2004 Mitsubishi Galant LS

Vehicle Type: Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive Sedan
Price Range: $17,997-$25.697
Price As Tested: N/A

Pros:
Engine
Ride
Handling
Stereo
Warranty

Cons:
No Manual Transmission
No 5-Speed Automatic
Lack of Side Curtain Air Bags
Trunk/No Folding Rear Seats

Overview:
The Galant is all new for 2004. For the first time, this car is designed in America for Americans. The result is a bigger more powerful Galant. 4 Trim lines are offered with the base model DE coming in at around $18,000 and the newly named top of line GTS pushing $26k. Although 2 engines are available only a 4-speed automatic is offered. Distinctive styling and crisp handling make the Galant an attractive alternative to the class leading Camry/Accord.

Engine/Driveline:
The new Galant benefits from a power increase on both available engines. The 2.4 liter 4 cylinder is up 20 horses to 160, and the new 3.8 liter V6 puts out 230 horse power and a class-leading 250 pound feet of torque. The SOHC V6 is a sweet engine. The Galant is now a pleasure to drive with plenty of get up and go in everyday driving. The torquey engine works well with the transmission, providing good acceleration without a lot of annoying downshifting. While the 4-speed automatic responds well and shifts smoothly, the lack of a 5-speed automatic puts the car at a disadvantage against its main competitors. There is a manual-shift feature with the automatic. Interestingly, no manual is offered even in the 4-cylinder car. Fuel economy suffers as a result. The 4-cylinder is rated at 23/30 while V6 MPG is listed at 19/27. I averaged around 20 MPG with our LS V6.

Ride/Handling:
The new longer (by 4.6 inches) wheelbase plays a role in the much-improved ride for 2004. The Galant’s fully independent 4-wheel suspension absorbs bumps well resulting in a smooth quiet ride. Best of all, handling is crisp and responsive, thanks in part to a new stiffer body. Our test car was fitted with 16-inch wheels while the sportier GTS rides on larger 17” rubber. I’d like to drive a GTS just to see how it compares to the impressive LS, a car I would rank near the top of the cars I’ve driven in this competttive segment. If ‘fun t o drive’ is near the top of your family sedan priority list the Galant is an excellent choice.

Interior:
It’s a quiet cabin and also quite roomy with a good view forward. A high rear end limits the view out back somewhat. A large center console dominates the dash and houses large knobs for the climate control and stereo. A small information screen displays climate/audio settings. A larger screen would be welcomed. Our test car had the 270-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity audio system and it sounded awesome. This could well be the best sounding system available in this class. If music is important to you, select this option. You won’t be sorry.

Our leather equipped LS had heated power front seats. It was easy to get comfortable thanks to the standard tilt wheel. The seats themselves are excellent. Rear shoulder room is up a full 3” in the rear along with a slight increase in legroom. The Galant is very comfortable for 4 adults and can accommodate 3 in the back for a short time. The center of the rear seat is not well padded. There is a ski pass-through but for some reason the rear seat does not fold forward. This is an oversight because as it is, the Galant’s trunk is on the small size at 13.3 inches. Having the rear seat back foldable would come in handy. On the plus side, the trunk has a wide opening and a low sill for easy access.
Overall, I like the layout of the interior but some of the materials look low budget.

Safety:
There are side curtain bags for front passengers but not for the rear. In today’s market that is a negative. ABS and traction control are optional. The brakes by the way are 4-wheel disc and work nicely providing short smooth stops. Mitsubishi’s Electronic Brakeforce Distribution uses speed sensors to balance front to rear braking for shorter stops.

Bottom Line:
I give this car high marks because I love to drive and this is a drivers car. The variable valve timing on the torquey V6 means plenty of power when you need it and the handling is excellent. A manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic would be welcomed additions. Other missteps include the lack of full side airbags, no folding rear seat and a small drivers display screen. On the other hand, this is a lot of car for the money. Its comfortable, distinctively styled and it has Mitsubishi’s unequalled 120-month 100,000 powertrain warranty The 2004 Galant deserves to be on your short list of cars in this highly competitive segment.

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
AM 760 Radio
Denver
www.theautoanswerman.com

February 17, 2004