2002 Mitsubishi Galant

Steering with a light touch, a Galant LS V6 suffers no shortage of control. A smooth ride is part of the package—not totally gentle, but impressively close to that classification, without impairing handling in any appreciable way. The basic suspension does react to the bulk of the pavement imperfections, but seldom enough to disrupt passengers. Naturally, the tauter suspension in the performance-oriented GTZ is likely to yield more commotion when rolling past bumps and holes. The GTZ features an enhanced sport suspension with firmer shocks, higher springs rates, and a bigger rear stabilizer bar. Each V-6 Galant is equipped with all-disc antilock braking. For the first time, the four-cylinder ES is available with ABS.

A redesigned gauge cluster headlines interior changes. Available trim schemes are titanium, bronze or carbon fiber; a premium 210-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity sound system is optional.

Amply cushioned, comfortable seats in a bountifully proportioned front compartment provide excellent thigh support. Back support is satisfactory, though not quite as helpful for long journeys, and the driver's seat does not move back terribly far. Space in the rear is generally ample for three occupants, unlike most compact and even midsize models. Unfortunately, headroom is not huge and neither is legroom, despite scooped-out front seatbacks (which are hard and therefore not so kind to riders' knees). Toe space is okay, however. Otherwise, the back seat is comfortable enough for outboard riders, while providing a somewhat hard perch for the center occupant—hardly an uncommon complaint in modern-day coupes and sedans.


Standard equipment in the DE sedan includes a four-speaker CD stereo, power windows and locks, height-adjustable steering column, solar control glass, and an anti-theft immobilizer. The ES sedan adds foglights, remote keyless entry, cruise control, lighted vanity mirrors, and body-colored outside mirrors. LS sedans get 15-inch alloy wheels, side-impact airbags, ABS, adjustable driver's lumbar support, a glass sunroof, a 210-watt premium seven-speaker CD stereo, and the option of leather upholstery.


Putting a V-6 into the ES adds all-disc antilock braking and performance tires on 16-inch wheels. The LS V6 has an 18-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunroof, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Sportiest of the lot, the GTZ has traction control, a color-keyed grille and mirrors, sculpted bodyside cladding, twisted carbon-finish dashboard trim, and leather seating surfaces.


All Galants come with 3-year or 36,000-mile (whichever comes first) basic warranty plus 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. (www.mitsubishicars.com)