2008 Mitsubishi Galant

(*est. $19,899 to $26,899)

Pros

Sporty and spacious
Good value
Shines in crash tests

Cons

Mediocre fit and finish
Interior storage
Requires premium fuel
Resale value lower than average

Our Analysis

Few sources have much to say about the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant. The most credible reviews we found come from Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com. Motor Trend magazine offers the results of a slightly dated comparative test of the sport-tuned Ralliart version and three similarly equipped family sedans. Other reviews were found at Edmunds.com, Car and Driver magazine and BuyingAdvice.com.

Reviewers write that the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant isn't quite up to displacing most of its rival sedans, and that it lacks a distinctive presence. Some reviewers complain that cabin materials look cheap, rear seats don't fold down, rear headroom is tight, and the optional navigation system includes an awkwardly placed screen. In performance tests, braking and tire grip are unimpressive. Mitsubishi doesn't offer a manual transmission option or electronic stability control. That said, the Galant boasts a number of standard safety features as well as outstanding crash-test ratings. Acceleration in the V-6 equipped Ralliart version is also outstanding. All trim levels, even the sportier Ralliart, offer a comfortable, well-balanced ride. The Mitsubishi Galant is one of the more affordable family cars in its class, especially when fully loaded. The 2008 Toyota Camry (*est. $18,720 to $28,270) and 2008 Honda Accord (*est. $20,360 to $28,060) are the reviewers' favorites in the midsized sedan category. Nonetheless, most also concede that the Galant has sufficient virtues to make a test drive worthwhile.

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2008 Mitsubishi Galant

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

One of the most useful elements of Consumer Reports' analysis is the prediction of future reliability, based on survey data from owners of previous models. The analysis here also focuses on ride quality, handling and safety.

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This head-to-head review of "sports sedans for the common man" pits the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart against its competitors. The Galant finishes third, but judges classify it as "a nicer car than its third-place finish indicates."

Review: Comparison: 2006 Chevrolet Malibu SS vs. 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart vs. 2006 Nissan Altima SE-R vs. 2007 Toyota Camry SE, Matt Stone

3. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com road-tests the 2008 Galant, scoring it against the class average. The Galant's overall score is below average, due in part to low individual scores in areas such as cargo room and value.

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Galant, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 16, 2008

4. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors assess the Mitsubishi Galant for safety, interior design and driving experience. They note that the Galant is an enjoyable, comfortable family sedan, but that it lacks some crucial elements necessary to pose a threat to class leaders.

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

5. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Car and Driver editors say the Mitsubishi Galant is a roomy car with a nice ride and good handling, but it "lacks the personality needed to attract attention away from the Accord and Camry."

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Galant, Editors of Car and Driver

6. BuyingAdvice.com

Picks at BuyingAdvice.com are based on historical reliability. Numerical ratings are included for each, but the origin or meaning of the rating isn't clearly explained.

Review: 5 Most Reliable Sedans and Station Wagons, Editors of BuyingAdvice.com, Apr. 30, 2007

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