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:

• 

  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.

• 

  Excelent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kbza - November 4 - 10:00 am

  ....

• 

  Wow, Impressive!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jayinnerbeat - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a impressive vehicle. This is nothing like the past model. The vehicle is all new, bigger, wider, more refined. The exterior and interior styling is very modern, yet clean. There is plenty of room for five people. The new 4 cyl. engine with the Valve timing system provides 6 cylinder performance with 4 cyl. economy. I had been to many dealers in the S. Florida area, I finally bought at Phil Smith Mitsu. Could not have been happier with the deal, the service and the way I was treated.

• 

  Amareno - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Perdomo & Veloza - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth new Mitsubishi we have. This is top of the line for us, a colombian gay couple from Queens NY, excellent, beautiful, quiet, powerful, dependable, spacious in passengers area and trunk. 2003 Galant was wonderful but not roomy enough. This 2004 galant engines makes sport car noises, different as the 2003 voitire. We are happy with it, thinking on next step needs to be a full breed german Audi or Mercedes, after experiencing this nice mitsubishi.

• 

  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.

• 

  03 Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chris Sosnowski - October 23 - 2:13 pm

  Paid $10,900. Engine is good for fast acceleration at low speeds. Handling is accurate and quick. Interior is nice and comfortable. Large trunk, good mileage. Excellent sound system. You get a lot of miles for your gas. Very efficient car, well designed.

• 

  What Resale Value??????? - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ejmickens - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have no complaints about the actual car itself, except maybe the leg room in the front seat. My complaint is the way this car depreciates. I am currently about $8000 upside down. Who wants to try and buy a new car when you are facing those kinds of numbers. And as a former Honda owner this is the one thing that will make me go back to Honda. In addition I made the mistake of getting into a smart buy (aka: we tricked you - low car note now, pay out the rear later) so I will have to pay for wear and tear as well as mileage if I dont get out of the car soon.

• 

  Good, but not great - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galant owner - October 19 - 12:13 am

  I bought this car brand-new. Ive never had accidents with it except one fender-bender where the side panel got bent (cosmetic damage only). Though I got a V6 for more power (gas wasnt as expensive back then), the car is very weak at low gears with SUV like fuel efficiency. But on the highways, the car is fun to drive and gets respectable efficiency (about 27-30 mpg). Hasnt given me any major problems yet, maybe due to the low mileage. Overall, this car is very solid, but is not very appealing. I bought it because of great financing options at the time. Probably wouldnt buy it if I had to do it all over again.

• 

  Never Again - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By 04MitsuGalant - October 14 - 10:20 pm

  The 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

• 

  My G - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By S L F - September 20 - 8:30 pm

  Ive owned this car for 2 1/2 years and it still handles and rides great, and is as much fun to drive today as the day I got it. Its acceleration is great and it has lots of power. I love to hear the sound of the engine. It has great interior and trunk space. I enjoy the pass through into the trunk which makes it safe to slide my purse and packages into without being seen. An additional safety feature is the illuminated release inside the trunk, which really works. People still stare at it and ask "What kind of car is that?" I smile when I tell them iss a Galant. Its an excellent car! My son enjoys it as much as I do.