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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  Overall a decent car - Needs many small improvements - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By diesengine - December 11 - 1:57 pm

  Overall quite pleased. Car yields about 25 mpg in 90% city, 10% highway driving. Like the sound of the engine when accelerating. Not that many on the road so it stands out with its sporty styling. Random noises occasionally come from the cabin. Can hear sound of gas sloshing around in back when filled full. Rear was redesigned in 2009 which looks somewhat like Lexus IS although with larger tail lights. Also added for 2009 was 4-wheel ABS, Tire pressure monitor, shiftable transmission and daytime running lights. The car sits lower to the ground than other midsize sedans and is more fun to drive than just about all except for the Mazda6. Has tight steering which lets you feel the road.

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  galant review - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chris litterini - November 24 - 10:00 am

  its a nice 4dr car. its great on gas and its great on the highway. Its very comfortable and quiet. Its a good well-build and reliable car.

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  This Ones Tricky - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By AlmostGood - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I got a nice deal on a this car and walked out of the dealership without putting a dime down plus 2.9 percent for 6 years (thats like free money). The 0 down is misleading, b/c its a 36 month term and the payment can be really high (unless you put a significant down payment on it).

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  Great Car - Lousy Dealer Service - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Car man NE - October 31 - 10:00 am

  V6 engine is VERY powerful, though it likes to eat GAS. Dealer could not program the Keyless door entries, Headlights and brake lights cant be replaced by owners. At 62000 the only replacement item was the alternator. At 20000 there was a problem with a noise as the car was in motion coming from the brake area, the dealer fixed this. The only thing lacking with this car is the DEALER SUPPORT network like HONDA or TOYOTA offer. Still I would rate above average.

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  Should have better reliability - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By some_fog - October 21 - 9:20 am

  I owned this car for a 5.5 years. The car got 5 years factory warranty. During the 5 years Ive got broken the alarm button, A/C and oxygen sensor. Dealership has fixed that for no cost to me. After 5 years Ive got broken the second oxygen sensor and two rear windows. It was unexpected to me and I decided to get rid of the car.

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  good car for the price - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By buckayou - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I have my mitsubishi galant for 5 days and Iam disappointed with the bumpy ride. The car drives very hard, like theres too much air in the tires. I travel alot so the main reason why I bought this car was because of the great warranty and the low price.

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  Still Loving It After 4 Months!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Michelle Freeman - September 2 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased my car in early September of 2004 and I love it still after 4 months of use. I drive a lot (already over 10,000 miles) and I find it very reliable. It is roomy and comfortable. I live in Houston which has the worst traffic in the country and I am impressed on how much pick up it has. I step on the gas and it takes off like a rocket. I need a car to respond given the amount of traffic I encounter daily. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a decent car, with great warranty and economic price. My mother has a 2003 Galant ES and other than that version having good pickup, there is no comparison starting with the interior room.

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  Sound Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bg - August 31 - 9:06 pm

  Bought new in 2001. Runs well, strong pick up. Only major problem was after 3 years, the black paint became pitted and top of car had all white spots. This is my second new Galant, the last one was a 1996 model. The 96 model ES had a 4 cylinder but was more comfortable.

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  What a Car!!! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jamie - August 3 - 8:20 am

  What a car!!!! 150,000 miles and still going strong. Oil changes and gas are the biggest expenses. The interior is still great.

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  Superb Value - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Placenshow - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a used 2009 Galant ES with 49,xxx miles for $9991, brand new, this car was $22k! Traded in a 1999 Camry LE, which we loved, but were looking for a new model family sedan. So far so good. Plenty of space, decent acceleration for a 4 cylinder, and driver seat is quite comfortable. Doesnt have all the bells & whistles of Camry/Accord but pricing is a definite plus and reliability is above avg from what Ive read on numerous sites. Looking forward to many happy years of worry free driving.