2004 Mitsubishi Galant LS Road Test

The engine is complimented by a well-suited 4-speed automatic transmission, featuring the brand's Sportronic manual mode.

While it doesn't feature as many cogs as some competitors, the Galant's 4-speed automatic transmission, featuring Mitsubishi's Sportronic manual mode, leaves little to be desired. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

While 5-speed, 6-speed and even 7-speed automatics are all the rage, I don't notice as much of a need for the extra cog in the Galant as I do in other 4-speed equipped sedans. Why, I'm not sure, but it probably comes down to well-spaced gear intervals and all that torque. The engine's capability of finding power almost anywhere in its rev range reduces the need for swapping gears.

I notice only a hint of torque steer when getting heavy on the throttle, which is to be expected considering its front-drive configuration. The tug at the wheel while getting power down to the road is infinitesimal compared to managing Nissan's V6-equipped Altima, which tends to careen to one side with every jab at the throttle. In the Galant I was able to pull away from a stop quickly, self-assured and confident in wet or dry weather, the Galant's traction control biting into the tarmac no matter what road conditions were like under the tires.

Getting into the curves is where Mitsubishi's sedan truly shines, however, walking away from almost all midsize competitors and doing it with a grace of composure unusual in the class. I think it's this last point which is most deceiving. The ride is so smooth, absorbing road surface irregularities with such aplomb that

In the curves the Galant walks away from most midsize competitors and does it with a grace of composure unusual in the class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

its ample agility doesn't seem to register. A car this comfortable shouldn't be able to react to input as quickly as the Galant LS can, but it does. I charged up the mountain road at speeds I would normally reserve for a blast in a BMW 5 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, feeling just as in control in the Mitsubishi. Side to side transitions are near perfectly stable, and going too quickly into hairpin corners only causes a slight understeer and a little push outwards from the curve. Let off a little steam without fully getting off the throttle and it gathers itself up and presses on, maintaining its line.

The Galant LS only became a little flustered under hard mid-corner braking, where the back end felt a bit floaty, as if it was going to raise up too high and break traction with the rear tires. This never happened, but it wasn't the most comforting feeling. I should say, however, if you drive like this on a regular basis, you may want to consider upping to the GTS, which features an upgraded sport suspension and larger diameter and thicker wheels and tires, among other things.