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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 757.00-
Poor Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By ice1012001 - June 28 - 3:00 pmI have had my Mitsubishi Galant for less than one year and the O2 sensors and the catalytic converter went out.
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GREAT CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By mike2595 - June 28 - 10:00 amGREAT HANDLING CAR. VERY RELIABLE. GAS MILEAGE COULD BE BETTER. SOME LARGER CARS WITH V6S CAN GET THIS KIND OF MILEAGE. 4 CYLINDER HAS PLENTY OF POWER.
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This car stinks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By ChrissyB - June 28 - 10:00 amI love the way this car "LOOKS". For the first year it ran great. Now.... it is horrible. It vibrates, the front clip is coming off, and it has had the bushing replaced 3 times. It has not been wrecked and the tires are spin balanced every 6000 miles as well and well maintained. DONT BUY IT!
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Great car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By brianhinzy89 - June 20 - 10:00 ami bought the car about a year and a half ago and it was in great running condition and since then i have been driving it like a bat out of hell and it has held up very nicely i have only had to do routine maintenance and a few cosmetic repairs and the 3.0 V-6 has plenty of power during races and not to mention its easy to work on
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Transmission Problem - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By richie6 - June 19 - 10:09 amBEWARE OF MITSUBISHI GALANT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (2003 for me) I learned the hard way from a excellent transmission shop about the flaw in my 3.0 V6 model with 4 speed automatic where these where a clip deep inside the tranny breaks! This shop used to keep several extra trannys in the shop fully expecting to have customers come in for this very issue. He told me about it before he even opened it up and proved it to me! These broken pieces, for one scenario, end up in the pump causing your tranny to fail and needs to be rebuilt. One main sympton is it will not go into any gear! Sometimes you hear the rattling as you run it. Get newer kit if you rebuild it!
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Great car for a great deal. - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
By Tennessee driver - June 17 - 1:26 pmWe wanted to wait a little longer to purchase a new vehicle, but our old car would not wait. We wanted a good car for a relatively low price, and after a little research, we found our car. We have had many compliments on it, and the only problem we have had is the delay on the wipers was slightly off. Otherwise, it has been a great car. We love it, and our son loves that he has more room. My husband is 62" and I am 511". We are both able to sit with the seat all the way back, and someone of our size can still sit behind us. Its great!
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Kickin - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
By Ralliart - June 14 - 10:00 amI love my Galant VR-4. Its a blast to see the looks on the drivers that you can keep up with driving their IS 300, 3.2CL type S, Camaro Z28, etc while shifting with a automatic transmission. Plus Ive got 4WD.
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New 04 Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By TaxTrader04 - June 10 - 2:00 amI got the chance to test drive what will now become my next car. I was blown away in the advance that Mitsu made from the 03(which my mother has) to this Galant. I drove the ES 4cyl with the diamond package. As with the previous Galant, the car will do 85 without much effort or you noticing. The interior is roomy and extremly well built. Looks from the inside to be twice to three times as expensive as it is. The Diamond Package is an amazing deal.
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NO PUFFING ALLOWED - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By Vegas Joe - May 30 - 10:00 amCar now comes with Yokahoma tires instead of Bridgestone. The Yokahomas, for some reason, provide a bouncy ride whereas the Bridgestones dont. No workmanship like Smokers package is offered by Mitsubishi. All they offer is a cupholder insert which cant be seen at night. It also reduces the cupholders from two to one.
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never fails - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
By jtho249 - May 28 - 7:43 amI have had my Galant for over two years and 40,000 miles. Ive taken it on long trips and I obviously drive it every day. it is easy to drive. I have not had one issue mechanically. dont get the seats wet. the cloth they used will show a ring just from water. I have had to steam clean the seats to get the marks out. this car looks good and I will always recommend it to friends. as in most cases. treat your car well and it will treat you well.
