Used 2008 Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi may be well-known for its sports cars and SUVs, but its family sedan sometimes gets overlooked by the masses. Although the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant doesn’t receive as much mention as the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, as midsize family sedans go, it offers some worthy features. Unique exterior styling helps the Galant stand out from the more conservatively-designed class leaders and its roomy, well-equipped interior is both pleasing and solidly constructed. Best of all, Mitsubishi continues to offer a number of attractive incentive programs to make it even easier to purchase a Galant.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart’s potent V6, though a bit loud at idle, has a nice throaty growl when you punch it. With 258 horsepower, the performance is exhilarating and quick, and the Ralliart has no trouble merging with freeway traffic or passing on the highway. Once under way, you’ll discover the speed-sensitive hydraulic power steering delivers accurate feedback in most maneuvers, but feels a bit slow to respond during really hard driving. The Ralliart trim, with its low-profile 18-inch performance tires, provides precise handling without a harsh ride.

The Galant’s interior is a refreshing blend of bold, modern design and soothing blue light. The dash, steering wheel and center console take their cues from the Endeavor. Large rotary knobs control the heating and fan speeds as well as the sound system volume and tuning functions—a much-needed improvement over previous Mitsubishi stereo systems. Redesigned doors have integrated cup holders up front and storage pockets for small electronic devices in back. We found the Galant’s seating to be first-rate, with rear-seat passengers reporting plenty of legroom and a surprising amount of headroom. The absence of a fold-down rear seatback, however, limits the Galant’s ability to carry large or bulky items.

While the Mitsubishi Galant plays in the same market segment as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the powerful front nose, sloping fastback rear window and short deck lid give it an appearance all its own. The sporty Galant Ralliart seems to be aimed directly at buyers who require four doors, but also want a bit more personality than most sedans offer. It has several subtle touches that set it apart stylistically, such as side mirrors that are attached to the doors by slim plastic arms and front headlamp turn signals sealed in huge tinted plastic casings.

Blue Dash Lights
The blue dash lighting on white-face gauges (GTS) really stands out in this field.

Sportronic Automatic Transmission
Mitsubishi’s Sportronic automatic is one of the better transmissions on the market.

The Galant DE comes standard with a 160-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, rear cup holders, rear defroster, power locks, power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry, engine immobilizer, automatic headlamps, AM/FM stereo with CD, rear-seat pass-through, tilt wheel and 16-inch tires with full wheel covers.

Options vary by trim level and include a 3.8-liter V6 with five-speed Sportronic automatic transmission (Ralliart), alloy wheels, heated leather seats, power driver’s seat, anti-lock brakes (ABS), DVD navigation, faux leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Ralliart), Rockford Acoustic Design audio and heated side mirrors.

The Galant offers three trim levels, two with the four-cylinder engine, and one, the Ralliart, with a high-output V6. The Galant’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is adequate for around-town driving and returns impressive city and highway fuel economy. The V6 is best suited to those who demand extra power, the kind required for quicker acceleration when merging or passing.

2.4-liter in-line 4
160 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
157 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27

3.8-liter V6 MIVEC
258 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25