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2009 Mitsubishi Galant Performance Review

June 28, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

transmission shifts smoothly and quickly
Cars.com

feels pretty strong
Car and Driver

V6 is very responsive in any situation
Automobile Magazine

Even with the four-cylinder engine, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant has adequate punch for everyday driving.

The base Mitsubishi Galant DE and ES get their power from an adequate 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A Galant Ralliart model uses a punchy 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a five-speed Sportronic automatic with manual shift capability. The four-cylinder engine has "more-than-adequate power for most situations," according to ConsumerGuide; they clock a 0-60-mph run in 9 seconds. Car and Driver comments, “the four-cylinder is acceptable, but opt for the V-6.” With that V-6 in the Ralliart, the performance image improves considerably. Edmunds says “the V6 engine delivers plenty of power and torque for passing and merging.” And as Cars.com reports, the Ralliart manages "60 mph from a standstill in 6.4 seconds."

A four-speed automatic transmission is paired with both engines. As a disappointed Edmunds points out, "a manual transmission is unavailable on any Galant." Automobile finds the automatic "remarkably responsive,” while “the Galant's 'Sportronic' transmission runs through all four forward speeds with acceptable alacrity, kicking down gamely for hillclimb and passing situations,” Motor Trend asserts.

The handling of the Mitsubishi Galant 2009 is good, particularly in the stiffer suspension of the Ralliart model. Edmunds finds the standard Galant to be “one of the more fun-to-drive family sedans,” and says it “remains flat and predictable and feels smaller than it is.” ConsumerGuide deems the base versions "reasonably nimble," but also points out that they "don't control body motions as well on their softer suspensions." Not everyone is impressed with the handling of the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, though; Car and Driver highlights the "unnerving steering-wheel tugging" that is noticeable "during aggressive acceleration," while Cars.com states that the Ralliart model's "ride can become disruptive over potholes or other major bumps." Cars.com adds, though, that the Ralliart “confidently carves through turns” and has “weighty steering feel” that fits its demeanor.

Conclusion

For everyday driving, the four-cylinder 2009 Mitsubishi Galant will do; if you're looking for a fun, sporty drive, upgrade to the Ralliart's V-6.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:transmission shifts smoothly and quicklyCars.comfeels pretty strongCar and DriverV6 is very responsive in any situationAutomobile Magazine Even with the four-cylinder engine, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant has adequate punch for everyday driving. The base Mitsubishi Galant DE and ES get their power from an adequate 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A Galant Ralliart model uses a punchy 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a five-speed Sportronic automatic with manual shift capability. The four-cylinder engine has "more-than-adequate power for most situations," according to ConsumerGuide; they clock a 0-60-mph run in 9 seconds. Car and Driver comments, “the four-cylinder is acceptable, but opt for the V-6.” With that V-6 in the Ralliart, the performance image improves considerably. Edmunds says “the V6 engine delivers plenty of power and torque for passing and merging.” And as Cars.com reports, the Ralliart manages "60 mph from a standstill in 6.4 seconds." A four-speed automatic transmission is paired with both engines. As a disappointed Edmunds points out, "a manual transmission is unavailable on any Galant." Automobile finds the automatic "remarkably responsive,” while “the Galant's 'Sportronic' transmission runs through all four forward speeds with acceptable alacrity, kicking down gamely for hillclimb and passing situations,” Motor Trend asserts. The handling of the Mitsubishi Galant 2009 is good, particularly in the stiffer suspension of the Ralliart model. Edmunds finds the standard Galant to be “one of the more fun-to-drive family sedans,” and says it “remains flat and predictable and feels smaller than it is.” ConsumerGuide deems the base versions "reasonably nimble," but also points out that they "don't control body motions as well on their softer suspensions." Not everyone is impressed with the handling of the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, though; Car and Driver highlights the "unnerving steering-wheel tugging" that is noticeable "during aggressive acceleration," while Cars.com states that the Ralliart model's "ride can become disruptive over potholes or other major bumps." Cars.com adds, though, that the Ralliart “confidently carves through turns” and has “weighty steering feel” that fits its demeanor. ConclusionFor everyday driving, the four-cylinder 2009 Mitsubishi Galant will do; if you're looking for a fun, sporty drive, upgrade to the Ralliart's V-6. 2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "stylish in a contemporary way" Automobile Magazine: "don't expect the neighborhood kids to follow you home" Cars.com: "looks much cleaner than the overwrought Mazda " The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant hasn't seen a major redesign in ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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