2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

• Competes with: Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
• Looks like: The most boring sedan ever
• Drivetrain: 160-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with four-speed automatic; 230-hp 3.8-liter V-6 with five-speed automatic; 258-hp 3.8-liter V-6 with five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: On its way now

We don’t get it. Mitsubishi goes through the trouble of revising the Galant for 2009 and doesn’t add its new corporate face to the front end, like it did to the just-unveiled 2009 Eclipse. Instead, a coma-inducing trapezoidal grille adorns the front end and makes the thought of another Galant update with no substantial mechanical upgrades a bit tiresome.

What is new is a Sport model slated between the ES and Ralliart trim levels. There’s a Sport Value Package with the same four-cylinder engine as the ES, but with top-end features like a moonroof, heated cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The Sport V-6 has a 230-hp V-6 engine which offers a slight step-down from the more aggressive Ralliart model with 258 hp.

While the front-end design doesn’t do it for us, the rear looks good. It steals the looks from the popular new Lancer with thin, slanted taillights. The interior remains relatively unchanged with a new type of plastic used to cover the center console. We’re also surprised that the Galant still doesn’t offer stability control, even as an option.

We’re guessing a radically reworked Galant is still two years away at least. Hopefully, it will look like the recent ZT concept instead of going down the middle of the road in terms of looks. More photos below.

Comments

Since when does this compete with Maxima and Avalon. I'd put it more with 2nd tier midsizers like sebring/avenger and optima- below camry, altima, accord, fusion, legacy, malibu, and sonata The last two iterations of the Galant have been awful, IMO, with the current generation being the worst.

Broq

[Dave T.]

You got us Broq! Changes made. Thanks for the catch.

[Marcus]

Looks like Mitsu designers have been hanging with those of the Chrysler Sebring.

[Adam]

The new grill looks like the last gen Altima. The rear looks like it got hit in the middle. It's still ugly, and is no competition to the Accord/Camry.

looks like an old pontiac grand am.

[Tony]

Looks like front and rear belong to different cars

[DodgeFan]

I got to agree the front end and interior definitely look altima copied. Too bad this doesn't standout in any way. Its probabily reliable but useless their is a value figure attached this sedan, won't move except for Mitsu loyalists. Personally I have no idea who they are.

[Infosaur]

Wow they got rid of the one part of the car I actually LIKED! Taillights look terrible, much to busy. Actually the front does look mildly better than the 2008 you posted (I didn't realize they'd switched to a rounded bumper at some point) Either way this car is FAR off my shopping list.

[SteveMcGarrett]

The front end looks like a previous gen Altima front clip grafted onto an Avenger. A Lancer like front end would have done wonders and at least let the car stand out.

Mitsubishi doesn't have too many more chances left to turn things around before they go the way of Isuzu......

[Mike]

Anyone here actually DRIVE one? like most of society, the average moron here seems to be basing 100 percent of their opinion on half a dozen pictures.
The cars are excellent. Well built, powerful, roomy, and comfortable. Dont like the grill? Then you probably don't like any other Japanese car on the road, 'cause their all pretty plain (which, incidentally, is what sells in 4 door sedans).

[Tony]

Mike,
The car may be not bad. But in today's market condition, when Accord, Camry, Altima and Sonata rule, Galant should be more eye-catching, if Mitsu want to grab its share. I think.
And they just showed new Sonata, which should be win-win buy its look.
One day 10 years ago Galant was actually an attractive car. But then, for some reason they made it square.
???

[Tony]

Almost forgot, Mike.
I did spent... 500 miles in Galant 10 years ago. It was good.

[cody]

This is sad...especially when you consider that the Hyundai Sonata has been on the market less years and Hyundai spent more money updating the vehicle than Mitsu did. If Mitsu doesn't want to sell cars in the US, they should just pack up and follow Isuzu.

[Dee]

The taillights remind me of the Chrysler Sebring, but much better looking, IMHO. The interior doesn't really look much different. I'd said "See these on rental fleets", but I don't really see that many at all these days.

[CHRIS CABRERA]

MITSUBISHI COMPANY DID AN UGLY FACELIFTING OF THE 2009 GALANT IT DOESNT BLEND ON THE LATEST FASHION OF ITS RIVALS.. THE GALANT 2009 LOOKS AN OLD BORING CAR,MITSUI PEOPLE SHOULD REALIIZED THAT THEY CAME UP WITH STUPID DESIGNED THAT WILL NOT SUIT THE TASTE OF THE YOUNG EXECUTIVES AND IT WILL NOT PROSPER IN ASIAN MARKET THATS FOR SURE PLS THINK IT TWICE BEFORE YOU PUT THIS IN FULL PRODUCTION. YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR DESIGNER IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED REMEMBER YOU CAME WITH BORING AND UGLY DESIGN FOR THR GALANT 2009 MODEL. PLS. DNT LOOSE OUR HOPE FOR THE GALANT, CHANGE YOUR DESIGN ITS TOO BLAND AND OLD BORING CAR.

[pierre]

I think if Mitsubishi really tried, they can successfully revamp the Galant into a passat-like quality interior-exterior design. Blend a little Accord sportyness, Camry quietness, and Altima styling, with Passat quality, they would have a winner. Mitsubishi did a fine job with the new lancer, but this facelifted Galant didn't go far enough. To most people, this car is as exciting as a worn bar of dove soap.