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Not worthy of consideration, considering the alternatives
- Sporty attitude
- Roomy backseat
- Long warranty
- Poor rear crash protection
- No electronic stability control offered
- Mixed results in braking tests
- Fuel economy isn't great
- Low resale value
- Mediocre interior lacks basic features
- Feels outdated
The Mitsubishi Galant does get a few superficial changes for 2011, but it's not enough to alter critics' opinions of this aging, unimpressive family sedan. Experts find plenty of newer, better cars to recommend in this class, starting with the top-rated 2011 Hyundai Sonata (Base MSRP: $19,395 to $27,245). The Galant's upper-level SE trim gets a standard power sunroof, programmable garage door opener, lighted vanity mirrors and auto-dimming rearview mirror for 2011, plus optional leather seats. All Galants get some added chrome trim and a half-inch-lower ride height. For a full analysis of this car, see our report on the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant (*Est. $21,249 to $27,449).
Put simply, almost everything else in the class is better
All Galants run on a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. Expect 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, according to EPA estimates.
In independent crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2011 Mitsubishi Galant lags behind class leaders. It earns the highest rating of "good" for front and side crash protection, but its ratings drop to "acceptable" for rollover roof strength and "marginal" for rear crash protection. In separate crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Galant posts a 4-star rating (out of 5) for rollover resistance; its front and side crash protection have not yet been tested there. Antilock brakes, traction and stability control and front, front-side and curtain airbags all come standard.
Base MSRP for the 2011 Mitsubishi Galant is $21,599 for the base Galant ES or $23,999 for the better-equipped Galant SE.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com testers note the few added features for 2011, but conclude that the Mitsubishi Galant remains underpowered, outdated and still "well behind the pack."
Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Galant, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. IIHS.org
In independent crash tests here, the 2011 Mitsubishi Galant earns the highest rating of "good" for front and side crash protection, but its ratings drop to "acceptable" for rollover roof strength and "marginal" for rear crash protection.
Review: Mitsubishi Galant, Institute for Highway Safety
3. SaferCar.gov
The 2011 Mitsubishi Galant has not yet been fully tested under the federal government's newly strengthened crash ratings. However, it does post a 4-star rating (out of 5) for rollover avoidance.
Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Galant 4DR FWD, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
This government website posts official fuel economy estimates for most vehicles sold in the U.S. The 2011 Mitsubishi Galant delivers 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, according to the EPA.
Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Galant, U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency
The Mitsubishi Galant hasn't seen any major changes in years. Our full analysis of the 2009 model gives a thorough overview of this car, along with links to multiple reviews by reliable experts.
Review: 2009 Mitsubishi Galant, Editors of ConsumerSearch.com, April 2009
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