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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Regret My Quick Decision to Buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By LisaD2003 - March 1 - 9:56 pmI bought my 2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES used in August 2003 with approx 30,000 miles on it. It seemed like a good deal at the time, but I was never truly excited about the car. Lots of little things have gone wrong over the past year and a half. The most annoying problem has been squeaky brakes...the car has been in to the dealer at least 5 times for very loud squeaky brakes, and it still isnt totally fixed. The design of the car is boring, inside and out. It cant get out of its own way on the highway. Once youre up to speed its okay, but forget accelearting quickly to pass. Im currently in the market for a new car, and it definitely will not be a Mitsubishi!
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NO BRAKES - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
By used car blues - July 12 - 10:00 amthis car is OK. bought it at 1 year old for 11,000 so i have not lost 10 grand in the first year. biggest problem is the brakes, the rotors have been warped by "my driving" 3 times in 20 thousand miles. my accord never had this problem in 120 thousand miles.i guess the car is ok if you buy it used, new for 20k ouch! next time i will go back to honda.
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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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Never Again - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By 04MitsuGalant - October 14 - 10:20 pmThe Mitsubishi Galant is not as great of a car as I thought. Its brakes have been a constant problem since 12,000 miles. It has 29,000 miles now. The brakes squeak 70% percent of the time. The dealer says there is nothing wrong and thats normal. I had the brakes replaced after 25,000 miles and they still squeak. Also, the interior rattles. My car doesnt even always start the first time. The sunroof scrapes when its closing. It doesnt have good pick up when trying to go from 60 to 80. It takes a few seconds to actually pick the speed up when doing that. Mitsubishi dealer service is terrible. The hubcaps get dirty quickly
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This car sucks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By Pali - August 4 - 10:00 amDents VERY easy. Cheap parts.
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Fell for the Financing Gimmick - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
By vipdave - March 7 - 10:00 amI owned a 92Galant LS and loved it until I was wiped out by a poor driver and the insurance company totaled it. So I bought the 2000 GalantES hoping for a similar experience. 2 recalls, very noisy ride, and a few other problems have made for a disappointing experience. Now that I am trying to sell it, I am going to take a big loss in order to unload it.
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I must have a lemon - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By Simps79 - January 7 - 6:56 amI bought my Galant brand new in 2004. Ive had more problems with my car than any other car Ive ever had. Within the first 6 months, my horn stopped working which is pretty dangerous if I needed it to prevent an accident. I had squeaky breaks for months and paid over $900 to fix the problem. After replacing them twice and they still squeaked I ended up having to buy ceramic brake pads and that stopped the squeaking but I had to get management involved to even fix the problem. My headlights go out often! Ive just been very disappointed with this car. Im trying to keep it until it falls apart because the value has decreased too much.
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galant - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
By quiz - September 14 - 2:00 ambad changed engine, radiator, crank pully, exaust, tires, all around 115,000 miles. really bad experiance. Also the overdrive is busted
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The Galant Sucks - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
By Zubaid - February 23 - 10:00 amThe front tires shake excessively during breaking. And I have affirmed this from other Galant owners (even GTZ owners). When going over a bump, it feels as if the front axle just cant take it. Too much torque coming from the V6. They didnt try to distribute the torque at all, simple switch of the 4 cylinder to a 6 during construction and design...bad idea. The car bolts forward if youre not careful. Overall..a piece of crap and I regret buying it every single day. My advice: Dont buy this car!!
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Mediocre - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By tangesazen - September 30 - 10:00 amThis car has ok looks, and I had 15 years of good experiences with previous Mitsubishi vehicles. I was looking for a four-door car with good mileage and good workmanship. After twenty months, I would rate this Galant as very mediocre. Mileage claimed was 33 Hwy, 27 City. I get 25 avg with 90% Hwy miles. Workmanship. Ive lost track of how many things have fallen off this car or no longer fit well. And they must have run out of money, the entire trunk looks like it was made with the $15 left in their budget. There is a _LOT_ of cabin noise also. My next car will not be a Mitsubishi.
