EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Roomy for four and enjoyable to drive, the Galant does without a few key features while sacrificing some practicality and refinement for the sake of style. Though unlikely to unseat any of the class leaders, it''s still worth a look if you''re not one to follow the crowd.
Pros
Excellent balance between ride quality and handling, strong V6, stylish and comfortable cockpit, roomy backseat, solid build quality.
Cons
No manual transmission or side curtain airbags, some interior materials feel cheap, questionable ergonomics, needs more storage space, low trunk capacity, no folding rear seat.
What''s New for 2004
The Mitsubishi Galant has been completely redesigned this year to better suit the North American market. In other words, it''s larger, has more power and additional features to better compete against the likes of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.
Overview
Introduction:
A fringe player in the family sedan segment, the previous-generation Mitsubishi Galant (sold from 1999 to 2003) suffered for its small backseat, dull engine and transmission offerings and mediocre interior design and materials. It represented a good value for the budget-minded consumer, but it was certainly not a one-to-one substitute for a class leader like the Accord or Camry. But having watched Nissan supersize its Altima, stuff a powerful V6 under the hood and attract droves of new customers, Mitsubishi knew exactly what to do when it was time to redesign the Galant. Accordingly, the 2004 Galant, the first car by this name to be engineered exclusively for the North American market, is bigger on the outside, roomier on the inside and available with a 230-horsepower V6. Its handsome, if derivative, exterior body lines draw inspiration from such cars as the Altima, Maxima and Passat. While some may find the new styling polarizing, it could be a hit with the younger drivers that Mitsubishi targets. Apart from its unique exterior styling, the Galant features a distinctive new interior design similar to that of Mitsubishi''s new Endeavor sport-ute. There''s a cascading center console with large climate and stereo control knobs along with a display screen located high in the dash. Depending on the trim level you choose, the car can be livened up with faux aluminum trim, bright blue backlighting, white-faced gauges and light wood grain trim. Overall, the Galant''s ensemble still can''t match the refined look and feel of an Accord, Camry or Passat cockpit, but there''s no question that it''s distinctive. Settle in behind the wheel and you''ll find the driver seat soft and roomy. Rear-seat comfort has never been a strong point for the Galant, but those who hop in the back of the ''04 model will find it surprisingly hospitable. Shoulder room is up almost 3 inches, while legroom is up by seven-tenths of an inch. It doesn''t sound like much, but the reality is that this is a sedan that can easily transport a pair of adults in the backseat. Out on the road, the Galant is one of the more fun-to-drive family sedans. The V6 models deliver plenty of torque for passing and merging on the highway. Pushed around sweeping curves and entrance ramps, the Galant maintains a flat, predictable stance. A surprising amount of road feel is transmitted through the driver seat, and the steering, although a little sloppy on-center, feels responsive when entering turns. None of this entertainment comes at the expense of ride quality, which is smooth and forgiving, and ideal for weekday commutes. At once a more likable car than its predecessor, this new Galant suffers a few lapses in interior materials quality, ergonomics and storage space. Furthermore, it lacks features like full-length side curtain airbags, a manual transmission and a fully folding rear seat. It''s likely these shortcomings will keep this car from breaking into the family sedan leaders'' circle. Still an alternative choice, the Galant, but as alternatives go, this one is rather appealing.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Galant is offered in four trim levels -- DE, ES, LS and GTS. The DE comes standard with air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and locks; keyless entry; a 140-watt CD stereo; and a height-adjustable driver seat. The ES adds body-color exterior trim, cruise control, faux titanium trim and a couple extra speakers (for a total of six). The ES is eligible for the Diamond Package, which provides alloy wheels, a 270-watt Infinity stereo, an in-dash CD changer and faux titanium center stack controls with blue backlighting; and the Leather Package, which adds leather upholstery and a power driver seat. Next up the line is the LS; it offers much the same equipment and options as the ES, but a larger engine, ABS and traction control are now standard. Spring for the loaded GTS and all of the above items are included, along with 17-inch wheels, projector-beam headlights, clear lens taillights, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, white-faced gauges and either metallic mesh or wood grain trim. The only option on the GTS is heated seats and mirrors.
Powertrains and Performance:
The DE and ES trim levels come with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine good for 160 horsepower (155 hp in California). The LS and GTS models come with a 3.8-liter V6. Output is rated at 230 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Galants; V6 models get a manual-shift mode.
Safety:
All models come with four-wheel disc brakes, advanced dual-stage front airbags and front-passenger occupant sensors. Side airbags for front occupants are standard on the GTS and optional on the ES and LS. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is standard on the LS and GTS and optional on the ES. Traction control is standard on the LS and GTS. Side curtain airbags are not available.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior offers a clean, contemporary look. All models come with bright blue nighttime illumination for the instrumentation, and most come with at least some faux titanium trim. Controls are easy to find and reach, but the GTS model''s small dash top display for climate and stereo functions can be difficult to read. The seats are softly cushioned and roomy, but some people may wish for firmer support. Trunk capacity is just 13.3 cubic feet, but the opening is wide. There is a ski pass-through, but the rear seats do not fold.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The V6 comes through with plenty of torque, making it easy to execute passing maneuvers on the highway. Heavier than its competitors, though, the Galant doesn''t feel quite as fast as the 245-hp Altima, nor is the power delivery as refined as that of the Accord or Camry. If you decide to go with the four-cylinder engine, you can expect adequate acceleration, but again, less refinement than you''d get in other import sedans. The Galant''s ride and handling characteristics should please consumers looking for the best of both worlds -- a quiet, comfortable ride on the highway, and agile handling around twists and turns.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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