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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  Not bad for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By killertaco - August 20 - 2:00 am

  So far this car has been pretty good. We have had a couple of issues with the car including replacing the wing as it was loose when we purchased it; incidentally, I pointed this out to the dealer (Huntington Beach Mitsubishi), but they declined to fix it as they stated nothing was wrong with it, until I took it to another Mits dealer and they fixed it----go figure. Another issue is at low speeds there is a humming sound that comes from the front end, and this "humming" is really evident when turning sharply, but again at slow speeds. The driver side power window stopped working after a year, but the warranty paid for the repair.

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  Good Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jmac - July 28 - 11:00 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year now. I really like it so far! I havent had any problems with it. My only complaint is that the back seat does not have very much leg room, as I am 6 1", so my passengers sometimes feel cramped in the back, especially if its a long drive. I love the features mine has (see below). It has been a very reliable car so far and seems very safe. If youre looking for a Galant, I would definitely buy an LS or LTZ, the DS and ES just seem very cheaply made in comparison to my LS. Just remember, you get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap car, then youll have some problems. I see a lot of people mad about their Galant purchase on here, but mine is great!

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  You cant go wrong with this car. - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By hodges0921 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  First of all, forget everything you know or think you know about the Mitsubishi Galant. This 04 model is a totally different animal from previous models. I opted to buy the LS V6 with the Diamond Package, but the main selling point was the V6 with the Sportronic transmission. This car is very quick with suck you back in the seat acceleration. It is quite fun to drive and offers a perfect blend of quietness and road feel. I think the build quality is top notch and gives you the feel of driving a much more expensive car. Buy one! You wont be sorry.

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  03 Galant V6 is best! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By goldnugget99 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Galant V6 Sedan is powerful, roomy, & comfy. Your body molds the seats & everything is within perfect reach. Its so quiet while driving, you can actually enjoy the excellent sound system. Safety is a 10 along with the get-up n go. Easy steering, brakes, & gas. 4 cupholders! 2 outlets, and #1 cruise system! No wind noise. 24-27 mpg. Great car.

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  Very Reliable commuter - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MeanWillieGreen - July 20 - 3:03 pm

  Very able small-mid sized passenger car. I purchased used, and off the lot it is very standard - which is a plus. The cost of ownership is super low because the thing is so solid and reliable. Aside from a timing belt about 90K, I have had no mechanical issues at all. With 130K miles on it, it probably drives better than it did when I bought it. I need some more room, so I am getting another car, but if Mitsubishi made a Galant wagon, Id be on the hunt for one. I get about 28-30 mpg on the highway, which is good for such a big 4. Poor resale value, but as a buyer, I would seriously consider one.

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  Dont mess with a good thing - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Michael Albert - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just simply want to invite anyone to drive the Galant GTZ. Though I have driven this car for only 8 months I would recomend it highly, especially for the money that could be saved buying a competitors automobile.The ride and features are exceptional. Although the competition within its class are of higher horsepower dont let the GTZs engine fool you. I close with the confidence in telling you that even if I made a million dollars I would still consider this car.

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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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  NO BRAKES - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By used car blues - July 12 - 10:00 am

  this 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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  Galant Lover - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Joe & Nayra - July 10 - 9:00 am

  This is the second Galant weve owned. The first one was a 2003 model. We bought it used with 140,000 miles on it and it drove very good for three years. With that type of dependability we decided to go for another one. The 2006 model we just bought has 60,000 miles on it but drives great and it looks like new inside out!

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  Best Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By S. Dot - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had no bad problems with the car, just a flat tire and a shield rattlen.