Overview

What's New
For 2007, the new Raliart model takes its place at the top of the Galant lineup; it gets a special 258-hp version of Mitsubishi's 3.8-liter V-6 engine. Other models include the 4-cylinder DE and ES and V-6-powered GTS; the LS, which was positioned below the GTS, has been discontinued. Also, front and rear styling has been revised, two-row side curtain air bags are now standard, and new options include a touch-screen navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and a 360-watt Rockford Acoustic Design stereo.

Overview
Though the Galant has been a staple in Mistubishi showrooms for years, it has always been something of a minor player in the front-wheel-drive midsize market. Mitsubishi made an aggressive attempt to change that situation when they introduced the current version for the 2004 model year. The Galant is aimed squarely at the American market; its dimensions make it appear larger than most of its competitors, though in reality it is less than 2 inches longer and 1 inch wider than a Toyota Camry. Under the hood is where the Galant goes big; though the 4-cylinder engine in DE and ES models matches Toyota and Honda with 2.4 liters of displacement, the V-6-powered GTS' 3.8-liter engine tops the displacement of most competitors' V-6 engines.

For 2007, Mitsubishi is going even bigger in terms of power with the new Galant Raliart model. Its 3.8-liter V-6 cranks out 258 hp (28 more than the Galant GTS)_and 258 lb.-ft. of torque-10 fewer hp than the Camry V-6, but 10 lb.-ft. more torque. A 5-speed Sportronic automatic allows Raliart drivers to select gears manually.

All Mitsubishi Galants come with side and side curtain air bags, air conditioning, and power windows, mirrors and locks. Galant ES models add anti-lock brakes, while V-6 models get a tire-pressure-monitoring system, 17-inch alloy wheels, and leather seats. The new Raliart gets 18-inch alloy wheels and a suspension tuned for sportier performance, leather-trimmed seats (heated in front), automatic climate control, a sunroof, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, along with other features.

The Competition
The Mitsubishi Galant competes in the Midsize Conventional segment, which consists of 18 models. Buyers in this segment look for reliability, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Camry (397,630 units sold), Honda Accord (354,441), and Nissan Altima (232,457). The Mitsubishi Galant sold 27,673 units in 2006, a decrease of 18.6 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Conventional segment include the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, and Subaru Legacy. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Saturn Aura.