2010 Mitsubishi Galant

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

In previous years, Mitsubishi offered the Galant with both a four-cylinder and a V6 engine, and built a sport-tuned Ralliart edition that attempted to bank on the credit Mitsubishi built with driving enthusiasts through its presence on the rally racing circuit and the exceptional high-performance Lancer Evolution. For 2010, the company has abandoned that effort. There is no more Ralliart trim, and the Galant is offered only with a four-cylinder engine. The automotive press considers that motor satisfactory for use in daily driving, but weaker than what most automakers offer at this price -- and reviewers say the Galant’s road manners are just adequate.

• "Comfortable overall, but most midsize rivals exhibit better composure at highway speeds.” -- Consumer Guide
• "The Galant's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is adequate for around-town driving." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The midsize Galant sedan is now offered only with four-cylinder power." -- Cars.com

Acceleration and Power

For the 2010 model year, Mitsubishi has eliminated a V6 engine from the Galant lineup.  That leaves the car with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine as its only option. That isn’t necessarily a problem -- many reviewers recommend that buyers eliminate V6 sedans from their shopping list and focus on four-cylinder versions, since they tend to be more fuel-efficient and the added power of a V6 is often not worth its added cost for the average commuter. The Galant’s four cylinder, however, gives up a lot to the competition. It makes just 155 horsepower -- compared to 175 in the Ford Fusion and 177 in the Honda Accord. Reviewers say the Galant’s engine will get the job done for most drivers, but isn’t particularly exciting. It sends power through an antiquated four-speed automatic transmission, while most competitors have moved on to five- or six-speed models.

The EPA estimates that the Galant should get 21 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway.

• "The four-cylinder is acceptable, but nothing more.” -- Car and Driver
• “Four-cylinder Galants have more-than-adequate power for most situations. An SE did 9.0 seconds 0-60 mph in our testing. The automatic transmission provides smooth shifts.” -- Consumer Guide

Handling and Braking

In previous years, reviewers almost universally said the Galant’s handling dynamics were a disappointment, except in the sporty Ralliart trim. For 2010, Mitsubishi has dropped the Ralliart from the lineup. That leaves the Galant as a respectable, unexciting ride. It’s worth noting, as you research midsize cars, that reviews of the Galant dated before the 2010 model year may concern the Ralliart, and therefore not be useful to you. 

Those looking for a four-cylinder family car that feels good on a winding road may be better suited driving a Mazda6 or the new Suzuki Kizashi, both of which offer sportier handling and a lower starting price than Mitsubishi’s car.

•  “Reasonably nimble, but Galant doesn't control body motions as well due to suspension tuning that is soft when compared with other midsize cars…The brakes are adequate in routine use, but simulated panic stops revealed spongy pedal action and only average stopping distances." -- Consumer Guide
• “The ride is respectable, the steering predictable.” -- Car and Driver