Used 2012 Mitsubishi Galant

2012 marks the final year of production for the Galant mid-size sedan as Mitsubishi focuses on making smaller cars and more aggressive rivals such as Hyundai and Kia grab market share in this highly competitive segment. As 5-passenger mid-size sedans go, the Galant often takes a back seat to market leaders Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. Yet the car does offer some features as standard that others don’t, such as an automatic transmission and keyless entry on ES models and navigation with a backup camera on SE versions. But the car trails competitors when it comes to engine choices, power rating, fuel economy and overall creature comforts.

The 2012 Galant’s 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder provides just enough oomph to drive swiftly, but certainly not enthusiastically. Ride quality is comparable to rival sedans. Steering is a little slow when it comes to driving the vehicle aggressively, but satisfying otherwise. Available only as an automatic, you won’t have the opportunity to row through the gears as with a manual. The Sportronic transmission is only a 4-speed at that, but it does allow for manual gear changes. In higher-level Galant SE form, 18-inch tires improve handling without sacrificing ride comfort.

The Galant’s interior is showing its age. Big knobs and large, shiny dash surfaces might have worked a few years ago, but look outdated when compared with competitors’ sleeker, more fluid designs. For what they are, the large rotary knobs that control climate and the sound system work well and are easily identifiable. Seating is comfortable, with passengers in the rear reporting good legroom and headroom. The back seat does not fold down, though – only a trunk pass-through is provided – which limits the Galant’s cargo-carrying capacity. Leather seating can be had, in addition to heated driver and passenger seats.

The Mitsubishi Galant looks more unassuming than competitors such as the Kia Optima, instead offering more traditional sedan looks. But its bold nose and nicely sloping rear do help. The SE form gets some personality with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips and fog lights.

Navigation
Standard on SE versions of 2012 Galant, the 7-inch touch-screen displays clear directions in addition to points of interests and Diamond Lane Guidance. Also standard on the SE is a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system with eight speakers and 6-disc CD player.

Warranty:
Like every Mitsubishi, the Galant comes with a generous warranty and roadside assistance program. The basic warranty is a 5-year/60,000-mile affair, while the powertrain components are covered for 10 years/100,000 miles. Roadside assistance is good for five years and an unlimited amount of miles during that time period.

In base ES form, the 2012 Galant comes with air conditioning, cruise control, engine immobilizer, height-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, extendable sun visors and traction control. The SE model is much better equipped with features including a DVD navigation system and rearview camera, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system, 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth, a power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and Sirius satellite radio. All Galant models feature Mitsubishi’s transferable 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Leather seating, rear lip spoiler, rear-view camera, iPod adapter and remote engine start are among the minimal options available on Galant ES models. The SE options list is even shorter, but includes leather and remote engine start.

All Galant models use the same engine: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder featuring the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system. Power = 160 hp. Transmission = 4-speed automatic.

2.4-liter inline-4
160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
157 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg