2008 Mitsubishi Galant Trims and Specs

A new standard tire-pressure monitor is the big addition to the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant DE, the base trim of this midsize, affordable family sedan. Earning five stars from the NHTSA on all but rollover protection (four stars), the DE is a solid front-wheel-drive sedan with a somewhat underpowered 160-hp, 2.4-liter, 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine and a 4-speed shiftable automatic. Dual front-side airbags and side head airbags for all rows are standard, but ABS brakes and traction control are not available. The DE rides on 16-inch wheels with all-season tires.

Well-equipped for a base model, the 2008 Galant DE features power windows, locks, and mirrors, a CD player, tachometer, intermittent wipers, remote entry, air conditioning, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. It claims to seat five, but more realistically accommodates four, with 37 inches of rear legroom. The trunk holds slightly over 13 cubic feet. Rear seats do not fold down, but there is a fold-down armrest that doubles as a trunk pass-through. Mudguards, a cargo net, and a cargo organizer are the only major options. Drivers appreciate the Galant DE's 23/30 mpg fuel economy, capable handling, and overall roominess.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant ES shares the 2.4-liter, 160-hp inline four-cylinder engine and 4-speed shiftable automatic of the base DE, but adds a few standard features for those wanting a little more convenience. For 2008, the Galant ES gets a tire-pressure monitor added to the dual front-side and side head airbags (for both rows) and 16-inch wheels with all season tires. These help it earn the highest safety ratings from the NHTSA. Unlike the DE, the ES comes standard with ABS brakes. Foglights and alloy wheels are available as options.

Added to the full power setup, remote entry, intermittent wipers, and tachometer of the DE, the ES includes wheel-mounted cruise control, faux alloy trim on the dash and doors, and a CD player capable of MP3 playback. It also features six speakers. Rear seats do not split-fold, but there is a trunk pass-through into the 13-cubic-foot cargo area. A net and organizer can be added for more secure storage. Other options for the 2008 Galant ES include a Sport Package, which features alloy wheels, halogen headlamps, a rear spoiler, a 6-CD changer with surround sound, satellite radio, and a sport-wrapped steering wheel. These features are available only as a bundled package.

As the performance trim in the Galant midsize-sedan lineup, the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart comes fully loaded with standard features and a high-output, 3.8-liter, 24-valve V6 that delivers 258 hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed shiftable automatic, and no manual transmission is available. One trade-off for the extra power in the 2008 Galant Ralliart is a diminished 18/27 mpg. A sport-tuned suspension rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and bigger 4-wheel disc brakes than those on the DE and ES. The Ralliart also features traction control and standard 4-wheel ABS brakes for tighter grip around those fast curves. Dual front-side and side head airbags for both rows are also standard, along with a tire-pressure monitor, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a security system.

The 2008 Galant Ralliart comes with all the standard power features, but adds an 8-way power driver's seat and leather upholstery. On the dash, a trip computer, compass, and temperature display are also standard, along with a tachometer. Sporty features include a sunroof and rear spoiler. In addition to remote entry, intermittent wipers, wheel-mounted cruise control, and alloy trim, the Ralliart receives leather interior accents, heated mirrors, wheel-mounted audio controls for the 6-CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, eight speakers (compared to six in the ES), surround sound, and a garage opener. In case you think the Galant missed something, you can add a navigation system. For the 13-cubic-foot trunk, a net and organizer are available.