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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  NEVER AGain - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cydneyc - March 9 - 4:39 am

  I bought this car because it looked amazing on the outside & test drove it once & fell in love. two weeks into my loan my car was going down hill from there. tune ups, alignments, Y Pipe had a hole in it. car was shaking really bad when the AC is on, shakes while stepping on the brake, the only time it did not shake was when it was in park. the worst car ever its a true RIP OFF. My door got stuck & I couldnt get out. I had to kick it out, and the whole panel came off. The dealer said its unfixable I have to get a whole new door. I hate this car

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  Worst Car Experience in my life! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mrglenn76 - February 16 - 8:02 pm

  I bought the 2004 Galant six years ago and have had nothing but costly issues with this car. For one, the parts are usually very expensive and most shops will not have them on hand. For special parts you have to order them from Japan and can only order on Tue and Thursdays and it takes about a week to get them in. The major issue of all the issues I have had is with the brakes. Have had 5 brake jobs in the last year and a half. Have had the belt break, the power steering pump go out, had to get the alignment done several times and now I am having an issue either shocks are blown or sway bar link needs replacement. The car looks nice, but it has been a NIGHTMARE!!

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  Love hate relationship - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By yuuuup - December 31 - 2:32 pm

  bought it in 2008 with 39,000 mi., now has 160,000. A/C was clogged twice, heater door became stuck, and thats about it. I ride this bitch like a beast at an AVERAGE 80 mph on the freeway. The biggest issues are the maintenance issues that arise, such as the recurrence of misfires which can potentially damage your catalytic converter if not assessed ($900). This car is tough like a honda and can potentially be just as reliable at the cost of good maintenance. change the timing belt every 50-60 k miles. change the tran fluid every 40 k miles MAX! Make sure you put in luxury fluids, like amzoil, and mobil one. on my benefit, i bough it used with nearly new miles. used with high miles is iffy.

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  Poor Paint Job - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Help - August 24 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car in Oct. 2007 just before the winter. I noticed what looked like salt in front of the rear tires. When spring came and i washed the car, i noticed it was actually paint that was missing. The dealership contacted mitsubishi and submitted photos. They said it was due to "road wear" so they would not repaint my car even though it was only 6 months old. Shouldnt they use paint on their cars that can stand up to road wear? I have filed a complaint with the review board but havent heard back yet. When i see another Galant in a parking lot, i always look and there is the same problem to some degree in the same place. I havent owned the car for a year and it is rusting

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  Wish I could go back in time - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By time to move on - July 13 - 2:00 pm

  First of all, let me state that I dont hate this car. It has many redeeming qualities (see below) that make it a good purchase. Just dont be surprised when you are only getting 23 mpg on the highway, while your fellow Camry, Grand Prix, and Accord drivers are getting 28+. I was sucked in by the 0% financing for 60 months so I caved in and bought it. Now Im trying to get a new car because my family just increased by 1 and the backseat in this thing is ridiculously small for a "mid-size" sedan. Its laughable! Be forewarned that when you try to trade this car in, the value of it will have plummetted substantially. Spend the extra grand and buy quality - you wont regret it.

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  This car stinks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ChrissyB - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I 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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  Transmission Problem - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By richie6 - June 19 - 10:09 am

  BEWARE 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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  Poor quality and resale - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DJPDX - November 7 - 10:00 am

  It is an attractive car, handles well and I negotiated a good price since they are trying to unload the poor things off of dealer lots. This car was of poor build quality, has been recalled three times, and was returned to the dealer numerous times for various warranty problems. When I went to sell it, NOBODY WANTED IT!! The dealers offered 30% of original MSRP even though it was in excellent condition. No one would call on it in the paper, even though it was below wholesale NADA blue book. Dont buy a Mitsubishi! Spend more and buy the quality of a Honda or Toyota. In the end, youll be happier.

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  Exterior paint - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Michelle Pendergrass - October 24 - 8:06 am

  I purchased my Mitsubishi in Jan. 2002, purchased it with only 8 miles on it. I purchased a Black one, I did love it at first, then after about 3 years, the paint has started disappearing. Great big chunks of paint gone. I have had it looked at, and have been told, I i just look around at other black Mitsubishi vehicles, I would find that I am not the only one with this problem. Since then I look very closely at any Black Mitsubishi, and all of the older ones have the same problem with the paint that has just disappeared. I was told that the older models have that problem.

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  STINKY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Y - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The thing smells like rotten eggs. No matter what time of year, what the weather is like, it stinks. Ive taken it to the dealer 4 or 5 times, and they keep telling me to "change gas stations." Fuel economy is not the best 22mpg for 4 banger, my caddy get 26 and its an 8 cyln. Will never buy a Mitsubishi again.