Up Close: 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

The 2009 Galant gets front and rear styling tweaks, but the general shape of the sedan remains the same. Inside, the center control panel is busy-looking; the plastic trim pieces on the dash have various types of graining, which brings to mind a Chrysler product. That's not a good thing.

Comments

I guess this is what happens when you have no money. They didn't even put in adjustable headrests in the back. I remember when the 1994 Galant came out - it was actually competitive. These havent kept pace with the times.

Looks like another mundane model for the rental fleets. My prediction is Mitsu will pull out of the US in a few short years.

KJ,
Mitsu is actually doing well on the strength of the Lancer and Outlander. This model for some reason has languished but if they can't beat the Camry or Accord I think they figure they might as well not spend too much on improving the galant. I think we'll see an all new, larger Galant for 2010.

I predict we'll see a press release from Mitsu that will be similar to Isuzu's this week.

Like I said Mitsu's sales have been pretty strong since they released the Eclipse and got a big boost by the new Lancer which is selling really well. The company makes all of its own vehicles unlike Isuzu which relied on models from GM. Those GM models weren't getting updated so there was nothing left for Isuzu to sell.

I would say the chance of Mitsu leaving the U.S. in the next three years is very, very, very small.

Did Chrysler have some input on this or did Mitsu take some of their styling cues? Mitsu needs to bring the Colt and i to the U.S.

This is a Camry and Accord fighter? BRAWHAHA.

No wood, no leather, no luxury at all. In the new Camry and Accord, the interiors are on par with the luxury cars of 2002. The Mitsu reminds me more the new Malibu, which offers no luxuries but would of had a competitive interior 4 years ago.

Every company out there right now not selling luxury cars is behind Toyota and Honda. Their normal cars are packed with wood, leather, and other luxuries. What separates them from today's luxury cars is that what makes a car luxurious today is technology, sportiness, and style. Thats why the German cars will still be beating the upcoming Hyundai Genesis: it offers RWD and lots of leather and wood interior, but it is, while classy, not high style, and it is not loaded with the oodles of technology the Germans or Lexus have. And it does not necessarily offer their sportiness, given that they still usually have better weight distribution.

Back to the Galant, with everyone else offering what used to be considered luxury in their standard cars, Mitsu is going to have trouble passing this to consumers today.

Again why does everyone think it's the Chrysler influence making the Galant terrible? Could it even cross your mind that Mitsubishi just makes crappy interiors?

i agree with Dave T. unlike the Eclipse (in the 90's especially) or the Evo, which have a lot of character and appeal strongly to a niche, the Galant didn't have the price advantage that the Hyundai's have or any defining characteristics (Camry = reliable, cushy boat, etc).

Dave,
This model is doing bad enough that Mitsu actuall pulled the plugs on this thing back in their home country.
They renamed the Lancer that we have here as the Galant-something back there now.

mitsubishi galant 2009 is the worse facelifting that mitsui ever came up. its a boring and ugly front healamps and grille. it is so dissapointing, that they came with this stupid design. they have to considered the latest trend on his segment in which the camry accord has it.. mitsui people should look for another designer in order to come up with good eyecatching stlye with its class. here we are looking with an old fashion and boring design both interior and exterior. pls.change the design of the galant 2009 before it will put into full production.otherwise the general msrket will shift to toyota and honda. i need to say this because i have a strong hopes that you considered my concern. the design is not good and not competitive.im sure many were frustrated if you push through with this ugly and boring design,wake up and redo ur designing work. thanks.

Actually Misubishi is the Fastest growing car company in the world in the current scenario. Mitsubishi is basically a Rally car company and that's what they really want their image to be. Finally, just see the models which they will be churning out from their factories, innovative designed and fun to drive. Mitsubishi will never leave the American market as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is one of the most respected brands in all walks of life not only in US but the whole World. Not to mention the billions of dollars Mitsubishi Industries handles on a day to day basis in US.

There are obviously some people here who have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to what is offered in so called "regular" cars. The base models of Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Honda do not come standard with leather. Leather is optional on all these vehicles of which I have sold all 3. Toyota and Honda live on their name nowadays. Neither one can come close to the durability of the Mitsubishi vehicles based on the warranties that are offered. Mitsubishi vehicles have one the world's toughest race the Dakar Rally 12 times and 7 consecutive times through 2007. Honda and Toyota vehicles are fairly close to the interior style of the Mitsubishi (and by close I mean that there are differences but none that clearly distinguish one vehicle as better than the other. A quick trip to each of the company's websites will prove that base models offer cloth upholstery and basic options which would now include a cd player or changer, power windows and locks. All Honda Accords don't have wood accents nor do all Toyota Camrys. Get up close and see what each vehicle has to offer. All 3 manufacturers offer wood accents in their higher end models. It pays to do your homework.

I think Mitsubishi always has a very strong personality. These are rally car companies and will always be. I have driven lot of Galants and challenge any midsize car to beat them on road. And yes Mitsubishis are very reliable. And ofcourse the killer looks.