2004 Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi has struggled for several years to establish the Galant as a viable in the mid-size sedan market.  The Galant has faced stiff competition in top sellers like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, but most reviewers agreed that the Galant was a value-in-class leader, year after year.  Shortcomings included the sedan's lack of options, compact rear seats, and underpowered engines.  

Mitsubishi has completely redesigned the Galant for 2004, in an effort to takes sales away from the class leaders.  The new Galant is larger and more powerful.  The modle lineup has been slimmed to four trims: DE, ES, LS, and GTS.  All models come standard with air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories, keyless entry, a CD player, a digital clock and automatic-off headlights.  Four-wheel disc brakes have been added to the safety features, along with daytime running lights.

There are still two Galant engine options, but both are now more powerful.  The 2.4 liter inline four provides 160 horsepower and 157 pound-feet of torque.  The V-6 is upgraded from a 3.0 to a 3.8 liter unit, which generates 230 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.  Fuel economy is estimated at 23/30 mpg with the four and 19/27 mpg with the V-6.  Again, the only transmission option is a four-speed automatic.

The Galant continues to earn high marks for performance: ride quality, V6 acceleration, and handling.  The previous V-6 models ran from 0 to 60 mph in over eight seconds, but the 3.8 liter unit speeds that time up to 6.8 seconds.  The V-6 models also now have a manual shift feature with the automatic transmission.  The GTS is the best bet for aggressive drivers, with its road-responsive, but non-intrusive, sport suspension system.

The new Galant is larger and the interior is noticeably more spacious.  The cabin has wide open feel and the rear seat can now accommodate three adults in reasonable comfort.  The seats are very comfortable, according to reviewers, and the rear seat ease of entry/exit has also improved.