Mitsubishi Galant GTS

Second Place: Mitsubishi Galant GTS
Mitsubishi's brand-new midsizer steps into this furiously competitive class with one feature all its competitors lack: attitude. It's a trait that's evident the moment you see the car. "Very appealing, muscular exterior style," writes one editor. "Dramatic roofline and aggressive nose differentiate the Mitsu from its organic rivals," writes another.

The bold look continues on the inside, where the Galant sports racy black-on-white gauges, soft-touch materials, and a metallic-look center control stack bathed in ice-blue illumination. "Padded diamond texture on the dash and the steering wheel is a home run," states one driver. "Instrument panel may look too robot-like for some, but it's a refreshingly different and sporty design," notes another entry. The sloping roof cuts a bit into backseat headroom, but thanks to a field-leading 108.3-inch wheelbase, the Galant has abundant rear space for passenger knees. Being the widest car in the field, it also leads in rear-seat shoulder room. The 13.3-cubic-foot trunk is the smallest in the group, though.

Under the hood lies the biggest engine in our test, a single-cam, 24-valve, 3.8-liter V-6 that turns out a healthy 230 horsepower and a group-high 250 pound-feet of torque. Coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission, the engine propelled the GTS from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds--second-quickest of our four players. "Engine feels really strong," writes one driver, "and it's respectably smooth and quiet."

The GTS topped the handling charts, posting the group's best numbers on the skidpad and in the slalom. Notes Walton: "The Mitsu felt fantastic on the track, remaining flat and poised the whole time. It felt like a well-sorted sport sedan from (dare I say it?) Germany." Some of the credit undoubtedly goes to the GTS's 17-inch tires, the largest in this test. Of course, nothing comes free, and in return for its chassis prowess, the GTS exacts a penalty in ride comfort; its suspension is noticeably firmer than the Camry's and the Malibu's (most driving enthusiasts will welcome the Galant's tauter road feel, however).

The GTS is loaded: its $26,292 base price (with destination) includes an eight-speaker, 270-watt Infinity sound system with six-disc CD changer; a power-glass moonroof; leather seats; front side airbags; traction control; and a color-LCD information center with compass, temperature, and calendar displays. The only option is a cold-zone package ($280) that includes heated front seats and outside mirrors. Navigation and satellite radio aren't available.

Family-sedan shoppers looking for some edge in the sport and style departments will definitely want to consider this compelling new Mitsubishi.

"Mitsubishi's new midsizer steps into the class with one feature its competitors lack: attitude."

The Galant slips some sport into the family-sedan category with jaunty styling, Euro-like handling, and the largest engine in the group. The secret button lets Mom or Dad set audio volume.