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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  "LEMON" is an understatement! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TyKc - June 18 - 11:06 pm

  We purchased our Galant in 2006. The look of it really appealed to us. We loved it at first, but things went downhill. We have had squeaky brakes since we got it, the mechanics on the rear driver side window broke causing the glass to fall into the door, and our air conditioner has broken SIX times! We live in the desert so to go without air is NOT an option. We have put more money into fixing the air than our car is even worth. We paid way too much for it and the value decreased too much too fast. We hate it so much but are stuck with it! We have met 3 people with the same year and all 3 have had the same exact problems. I would never buy one again and I was very disappointed.

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  Amazing Car for the Price - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Huey - June 14 - 2:40 pm

  I bought a black ES Galant, with the sunroof, and alloy package...very sport and sleek looking car! For a four cylinder I have found it to be very peppy providing plenty of horses when I need them. The rear seating can be a bit cramped, but the front seats are long haul comfy. I love the design of the car and have had many compliments. This car is comparable to the Accord, or Camry, but for the fraction of the cost. Going back and forth to school, I needed a good, economical, dependable, car...this is what the Galant delivers...plus so much more!

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  Very Poor Quality Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By BHL311 - June 6 - 5:03 pm

  I feel sorry for all Gallant owners! You think you have such a great car now, wait until four or five years from now when your clear coat breaks down and Mitsubishi wont do a thing about it because it is out of warranty! Be aware and stay away from Mitsubishi if you have not purchased one yet! It is a joke! Not only did it happen to me it happened to another person in the same apartment building! Stay away from Mitsubishi! They dont believe in QUALITY!

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  Get it used, folks! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ballistic - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This was my first car purchase, and economic value was at the top of my list. All the comments on Edmunds went something like, ``Great car, but it loses all its value, dangit! I put two and two together, and decided to get it used. Im getting 22.4 miles to the gallon on a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder, which I would expect to be closer to 6-cylinder territory. In any case, its a bit low, given the relatively poor performance Im getting from the car. On the up side, it handles nicely, and it looks pretty sleek. I would have preferred a manual transmission car, but nothing about this Galant is compatible with the manual transmission ``feel.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mitsu Believer - June 4 - 1:10 am

  I am a car guy. I bought the Ralliart used surprisingly. It looks great, drives and is simply a rocket ship. The Liquid Silver is a great paint and the wheels are nice. Leather is comfortable. The Navi is okay with accuracy but the features of the Navi and radio are terrific. My wife even enjoys the ride of the car. Winter is almost here and Im curious to see how it handles snow. I am averaging between 420-450 miles a fill up.

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  wow what a car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By butah - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Only had it a month but what a fun fast sporty great car!!!!! The dealer I bought it from was great to work with and I thought they treated me very well. I was looking at the 2004 altima and a honda but this car blew me away.

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  Great Car for Less Money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Prashant - May 16 - 5:10 pm

  I bought my 2003 Mitsubishi Galant in Sept. 2004 for just $9,800. It had 27,000 miles on it when I purchased it. The drive is really smooth, especially on winding roads. The gas mileage is decent. This car is way less expensive than Toyota Camry / Honda Accord models with comparable features.

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  good car for the money - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jeffro - May 16 - 2:00 am

  A solid car for me and the kids. Got a great deal on it, as the Galants dont hold their value the best. The 4 cylinder makes decent power in the midrange rpms. Rides very smooth and is a quiet car compared to my old Saturn. Good looks, handling, and doesnt feel cheap or tinny like Nissan Altima and Honda Civic. Labor costs for regular maintenance are reasonable, although Im not one to ever visit the dealership.

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  Great car - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By millenniumsea - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, comfortable and quite fast for a mid-category family car, excellent for weekend trips and everyday use too. The interior could be more pretty, especially the color, but the interior is very well designed and practical. Surprisingly good sound system as it comes from the factory.

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  So Far So Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Grindle64 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this car about a month ago and I have been pretty happy so far. I paid what I would have paid for a Civic or Sentra but my GTZ is V6 leather power everything low miles. So far I am happy.