2008 Mitsubishi Galant [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 43 Galant reviews and test drives.
Mitsubishi Galant - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant ranks 14 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Mitsubishi Galant, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Galant has a spacious rear seat and strong performance from its sporty Ralliart trim, but its interior refinement trails most of the class.
According to our analysis, the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant offers a smooth and reliable driving experience and comfortable interior seating. In addition, the Galant is singled out for its statement-making interior and exterior styling. But reviews are split between those who drove the uninspiring base model Galant, which "really fails to distinguish itself," according to Car and Driver, and those who tested with the performance-tuned Ralliart model, described by Motor Week as "bound to entice conventional shoppers looking for a super solid sedan with an upshot of performance."
For 2008, Mitsubishi streamlined the number of Galant trims. Now the four-door sedan is available in three trims, the DE, ES and Ralliart. The SE and GTS trims have been dropped. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize car, consider the Honda Accord, available as a sedan or a sportier coupe.
- "The soft ride and the roomy interior make it good for a rental fleet, but overall, the Galant lacks the personality needed to attract attention away from the Accord and Camry." -- Car and Driver
- In 2007, NCTD called the Galant "a viable alternative among mid-size sedans. It does everything reasonably well and is enjoyable to drive." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The Galant left me with mixed emotions. On the one hand I'd developed an affection for its comfort, driving dynamics and nicely-chiseled shape and was reluctant to say goodbye. On the other, I never quite knew how to compare it with the Camry, Sonata, Accord, Fusion and others in this class." -- About.com
- Specifically reviewing the Gallant's Ralliart trim, Automobile.com says, "It's just a good, sporty sedan, with an added dose of personality. It's yet another easy way to put a smile on your face." -- Automobile.com
- "With a reasonable price-point, a virtually loaded interior, and good fuel efficiency, the Ralliart peaked our interest, as it will a lot of others." -- Motor Week
Galant Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
The base model Galant is great for around-town driving, as long as you don't expect it to be a sports car. But still the sedan has a strong showing for performance thanks to a fiery Ralliart trim with a "potent dose of road rally-inspired enthusiasm," according to Motor Week. Our full Performance Review offers an in-depth analysis of the Galant's expected performance with either the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or the Ralliart's V6 with 258 horsepower. continue
Galant Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
The Galant's styling is unique. "Sharp styling, the kind that turns heads in traffic," says New Car Test Drive. "Not everyone will like what they see, but none of them will accuse the Galant of being a wallflower." Check out the Mitsubishi Galant Photo Gallery to view the usual bodylines, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read more about the Galant's blend of spice and subtlety. continue
Galant Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Galant's five-seat interior gets a good score, but is lost in the shuffle of a large and competitive class. "The Galant has enough space front and rear for over-six-footers and a class-competitive, 13-cubic-foot trunk," says Car and Driver. "But it doesn't stack up nearly as well when it comes to interior materials. There are lots of cheap-looking hard plastics throughout." Check out the Mitsubishi Galant Photo Gallery to judge the cabin materials for yourself, or continue with our full Interior Review for information on the Galant's standard features and cargo capacity. continue
Galant Safety - NA
Government crash test results have not been published for the 2008 Galant. But in 2006 the Galant received five stars out of five in all government front and side impact tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for information on the Galant's safety features. continue
Galant Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Our full Reliability Review provides additional information about the Galant's basic coverage. continue