By Chris Haak
The Mitsubishi Galant, sold in its current form since the 2004 model year, has been relegated to something of an also-ran in the hyper-competitive midsize sedan segment. While competitors such as the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, and Mazda6 have already moved onto their next-generation vehicles since the Galant’s late-2003 on-sale date, Mitsubishi has asked its Galant to soldier on with few substantive changes through the 2010 model year. Most of the car’s changes are related to equipment packages and pricing, in an effort to keep the car on some buyers’ radar screens. The car also received a mild update to its front and rear end styling for the 2009 model year that only the most-dedicated tri-diamond watchers would notice.
On paper, the Galant seems like a reasonably good value. The Galant SE that I reviewed had six airbags, automatic climate control, cruise control, 660 watt audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, Bluetooth phone connectivity, 18 inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, a backup camera, heated cloth seats, and DVD-based navigation with a 7-inch LCD screen. That the Galant SE costs just $23,999 with all of that equipment ($24,719 after adding the $720 destination charge) is somewhat unusual in a segment where heavily-optioned models can top $30,000 without much trouble.
Mitsubishi has been trotting their iMiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) to various locations across the US in the name of green partnerships, and they celebrated Earth Day under cloudy skies in Portland, Oregon, showing off the electric transportaion pod to the state’s governor, Ted Kulongoski. The visit was made to highlight a new ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) partnership between Mitsubishi, the State of Oregon, and electric utility Portland General Electric (PGE).
