Used 2010 Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi may be well-known for its sports cars and SUVs, but its family sedan sometimes gets overlooked by the masses. Mitsubishi moved to change its fortunes with the introduction last year of the new Galant. Given a major refreshening both inside and out, the Galant’s flashy styling and value-packed standard-equipment list should prove a tempting lure for buyers shopping the more mainstream Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. On the other hand, fierce new competition from Chevrolet’s Malibu, and the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, means the Galant is in a tough market. Look for Mitsubishi to continue offering a number of attractive incentive programs to make it even easier to purchase a 2010 Galant.

Powered by a 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the 2010 Mitsubishi Galant has lost some of the fun it once had when equipped with a V6. Still, the 2.4-liter is fairly smooth and certainly capable of moving the Galant swiftly, if not enthusiastically. The Galant’s ride is on par with similar rival sedans both domestic and foreign, and while the steering delivers accurate feedback in most maneuvers, it feels a bit slow to respond during really hard driving. The SE 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 red light. The dash, steering wheel and center console take their cues from the Endeavor SUV. 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 2010 Mitsubishi Galant is 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 SE 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 18-inch Ralliart alloy wheels, chrome exhaust finishers and a color-keyed rear lip spoiler.

Navigation
Standard on the SE, the seven inch screen provides large, clear directions and include points of interest, Diamond Lane Guidance and a rear backup camera.

Sportronic Automatic Transmission
Mitsubishi’s Sportronic automatic is one of the better transmissions on the market, allowing the driver to manually change gears without the use of a clutch pedal.

The Galant ES features a 160-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, traction and stability control, 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, tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player, air conditioning, rear-seat pass-through, 16-inch tires with full wheel covers and a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The SE trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear spoiler, fog lamps, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, an eight-way power driver’s seat, 650-watt Rockford Acoustic Design audio system, DVD navigation, rearview camera and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Mitsubishi has packaged the Galant to be well-equipped and attractive in its segment, leaving only a few options for each trim. ES models can be equipped with fog lights, rearview camera and a rear spoiler, while both trims can be equipped with leather seats, an iPod integration setup and remote start.

The Galant offers one power plant for both trims. The Galant’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 160 horsepower (155 on the PZEV version), is adequate for around-town driving and returns impressive city and highway fuel economy.

2.4-liter in-line 4
160 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
155 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30