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2009 Mitsubishi Galant Bottom Line

June 28, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

The editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Mitsubishi Galant and bring you their expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also read a range of reviews of the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant to present how other reviewers and critics see it.

Likes:

  • Spacious rear seating
  • Impressive V-6 power
  • Sporty Ralliart model

Dislikes:

  • Cheap-feeling interior materials
  • Looks behind the times

Buying Tips:


If you don't think the revised look of the 2009.5 Mitsubishi Galant is worthwhile, there might be 2008 or 2009 models still available.

Despite a number of small refreshes over the years, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is essentially identical to the 2004 model, and that's one of its downfalls. It's a fine-looking car, but in the past four years the Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Honda Accord have raised the bar with hot new styles that make the new Galant look like, well, a used car.

Halfway through 2009 Mitsubishi will launch a refreshed Galant. Call it a 2009.5 model with "expressive new styling.” The mid-year introduction includes new lower grille mesh on all ES trim levels, while the Sport and Sport V6 will roll on 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and beefier suspension.

Base model 2009 Galants are powered by a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Ralliart model uses a punchy 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine coupled to a five-speed Sportronic automatic with manual shift capability (the automatic is pretty invisible in its shift action). The big V-6 has plenty of smooth power for a sedan of this size, but it's less growly than in other Mitsubishis. Fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg city, 27 highway with the four-cylinder versions to 17/25 mpg with the V-6.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant sedans are pleasant to drive. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine hustles the LS around, and its suspension absorbs most road impacts well. Tighten up the line into a curve and you notice more imprecision in the rear end, a little squirm, and some movement before it settles into predictable tire squeal. The Ralliart is tighter and more composed. On all versions, the steering is nicely weighted, brake modulation good, and pedal travel short.

The front seats have plenty of room, and so do the deeply set backseats. The interior is covered in industrial-looking trim, and in general, the dark, plastic-addicted cabin needs a richer look and feel.

All 2009 Galants come standard with anti-lock brakes, dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side front and rear curtain airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The V-6 models feature standard traction control. The federal government rates the Galant with four stars for rollover protection, but other ratings have not been revealed.

For the so-called 2009.5 edition, hands-free Bluetooth has finally been added, though only as part of a major option package. Ralliarts with Navigation also receive rear backup cameras.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Chevrolet Malibu has made the most dramatic transformation, from rental-car fodder to beautifully styled, taut-handling family sedan, with a strong V-6 backed by a four-cylinder and a hybrid version, too. The Honda Accord was just redesigned with dramatic new styling and a fantastic new cabin for the 2008 model year. The Nissan Altima is the closest competitor to the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant; it comes in four- and six-cylinder versions, with aggressive styling and great front-drive handling, but the Altima has more cohesive styling and a sportier feel overall.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant does most things well, but the newest family sedans do them even better.

The editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Mitsubishi Galant and bring you their expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also read a range of reviews of the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant to present how other reviewers and critics see it. Likes:Spacious rear seatingImpressive V-6 powerSporty Ralliart modelDislikes:Cheap-feeling interior materialsLooks behind the timesBuying Tips: If you don't think the revised look of the 2009.5 Mitsubishi Galant is worthwhile, there might be 2008 or 2009 models still available. Despite a number of small refreshes over the years, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is essentially identical to the 2004 model, and that's one of its downfalls. It's a fine-looking car, but in the past four years the Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Honda Accord have raised the bar with hot new styles that make the new Galant look like, well, a used car. Halfway through 2009 Mitsubishi will launch a refreshed Galant. Call it a 2009.5 model with "expressive new styling.” The mid-year introduction includes new lower grille mesh on all ES trim levels, while the Sport and Sport V6 will roll on 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and beefier suspension. Base model 2009 Galants are powered by a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Ralliart model uses a punchy 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine coupled to a five-speed Sportronic automatic with manual shift capability (the automatic is pretty invisible in its shift action). The big V-6 has plenty of smooth power for a sedan of this size, but it's less growly than in other Mitsubishis. Fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg city, 27 highway with the four-cylinder versions to 17/25 mpg with the V-6. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant sedans are pleasant to drive. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine hustles the LS around, and its suspension absorbs most road impacts well. Tighten up the line into a curve and you notice more imprecision in the rear end, a little squirm, and some movement before it settles into predictable tire squeal. The Ralliart is tighter and more composed. On all versions, the steering is nicely weighted, brake modulation good, and pedal travel short. The front seats have plenty of room, and so do the deeply set backseats. The interior is covered in industrial-looking trim, and in general, the dark, plastic-addicted cabin needs a richer look and feel. All 2009 Galants come standard with anti-lock brakes, dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side front and rear curtain airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The V-6 models feature standard traction control. The federal government rates the Galant with four stars for rollover protection, but other ratings have not been revealed. For the so-called 2009.5 edition, hands-free Bluetooth has finally been added, though only as part of a major option package. Ralliarts with Navigation also receive rear backup cameras. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant, also consider:Chevrolet MalibuHonda AccordNissan AltimaReason Why:The Chevrolet Malibu has made the most dramatic transformation, from rental-car fodder to beautifully styled, taut-handling family sedan, with a strong V-6 backed by a four-cylinder and a hybrid version, too. The Honda Accord was just redesigned with dramatic new styling and a fantastic new cabin for the 2008 model year. The Nissan Altima is the closest competitor to the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant; it comes in four- and six-cylinder versions, with aggressive styling and great front-drive handling, but the Altima has more cohesive styling and a sportier feel overall. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant does most things well, but the newest family sedans do them even better. The editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Mitsubishi Galant and bring you their expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also read a range of reviews of the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant to present how other reviewers and critics see it. Likes Spacious rear ...

Other Choices:

The Chevrolet Malibu has made the most dramatic transformation, from rental-car fodder to beautifully styled, taut-handling family sedan, with a strong V-6 backed by a four-cylinder and a hybrid version, too. The Honda Accord was just redesigned with dramatic new styling and a fantastic new cabin for the 2008 model year. The Nissan Altima is the closest competitor to the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant; it comes in four- and six-cylinder versions, with aggressive styling and great front-drive handling, but the Altima has more cohesive styling and a sportier feel overall.

Next Steps:

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See the Mitsubishi Galant in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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