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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  Mitsubishi Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carguru - March 5 - 7:33 am

  The Galant is amazing. I had a Nissan Altima before and the Galant is so much better. It rides and handles far better than any other car I drove in it class.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By flclewis - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 1999 Galant. I had over 100,000 miles at the time my car was totalled in an accident in August.

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steven E - February 22 - 4:26 am

  This is my first Galant, its not a bad car at all. Its fun to drive and the trunk space is great. The rear seats have a lot of room!

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  Love it!! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By joecool69 - February 16 - 5:03 am

  I have had mine for 4 years and it truly is a wonderful car. I named him Jack because hes a jack-of-all-trades. Comfortable, I still get 24 mpg in city and 37-40 hwy, reliable and just a good car. Its amazing. Never any real problems. I even was hit by a drunk driver going 57-60 mph and was not hurt except for a minor concussion and that was only because my car hit a tree in the back and I went forward. Had it completely restored and am still driving it now. Amazing!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By browneyes - February 11 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Mitsubishi and I love it. I previously owned a 1996 model and recently bought a 2003 Galant ES. The car looks brand new, the interior design is a little boring but I like the feel of the seats. Its accelaration is fair. This car comes standard with a lot of great features like keyless entry, CD player, power locks, windows, brakes, cruise control, etc. The air conditioning is great! Ive only had this particular model for two days, but Ive had the 1996 model for about seven years.

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  I Wont Give It Back! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By AndieTaylor - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Right now Im driving this car as a rental while my 2001 Ford Focus SE has body work done. I love this car so much that Im not sure Ill be able to give it back to Enterprise. It handles very well and that V6 is powerful yet smooth. I was driving down the 405 freeway going over 100MPH and didnt even realize it. It felt like I was only going 65. My little Focus has nothing on this car. Well, I think my stereo is better than the one in the Galant.

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  go fast mitsu - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By green mitsubishi - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car back in 2000, brand new, with 46 miles on it. i drive it everywhere. the only major problems ive had were the stock tires (eagle ls), they were terrible, and wore out within 20000 miles. the car gets up and goes without hesitation. i have no problems passing people or hitting on- ramps. great stock cd player

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  Glad I Found This Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Anna L - January 28 - 2:53 am

  I bought my car after trading in my horrific 05 Toyota Highlander. I was sure I was going to buy either a Ford Fusion or Honda Accord (never another Toyota). There happened to be a Mitsubishi dealer next to the Honda dealer, so I stopped in. I immediately fell in love with the looks of the Galant SE. I test drove it and also loved the comfort, handling, acceleration, and quality/design of the interior. Its very sporty compared to the Accord, and is every bit as good in quality. Also, its union made in the US by the UAW. This is important to our family. This car has top notch safety and reliability records, and the longest warranty in the market. The Fusions made in Mexico and wasnt as nice.

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  Galants are great! - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kay - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Since the purchase of my 1996 Mitsubishi Galant, I have had absolutely no major problems with it. I make sure it has its regular check- ups, and it has been good to me. My husband loves the power behind this vehicle. Looks are definitely deceiving! Its quiet, easy to maintain, and sporty. I have been searching for a family car, but havent found one that can match my Galant. I would have to go greatly out of my price range to get something in comparison.

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  Most Bang for the Bucks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By OldGuy53 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  The Galant handles more like a sports sedan. We have an Altima and a Camry in my household. I prefer driving the Galant as my work car, since I drive 100 miles round trip. The interior aesthetics of the Altima and Camry are nicer. If the year was 1975 and the car was a BMW. The interior would look just great. My point is at 53 years of age the interior aesthetics are not that important. Especially, when I would have paid thousands more for an Altima or Camry. Ive put 2000 miles on it and the Galant still has a new car feel about it at 33,300 miles.