Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart 4-Door Sedan. After writing about the stylishly exciting Dodge Challenger everything else seems a bit boring. But at about 15 average miles per gallon using the Challenger as a commuter is not practical for most of us. This Galant IS practical and realistic for general driving needs.
The Ralliart model is the top of the Galant line at over $27,000 and sports a 258 hp V6, and a lot less fuel performance than the other trims. The ES and Sport Edition with a more fuel efficient Inline 4-cylinder 160 hp engine knock down between 20 and 30 mpg. The Sport V6 and Ralliart both have the 3.8 liter V6 engine that gets 230 and 258 hp respectively.
Parts – US/Canadian 51%, Japan 30%
Assembly – Normal, IL, USA
Class: – Mid-size
Cars: – Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Outlander and Raider.
I tested the Ralliart model so the 258 hp is plenty powerful enough. I don’t want to be able to burn the tires off the rims but I do expect good performance over the mountains and be able to accelerate quickly enough to be safe on Los Angeles highways. It’s a jungle out there and people can be brutal so you want to be able to get out of your own way in those situations. This Galant won’t let you down.
Styling:
Cookie cutter styling that is uninteresting and common in today’s world. But the lines are clean and this is a decently comfortable commuter and family car. Not all cars can be different from the pack. Cars like the PT Cruiser, Plymouth Prowler, Corvette Z06, Chrysler 300 and of course the Dodge Challenger are several of the cars that stand out and come to mind.
Fit and Finish:
Good
Cost:
Competitive in class. The other two trims (ES and Sport Edition) are just over $20,000.
Features and Conveniences:
Many new cars have Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone. But if you don’t have that built in you can buy a battery operated portable version under $100. I’m sure prices will come down further as they become more popular with the demand of law. And you can also have them tied into your radio system for a few more bucks. The technology is common on high end pricey brands, so the portable versions will take off with the mandatory hands free cell usage in cars beginning July 1, 2008.
Consumer Recommendation:
Resource – www.safercar.gov
If you are contemplating a change in your family’s cars the Galant can fill the need for economy. Then you can pamper your passion for your Hummer (soon to be history) or other SUV (now a very cheap purchase option). You can have the gas guzzler and simply drive it less frequently.
In fact my suggestion is that you look more closely at adding a third family car to include a Smart Car for about $11,000 that gets about 50 mpg of regular gas. Those are all the rage in Europe and experiencing a supply backlog for orders in the US. Remember if you want to cut the cost of fuel, doubling miles per gallon is like paying $2.00 a gallon of gas in your present gas burner getting 25 or even fewer miles per gallon.
You may recall my test drive of the Smart Car last year for its launch in the US. If you missed it and want to see that review it was published in the November 10, 2007 issue of the Country Journal. Or, simply email me or call the Journal and we’ll see you get a copy.
Recognized Competition:
2009s Mitsubishi Galant $21-27,000, Toyota Camry $19-28,000, Hyundai Sonata $18-26,000, Buick LaCrosse $n/a, Chevrolet Malibu $n/a,
2008s – Pontiac Grand Prix $22-29,000, Saturn Aura $20-26,000, Honda Accord $20-31,000, Dodge Avenger $19-26,000, Chevrolet Impala $22-29,000, Ford Fusion $18-25,000, Nissan Altima $19-29,000, Kia Optima $16-21,000, Chrysler Sebring $19-32,000, Mazda 6 $19-28,000.
Good News:
Well equipped and well priced mid-size ‘all around’ family sedan.
Bad News:
Uninteresting styling and only fair fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter 258 hp V6 engine, 5-speed automatic trans, front and side airbags with side curtain airbags, child safety locks and LATCH system, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitor system, engine immobilizer, 18” allow wheels, 4-wheel power ABS disc brakes, power rack & pinion steering, traction control, stabilizer bars, power glass sunroof, auto air conditioning, cruise control, audio system with 8 speakers 6-disc CD/MP3 player, SIRIUS satellite radio incl. 6 month service, sport wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power windows and door locks, leather seating surfaces, center console, 8-way power driver seat, rear armrest with cup holders and trunk pass through, heated front seats, power heated mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, remote keyless entry, theft deterrent system, fog lights, and auto off headlights.
Options: Navigation Package $1,500
Gas Stats:
$4.53/ Gal avg. June 25 ‘08
for more information.
16 City and 25 Highway MPG
www.safercar.gov or 888-327-4236
Pricing:
MSRP $27,299, with options $28,799.
