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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  Galant LS-Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TheRobinsonFamily - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the vehicle handles on curves and the gas mileage it great! I like the new body style and design.

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  An excellent deal! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By khpark - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I am reaching 40k miles on my 2000 Mitsubishi Galant ES-V6 with premium package. Ive never had any problems and I love driving my Galant! Great power, Excellent handling, and I love the way it looks. Sure, Accord or Camry may be good too, but they are BORING and more expensive!!! Why spend more money on those when you can get everything out of Galant! I have never regretted buying my Galant and its been 2 and half years since I bought it!

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  Best car for the price - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By realtechie - December 24 - 10:56 am

  I have never had a car that has gone a whole year without a single problem, like my Mitsubishi Galant. I also have never put 30,000 miles on a car in a single year. This car has taken a beating and not once has it complained. I bought this car used reading 9,000 miles for only $15,000. It now has 40,000 miles on it. I also have one word of advice to all the people that write reviews on here, dont write a negative comment if you are the one who doesnt maintain your car properly!

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  good - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By wawick - December 17 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive in freeway

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  Love my galant - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By James Bozman - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, cant beat it. Very smooth ride and handling. Would recomend to others.

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  Dukes review - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Alan Duke - December 7 - 6:43 am

  Car has smooth ride. Throttle reaction time is awesome. wide open interior. Gas mileage 26-28 mpg in town 29-31 highway. Awesome 6 disk 6 speaker stereo system. Handles well for small/midsized car. Big trunk space. Great head room. Ive owned galants since 92. Extremely dependable

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  Driven To Thrill! - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Eric M - December 1 - 11:20 am

  I purchased the car a few weeks ago, after checking out many others, it was between this and the Honda Civic LX sedan. I went with the Galant because I liked the exterior look better, it felt more solid on the road, its acceleration is better, and the warranty is awesome. Its been a thrill to drive so far! One minor problem is the glove box does not close quite flush on the left side and the service manager is telling me its normal. Of the twenty other various trims on the lot, not one is as out of whack as mine. Ill see if the GSM takes care of it, and I wont die if they dont, but expect better on a $20,000 car. Also, the silver console does reflect in the windshield, but it does not bother or distract me.

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  Great Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sasha - November 18 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle with a little over 16,000 miles on it. It was absolutely great for these past 2.5 years. I did not have even one minor problem with it. Its gas mileage should be a little bit better, but overall this was a great car for the money.

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  Galant ES - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ES Galant - November 16 - 12:36 pm

  I had my car for 134,000 miles when I sold it. It had no major problems except for the radiator thermostat that was replaced and other regular maintenance. I could have bought another new Galant but they lack the safety features that are available as standard equipment on other vehicles, like the side curtain airbags.

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  MUST HAVE........... - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Lady Di - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have recently purchased this Galant and I just cant stop driving it. Its awesome, I havent driven my old car since. With the spoiler attatched and the sun-roof, it is SO sporty looking. Very reasonably priced I got my best friend to purchase one also just TWO WEEKS later. Now were both riding in style.