Overview & Reviews

For decades, the Mitsubishi Galant assumed the role of fringe player in the family-sedan game. While representing a good value for the budget-conscious consumer, it was no match for the class leaders due to its small backseat, mostly mediocre powertrains and uninspiring interior design and execution.

Having watched other automakers successfully supersize their sedans with premium features and larger V6s under the hood, Mitsubishi knew not to fight the tide when it came time to redesign the Galant. Consequently, the latest, fifth-generation model was engineered exclusively for the North American market. Its dimensions grew considerably, as did the power of its top engines.

While the Mitsubishi Galant is certainly a bargain in SE trim, most four-cylinder-powered midsize competitors would ultimately be a better, more rewarding choice. Folks who don't necessarily follow the crowd or demand the latest glitz and glamour from their midsize sedan may be tempted, but in general, you can do better.

Current Mitsubishi Galant
The Mitsubishi Galant midsize sedan comes in two trim levels -- base ES and SE. The ES has the basics, including air-conditioning, full power features and a CD player. The SE adds alloy wheels, a sunroof, some stylized trim, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, Bluetooth, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system. Options include leather upholstery and port-installed accessories like an iPod interface, remote ignition and for ES models, a rearview camera.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the only choice and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Power output is weak, at only 160 horsepower, and trails almost all competitors. Fuel economy is merely average.

With unique styling inside and out, the Galant features one of the more distinctive cabin designs in its class, with a cascading center console and bright blue backlighting at night. It's distinctive, but it also looks a bit like a boom box and it's constructed of some low-grade plastics. The front seats are agreeable and roomy, while rear-seat comfort is adequate but not up to class leaders in terms of support. Unfortunately, the seatback doesn't fold down, but there is a ski/cargo pass-through to increase utility.

Though underpowered, we've found the Mitsubishi Galant to be one of the more fun-to-drive family sedans. When cornering, the Galant remains flat and predictable and feels smaller than it is. The ride is smooth and composed, yet a surprising amount of feedback from the road is transmitted through the steering wheel. In terms of overall refinement and feature content, however, the Galant has been surpassed by newer competing models.

Used Mitsubishi Galant Models
The most recent generation of the Mitsubishi Galant debuted for the 2004 model year. The trim levels initially offered were the four-cylinder DE and ES, alongside the V6-powered LS and GTS. That V6 was a 3.8-liter mill that produced 230 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. While initially competitive, this output was quickly eclipsed by most competitors and its fuel economy was comparatively poor. Its standard four-speed automatic was always behind the times until it was replaced by a five-speed for '07. A four-cylinder SE model, featuring leather upholstery and automatic climate control, was added for '06.

For '07, the LS was dropped and the high-performance Ralliart debuted, which featured a higher-output 3.8-liter V6 with 258 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque. The next year, the GTS model disappeared, leaving just the DE, ES and Ralliart. For 2009 a new grille and taillights debuted, while trim levels were shuffled -- the base DE trim was dropped and the Sport Edition (SE) and Sport V6 appeared.

For 2010, the Galant lineup was pared down to only two trim levels -- the ES and SE. The V6 engine was also cut, leaving only the weak four-cylinder under the hood. Not all was lost, though, as premium audio, navigation and a rearview camera were added to the SE.

Safety features such as antilock disc brakes, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags were variously (depending on year and trim level) have been available on the Galant. Stability control was not offered until 2010.

If you're looking for a used current-generation Galant, you should be able to score a good deal on one, as resale value is not a strong point. As such, a well-maintained specimen qualifies as a genuine used-car bargain though reliability may be a notch or two below Japan's best.

The previous-generation Mitsubishi Galant was available from 1999-2003. It was the first Galant to come with a V6 engine, and its exterior styling drew favorable comparisons to BMW sedans. In 2002, its design was again freshened inside and out, with trim and content changes like Infinity sound systems, a sunroof and 16-inch wheels sprucing things up through the following year. For shoppers on a budget who can overlook the small backseat, average powertrains and uninspiring materials and refinement, a Galant of this vintage can offer true low-cost value as an entry-level ride or possibly a second car.

The only other Galant one will likely encounter with any frequency will be the generation offered in the U.S. from 1994-'98. It soldiered on through those years, juggling content and trim levels, but was destined to remain a second-tier value player due to its relatively compact dimensions, cramped interior, four-cylinder power and lack of overall refinement. Don't expect great things from this generation, but if you manage to find one, it's likely to be bargain-priced.

User Reviews:

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  Reliable cheap - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By reliable cheap - March 25 - 7:26 am

  I bought this car hit (salvage) fixed up put 34k miles, since I have it didnt have any problems yet! Nothing special in the car but its really reliable!

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  Great Alternative to Keeping up with the Jones - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jkbolson - March 16 - 1:53 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES is a really a great vehicle. The 4-cylinder engine has more power than some of the other cars we have ever owned. I am really glad not to see too many in our area. I truly love being unique.

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  Wasnt the best for me... - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By skally - March 6 - 12:31 pm

  After buying this car I realized it was one of those cars the dealer patches up just to get off the lot. The instrument cluster had been swapped out which means the car likely had higher miles than stated. The transmission didnt shift into overdrive which I never did resolve. After a few weeks of driving it the upper rear shock mount broke. So I fixed those things and traded it in on something else.

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  Was Happy Unitl - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By al4me23 - March 1 - 8:58 pm

  Car was great until it hit 80k miles...then it went downhill. I had to replace the starter, all 4 rotors, timing belt and both catalytic converters(twice) and all 5 O2 sensors(yes 5). And then the transmission started to slip at 95kmi. After the 2nd converter replacement I found out the car had at least 2 bad exhaust valves causing the converters to be blown out. I promptly traded in it after I got the check engine light code cleared. It was a good car until the end..sadly the end was relatively young for what todays car should get you mileage wise. I bought a Honda and I love it but Im never buying a Mits again because they closed the dealership and now the closets dealer is 60miles away.

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  This car is fun to drive - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ShawnCT - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive

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  100,000 plus - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matt Smith - February 24 - 10:00 am

  With a 115,000 miles it still feels and drives like the day I bought it. Regular maintance is the key to any cars longevity.

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  What a great car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By canadamorris - February 19 - 5:46 am

  I have owned the Galant for a little more than three weeks, and already I love it! Its great inside, has a lot of power for a four cylinder, and handles nicely. I got this car for a much better price than I could have an Accord or Camry, and boy am I glad I did! Im a big guy, so its hard to find a car that I can fit into, but this fits me like a glove! I also love the blue backlights on the dash and radio. I also really like the high crash ratings. I really dont understand the one negative review on the car, since the Galant is an absolute dream to drive! I would highly recommend this (or any Mitsubishi) to one of my friends, or practically anyone looking for a good, fun, car!

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  handles well - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mighty mouse - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles nicely and controls uneven roads very well. People have been surpised by its comfort and roomy feeling for a car this size.

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  Very safe and efficient car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By uday - February 12 - 12:03 pm

  I love this car, it is very fuel efficient and extremely low maintanence. Recommend it to new buyers looking for a cheap deal.

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  GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matte51082 - January 16 - 8:56 pm

  This car is mint. When I first saw the 2005 Galant I thought they where kind of plain looking and there wasnt much to them and I love the the Galants, i had a 2001 model and I loved that car. When i saw the 2005 GTS Galant I feel in love with it. I have the black one with creme interior and i just love everything about it.