Vehicle Overview Not content to let competitors drift alone into the 250-plus horsepower stratosphere, Mitsubishi gave its Galant midsize sedan a modest freshening last year that included an upgraded 258-hp V-6. For 2008, that engine is available only on the top, Ralliart trim level. The 230-hp V-6 has been discontinued. Also for 2008, the GTS trim level was discontinued and its features spread throughout the remaining three trim levels.
The Ralliart trim level takes its name from Mitsubishi’s performance arm, and it’s the top choice of three trim levels. Even the base Galant gets standard power accessories and six airbags, pitting Mitsubishi against Hyundai as the value leader in midsize sedans.
For all its talk about performance, the 2008 Galant offers only automatic transmissions — though the V-6 version gets five speeds instead of four. Also absent is an electronic stability system, which many competitors have begun to offer.
Exterior The Galant is available in base DE, ES and top-of-the-line Ralliart trim levels. DE models look fairly basic, with 16-inch steel wheels and black plastic mirrors and door handles. ES editions upgrade to body-colored exterior moldings. The Galant Ralliart features 18-inch wheels, tighter suspension components and two-tone bumpers with mesh grille inserts.
Two new exterior colors are available on the 2008 model: Rave Red and Northstar White.
Interior The Galant’s center stack holds an optional navigation system up top. The three-spoke steering wheel, simple instrument cluster and unadorned dashboard remain largely unchanged.
Power accessories, remote entry and a CD player are standard on all Galants. ES models feature metal-look trim and cruise control. The Ralliart has automatic climate control and a premium sound system built by Rockford Fosgate. The Galant is ultimately not a top-tier luxury contender in its segment, as many premium items — such as a power-operated passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control — are not offered.
At 101 cubic feet, the Galant’s total passenger volume is competitive with other midsize sedans.
Under the Hood A 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine works in the Galant DE and ES. It makes 160 hp and 157 pounds-feet of torque. The Galant Ralliart adds Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable-valve timing to the 3.8-liter V-6 to generate 258 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque. It pushes the Galant from zero to 60 mph in about 7 seconds.
The inline-four-cylinder engines get a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 gets a five-speed automatic. All transmissions include a manual-shift mode.
Safety Mitsubishi added standard side curtain airbags to the Galant last year. Together with the standard front and side-impact airbags, the Galant has six standard airbags. For 2008, a tire pressure monitoring system was added. The ES and Ralliart trim levels have antilock brakes, but they are not available on the DE trim.
