Vehicle Reviews

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant gets a bold new styling. This midsize sedan will be available in four versions: the performance-tuned Galant Ralliart, the four-cylinder ES, the new four-cylinder Sport Edition and the Sport V-6. From the value-packed ES to the racy new Ralliart, every Galant model offers dynamic driving pleasure, supported by 25 years of Mitsubishi motor sport heritage. A generous list of premium features that come standard, as well as new standard factory value packages, all add up to substantial savings for the buyer.

The improved styling of all Galant models is distinguished by its sophisticated and sleek new front fascia featuring a new grille with chrome surround, a new bumper and sculpted tail. The 2009 Galant gets a bold front-end with raked-back hood lines and a lower air dam. In the rear, the Galant features new tail lamps and bumper treatment, a wide rear glass and a new deck lid with a stop-lamp in the center. New standard 17-inch alloy wheels highlight the Galant Sport models. The cabin is well-accommodated and enhanced with new design accents and upscale materials. Ralliart models have exclusive styling cues and a sport-tuned suspension. Ride and handling have been refined for better driving comfort. Standard features on Galant Sport models include premium cloth-trimmed heated front seats, automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side-view mirrors, alarm system, rear spoiler and a power glass sunroof. The Galant Sport V-6 model and Ralliart also get a standard 360-watt Rockford acoustic design premium audio system, which includes Sirius satellite radio and a six-month prepaid subscription. Optional packages include a sun, sound and leather package as well as a navigation package.

The Galant ES and Sport Edition models are equipped with a 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter, Mivec, four-cylinder engine. The Sport V-6 model receives a 230- horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6. All 2009 Galant models come standard with a Sportronic automatic transmission: a four-speed with the four-cylinder engine and a five-speed with the V-6 engines. A 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter, Mivec, V-6 engine powers the Galant Ralliart. This model is unique for its luxury features, Ralliart-tuned sport suspension, new 18-inch alloy wheels and exterior styling. The Galant Ralliart can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. Four-cylinder Galant models sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont have a partial zero-emission vehicle (PZEV) certification. Fuel consumption is estimated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the ES and Sport Edition models; it is 16/25 mpg city/ highway for Sport V6 and Ralliart models.

Standard on all 2009 Galant models are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; advanced dual-stage front air bags with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) and dual action inflator with front passenger occupant sensors; front seat-mounted side-impact air bags; side front and rear curtain air bags; and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Sport V-6 and Ralliart models feature standard traction control.