is a refreshing blend of bold, modern design and soothing blue light. The dash, steering wheel and center console take their cues from the Endeavor SUV. Large rotary knobs control the heating and fan speeds as well as the sound system volume and tuning functions – a much-needed improvement over previous Mitsubishi stereo systems. Redesigned doors have integrated cup holders up front and storage pockets for small electronic devices in back. We found the Galant's seating to be first-rate, with rear-seat passengers reporting plenty of legroom and a surprising amount of headroom. The absence of a fold-down rear seatback, however, limits the Galant's ability to carry large or bulky items.

While the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is in the same market segment as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the powerful front nose, sloping fastback rear window and short deck lid give it an appearance all its own. The sporty Galant Ralliart seems to be aimed directly at buyers who require four doors but also want a bit more personality than most sedans offer. It has several subtle touches that set it apart stylistically, such as side mirrors that are attached to the doors by slim plastic arms and front headlamp turn signals sealed in huge tinted plastic casings.

Notable Standard Equipment

Notable Optional Equipment

The Galant ES features a 160-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, rear cup holders, rear defroster, power locks, power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry, engine immobilizer, automatic headlamps, tilt wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player, air conditioning, rear-seat pass-through, 16-inch tires with full wheel covers and a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The Sport Edition trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear spoiler, fog lamps, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, power glass sunroof and an eight-way power driver's seat. The Sport V6 adds a 230-horsepower V6, five-speed automatic transmission, traction control and a 360-watt Rockford audio system. The Ralliart adds a 258-horsepower V6, 18-inch wheels and a sport suspension. Stand-alone options include floor mats, an iPod adapter and a trunk cargo organizer.

Mitsubishi has packaged the Galant to be well-equipped and attractive in its segment, leaving only a few options for each trim. ES models can be equipped with the Sun, Sound and Leather package, which includes 17-inch wheels, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather seats, power sunroof, power driver's seat and the Rockford audio system. The Ralliart offers a Navigation package that adds DVD navigation, rear backup camera and a seven-inch LCD touch-screen panel.

The Galant offers four trim levels, two with the four-cylinder engine, one with a 230-horsepower V6 and the last, the Ralliart, with a high-output V6. The Galant's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is adequate for around-town driving and returns impressive city and highway fuel economy. The V6 is best suited to those who demand extra power, the kind required for quicker acceleration when merging or passing.

2.4-liter in-line 4
160 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
155 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27

3.8-liter V6
230 horsepower @ 5250 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25

3.8-liter V6 MIVEC
258 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25