Mitsubishi has positioned its 2008 Galant sedan to compete with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, all of which are well-entrenched opposition. This year, Mitsubishi simplified the Galant lineup in anticipation of a re-design in 2009.
The DE and ES four-cylinder versions include a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 Ralliart trim includes a five-speed automatic transmission. Since both transmissions feature manual-shift modes, no conventional manual transmission is available.
The base DE, which starts at $19,999, packs a 2.4L four-cylinder MIVEC engine that makes 160 horsepower. Standard features include power mirrors, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, an anti-theft engine immobilizer, power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry.
Most customers will find the ES trim appealing for its extensive standard feature list. For $1,100 more, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, MP3 playback capability, and additional dashboard and console metal trim accents are added. The only option available on the ES is the Sport Package, which upgrades the wheels to 16-inch alloys and upgrades the audio system to a high-powered Rockford Fosgate stereo with Sirius satellite radio. The package also includes an anti-theft alarm system and rear spoiler.
The Ralliart Galant includes a 3.8L MIVEC V6, which puts out 258 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Ralliart tuned the suspension for better handling, and added a front strut tower brace and 18-inch seven-spoke aluminum wheels. The seats are wrapped in perforated leather, and the stereo is a 360-watt Rockford Fosgate system with six-disc changer and MP3 playback capability. The Ralliart trim also includes a power sunroof, heated mirrors, stylish white-faced gauges, and traction control.
The Ralliart Galant starts at $27,149. A $1,850 navigation system is the only option.
Mitsubishi dropped the SE and GTS trims on the 2008 Galant sedan, and a tire pressure monitor is now standard equipment across the model range. Otherwise, the vehicle continues without any major changes.
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 2008 MITSUBISHI GALANT STYLING | [7 out of 10]
Edmunds: "stylish in a contemporary way"
Automobile: "don't expect the neighborhood kids to follow you home"
Cars.com: "looks much cleaner than the overwrought Mazda"
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant is essentially identical to the 2004 model, and that's one of its downfalls, according to reviews from around the Web and the experts at TheCarConnection.com. It's a fine-looking car--but in the past four years, the Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Honda Accord have raised the bar with hot new styles.
Car and Driver simply refers to its "confused exterior styling." As Edmunds puts it, the Galant is now a "very dark horse in a stable filled with thoroughbreds." Cars.com says, "Hampering the Galant's attempt to attract buyers is its relatively forgettable looks; the front end is bland and could be at home on any number of sedans." With the Ralliart edition, Automobile says the 18-inch wheels "give the Galant more dignity than a typical mid-size rental, but don't expect the neighborhood kids to follow you home on their bicycles."