Mitsubishi Galant offers a good-looking body wrapped around well-built components that provide a smooth, quiet and refined driving experience. Galant offers a high value by including lots of standard equipment in even its base model, making it an attractive alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
The Galant model lineup is extensive. Five models are available: DE ($17,557); ES ($18,407); ES-V6 ($20,307); LS-V6 ($23,907); GTZ ($24,007).
DE comes with a 140-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, 15-inch tires, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and a100-watt AM/FM/CD stereo.
The better-equipped ES is the volume model. ES adds premium cloth upholstery, wood grain interior accents, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry system, cruise control, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors and a cargo net. The ES model can be ordered with the $2,600 ES Premium Package, which includes side airbags, antilock brakes (ABS), security system, alloy wheels, power glass sunroof, HomeLink system, 210-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity CD stereo with seven speakers, rear seat heater ducts, adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, and heated door mirrors.
ES V6 adds a 195-hp V6 engine, ABS, four-wheel disc brakes (DE and ES come with drum brakes on the rear), and 16-inch tires. A $2,400 ES V6 Premium Package includes side airbags, alloy wheels, power glass sunroof, HomeLink, the Infinity CD stereo, and lumbar support.
LS V6 is loaded with leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat, Infinity stereo, alloy wheels, and side airbags; it is distinguished by its sculpted body side molding.
GTZ comes with LS trim, but adds a sport-tuned suspension and is distinguished by its rear spoiler and color-keyed grille.
All Galants come equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission (a manual is not offered). DE and ES models come with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower. ES V6, LS V6 and GTZ models come with a 3.0-liter V6 engine rated at 195 horsepower.
Traction control is a new-for-2001 standard feature for V6 models.
Galant is similar in size to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Like virtually all sedans in this class, the Galant's appearance isn't over the top, but instead is very pleasant. A wide waterfall grille and sculpted sides give the Galant a bolder appearance than the Accord and Camry, however. The Galant's graceful, sweeping roofline and smartly tailored lines reflect a sense of style that stands out from other mid-size sedans.
A wild rear spoiler sets the GTZ apart from the other models.
Like its exterior, the Galant's inner regions are smooth, contemporary, and nicely designed. The instrument cluster is readily visible through the full range of steering wheel adjustment. Secondary controls are generally easy to locate and operate.
Sporty front bucket seats in the ES V6 offer a good range of adjustment with above average side bolsters and thigh support. More important, there's enough rear seat legroom for three adults as well as enough rear headroom for six-footers, even with the steep rake of the rear window. Driver sight lines are average for a car in this class; there's good visibility over the sloping hood with no significant blind spots.
We liked the feel of the thick, padded steering wheel. However, the controls for the audio system are too small. In addition, the rear cupholders mounted on the rear of the center console reside below an armrest, which means flipping the armrest back if you want to use it. However, these are minor demerits in an otherwise thoughtful design.
Safety features include a three-point seat belt in the rear-center seating position; this rear-center belt is absent from some passenger cars and many sport-utility vehicles. Mitsubishi has also added child restraint anchors. Side airbags are a standard safety feature in LS and GTZ models and optional DE and ES Galants. Mitsubishi's side-impact airbags are mounted in the sides of the front seat frames.
