In the affordable midsize car category, the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant offers room for five, in its four-door, sedan. The Galant has two trims, the ES, and the SE, and is differentiated by interior feature additions.
While many might agree that the Galant has antiquated looks and features, it is affordable, and safe, with a lot of room for passenger comfort. The Galant has not changed much from its introduction in 2004, and resembles the Nissan Altima, but would be an adequate commuter car.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $21,899.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.7 gallons (37l) | MPG: 24 city / 30 hwy |
| Length: 191.1 in. (485.3 cm) | Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm) |
| Height: 57.4 in. (145.7 cm) | Width: 72.4 in. (183.9 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3395 lbs (1540 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.4L MIVEC Inline 4 SOHC | Compression Ratio: 9.5: 1 |
| Horsepower: 160 HP | Max RPM: 5500 RPM |
| Torque: 157 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Sportronic® |
| Option:SE | MSRP: $24,299; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy |
Engine
The Inline-4, 2.4-liter engine with horsepower of 160, and 157 lb-ft of torque, can get you from 0-60 miles-per-hour in 9.6 seconds. This will not beat any records, but the acceleration is adequate for commuting, or city driving. The gas engine with electronic fuel injection, and 4-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, with adaptive shift control and front wheel drive, make the ride a smooth one. The suspension is MacPherson multi-link, with coil springs.
Performance
The Galant’s city and highway performance is average for a mid-size car, and can achieve 21 mpg in the city, and 30 mpg on the highway. Mitsubishi is so confident in the Galant’s performance, that it offers one of the longest powertrain warranties in this car category. The car warranty is offered for 60 months, or 60,000 miles.
Exterior
The Galant is squared in the front and rear, with a new chrome-painted mesh grill in the front, and 16 or 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust, and chrome moldings for the automatic-on halogen headlights. The door handles, and rear spoiler are color-matched to the available colors of red in the ES trim, or red, silver, white or black in the SE trim.
Interior
The Galant ES comes equipped with automatic-on headlights, air-conditioning, cruise, compact disc player, and auxiliary jack. The SE trim is equipped with the standard features, along with a power sunroof, heated front seats, climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation system, and rear backup camera.
The upholstery in the ES comes in gray or black fabric, with brown wood print trim, and the SE has an option for black leather seats. The cabin offers a lot of head and leg room for passengers, and 13.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety & Reliability
The Galant has received high marks in safety and reliability, beginning with the 4-wheel, anti-lock brake system, with EBD Traction control. It also has stability control, tire pressure monitor, and three-point safety belts for all passengers.
The driver and front passenger airbags come in two-stage function, to go with the front and rear side curtain airbags. Mitsubishi’s confidence in the Galant is evident through its long warranty, and high performance ranking.
Features
The Galant is an affordable and spacious car for the midsize category. It has a very comfortable interior, smooth ride, and its acceleration is adequate for its engine capabilities. Unfortunately, there are a few negatives, than positives for the Galant. Many do not appreciate the outdated exterior design, and transmission, lacking the optional V-6 that the Ford Fusion (MSRP $27,225; 21 city / 27 hwy) and Mazda 6 (MSRP $20,480; 24 city / 30 hwy) offer.
The standard and technical features, and fuel economy just cannot compete with the Hyundai Sonata (MSRP $20,795; 28 city / 35 hwy) and the Volkswagen Passat (MSRP $20,590; 26 city / 32 hwy). It lacks the free factory scheduled maintenance.
Without a fresh design, or improved fuel efficiency that can compete, the other competitors offering the same standard features and more for the same price, are winning out. The media reports that the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant will be discontinued after this model.
As a sedan the Galant joins an array of other vehicles in vying for your attention, among those include the Chevrolet Malibu (MSRP $22,110; 26 city / 33 hwy), the Honda Accord (MSRP $22,280; 27 city / 34 hwy), and the Camry from Toyota (MSRP $22,600; 28 city / 35 hwy).
Overall Rating
59 out of 100
What others say:
“The Illinois-made Mitsubishi Galant has been in need of a redo for at least a few years, but it won’t be getting one–it’s one of a handful of vehicles due to be discontinued after the 2012 model year.”Car Connection
“Reasonably nimble, but Galant doesn’t control body motions as well due to suspension tuning that is soft when compared with other midsize cars.”Consumer Guide
“The Galant is a sound car that competes with better ones, and by now it is quite outdated.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Galant’s 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder provides just enough oomph to drive swiftly, but certainly not enthusiastically. Ride quality is comparable to rival sedans.”KBB
“The 2012 Mitsubishi Galant remains well behind the pack due to its relatively meager power, unimpressive cabin quality and outdated styling.”Edmunds
