2001 Mitsubishi Galant - Review

The Galant used to be regarded as a sort of rough-around-the-edges competitor to the Camry and Accord, ranking a generation of refinement behind those other Japanese models and lagging in quality.

But over time, Mitsubishi has caught up on the refinement game, to the point of becoming a real player. Two years ago, Mitsubishi began offering its V-6 on the Galant, kicking it into the infield and the American sedan mainstream. Now, Mitsubishi is refocusing its products toward mass-market sportiness and those who enjoy driving.

The Galant GTZ is proof of that: While it isn’t quite as minutely refined and flawless as the Camry and Accord, it’s a comfortable, sporty sedan with an excellent powertrain.

Specifically, the GTZ has the same engine, transmission, and basic equipment as the LS and ES V-6 models, but it adds a sport suspension upgrade consisting of stiffer springs and firmer dampers, plus sixteen-inch alloy wheels and an exterior treatment that includes a color-keyed grille, color-keyed front and rear spoilers (including the rear wing), and special trim. Importantly, the GTZ offers no manual transmission or manu-matic option—only a four-speed automatic—disqualifying it as a real sport-sedan contender in the eyes of many.

Outside, Mitsubishi has done a great styling job with this car. Though the current Galant is nearly three years old now, it’s aging gracefully. The proportions are right, and the body cladding has been kept to a minimum, while still showing that it’s a sport model.

What about the unusually large rear wing, though? Opinions are mixed on whether the rear wing fits the part or if it looks a little over the top. I tend to think the latter and do without it, but judging by the number of tacky add-on spoilers I see nowadays on everything from Civics to Aleros, I might be alone. The sixteen-inch, five-spoke, partially blacked-out alloy wheels look great, and stand out in a world of near-look-alikes.