What is it?
2002 Mitsubishi Galant
What's special about it?
Mitsubishi's highest-volume vehicle receives what is essentially a mild refreshening for the 2002 model year. The front fascia is altered to reflect the new corporate look, with two separate halves for the front grille, which is at least a departure from the blatant BMW-ness, but is perhaps less handsome. Bumper intakes are lowered and wrap around the sides that incorporate fog lamps. The rear of the Galant sports clear lenses for the taillamps, and the bumper now includes a pseudo-valence kit that makes the derriere sleeker.
The interior is brightened up a bit with metallic trim pieces and different colored gauges, but other bargain basement-level materials, such as plood, remain. We're a bit disappointed that Mitsubishi failed to address some of our more salient complaints, such as the unaccommodating rear seat, the lack of a manual transmission and a suspension system that, while providing a sporty ride for the driver, taxes out easily when passengers are entered into the equation.
The Galant always had a special place in our hearts because of its essentially sporting nature that is hidden in family sedan form. While it rewards the driver with a more athletic ride than its competition's, namely that of the soft Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, it is also missing some of the comforting features that endear the two stalwarts to their primary buyers, those with families.
Why should you care?
This is pretty much what the 2002 production model will be. Look for it in August of this year at the dealer nearest you. — Liz Kim
2002 Mitsubishi Galant
What's special about it?
Mitsubishi's highest-volume vehicle receives what is essentially a mild refreshening for the 2002 model year. The front fascia is altered to reflect the new corporate look, with two separate halves for the front grille, which is at least a departure from the blatant BMW-ness, but is perhaps less handsome. Bumper intakes are lowered and wrap around the sides that incorporate fog lamps. The rear of the Galant sports clear lenses for the taillamps, and the bumper now includes a pseudo-valence kit that makes the derriere sleeker.
The interior is brightened up a bit with metallic trim pieces and different colored gauges, but other bargain basement-level materials, such as plood, remain. We're a bit disappointed that Mitsubishi failed to address some of our more salient complaints, such as the unaccommodating rear seat, the lack of a manual transmission and a suspension system that, while providing a sporty ride for the driver, taxes out easily when passengers are entered into the equation.
The Galant always had a special place in our hearts because of its essentially sporting nature that is hidden in family sedan form. While it rewards the driver with a more athletic ride than its competition's, namely that of the soft Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, it is also missing some of the comforting features that endear the two stalwarts to their primary buyers, those with families.
Why should you care?
This is pretty much what the 2002 production model will be. Look for it in August of this year at the dealer nearest you. — Liz Kim
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