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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  Great Value for the Money - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GE04 - October 15 - 5:50 am

  I have owned my Mitsubishi Galant for about twenty months now. It is a great car, yery fast with excellent handling. However, I am not as happy with the ride at highway speeds. The car tends to jump around with the road surface. It does not feel well planted. Other than that everything else is wonderful. I especially like the 280 watt Infinity sound system. The car is also a head turner with its agressive looks. Other people, especially those driving the Pontiac Grand Prix, always want to race. Its hard to beat 0 to 60 in 6.5 sec.

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  I love my 1999 Galant DE Grace! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By valeries3 - October 14 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my car on June 25, 1999 with 25 miles on the odometer and I named her Grace. Im in tears because I finally traded Grace in on April 12, 2014 -- she had 419,574 miles on her with the original engine. The transmission went up on her at 402,359 miles in May 2013 and I actually had a transmission put in because I couldnt give up on her. She never gave me any problems even with the high miles. How did I get so many miles on her? I made sure the oil was changed religiously and did all flushes (dont laugh) that Jiffy Lube suggested. I also followed the guidelines from Mitsubishi for the tune-ups for the first 5 years. Grace is now in Frederick, MD at Renn Kirby Mitsubishi.

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  I love it !!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rei Fonseca - September 27 - 9:30 am

  Its been a hard decision for me to choose between aerio or galant ... but once I test drive it, I fall in love with galant. so smooth and great price.

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  Galant review - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mthomas - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far. My other car was a 1996 galant, no major problems. This is why I chose to stick with the new galants. I enjoyed the car, it was easy to handle and manuever with great ease.

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  Best sports sedan under $25K - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DN743559 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had Infinitis and Audis in the past, but this car beats them in overall performance and build quality (especially the piece of junk Audi). Its very quick with great handling and balance on a solid and rattle-free body and suspension. The interior is great too; I particularly like the well shaped and firm power seat, great sound system, and everything within easy reach. On top of all this, a 5 yr/50K bumper-to-bumper mile warranty with free maintenance for 3 yrs/45K miles.

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  its no BMW - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By stuart - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car now 10 months and drove it across USA on vacation with no real complaints. I have had the roters turned once. I bought the GTZ which is nice as it comes with a lot of features for the $. I also looked at the Altima and to load that out the same way would have cost me $29,000 and change. I paid $24.750 for the Mitsubishi. It could have done with a little stiffer suspension as you feel roll when driving hard. Also I think Mitsubishi should have put more horsepower in the GTZ. Considering you are paying considerably more than the other Galant V6s but have the same engine,

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  its no BMW - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Stuart - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car now 10 months and drove it across USA on vacation with no real complaints. I have had the roters turned once. I bought the GTZ which is nice as it comes with a lot of features for the $. I also looked at the Altima and to load that out the same way would have cost me $29,000 and change. I paid $24.750 for the Mitsubishi. It could have done with a little stiffer suspension as you feel roll when driving hard. Also I think Mitsubishi should have put more horsepower in the GTZ. Considering you are paying considerably more than the other Galant V6s but have the same engine,

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  Love it! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vikas - August 25 - 8:36 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years and never had any problems at all. So low on maintenance and fun to drive. I had an accident and it got totaled, but till last day I loved it.

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  Overall, Love It! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GrandTurk - August 24 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car new one month ago and enjoy the ride to work everyday (city driving). My 63" tall but lean body build fits into the drivers seat with just enough headroom. The ride is a tad noisy from the engine, particularly with the high rpms upon acceleration, but not so much to be bothersome. I dont care about the "plastic" interior comments from some of the reviewers. I care more about the small side-view mirrors and wonder why nobody has mentioned this. Also, the turning radius leaves a lot to be desired. Why cant I turn into tight parking spots? The trunk is roomy. The rear passenger space is roomy for a small car. The good crash test performance gives you confidence.

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  Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gopackers - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice car. Fun to drive. The V6 moves the car well. The 4 banger was not nearly enough engine for this car.