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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  Dont buy a mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By fireangel - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Wheel noise since day one that company refused to fix. Blamed it on tires. Exorbitont services required at minimum 400.00 each service. Now, air conditioner has stopped working. Also is built like a tin can. The so called quality sound system works when it wants too. When sunroof open, sun shines directly in drivers eyes from overhead. It is the first and the last one I will ever own. I plan on unloading it as soon as I can.

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  2004 Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Georgia - March 12 - 6:30 pm

  My Galant has had issues for the last 2 years. I bought it brand new in 2004, and was pleased until recently. My blower on the air conditioner/heater has stopped working and my engine light has come on because there is a vacuum leak related to the gas line. My husband has a 2004 Endeavor, and its transmission has gone out. We will never buy anything from Mitsubishi again, and we would really like to send them back since we still owe on both of them and they are worth nothing to us. I am now driving a 1980 Oldsmobile that is more reliable than both of our Mitsubishis!!!!

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  Highly Overrated! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By smogtek - January 10 - 3:20 am

  I cant help but wonder if these positive consumer reviews are being posted by mitsubishi dealers themselves. This car is a dog A nightmare to park for a sedan! its as wide as a truck or a van with huge blind spots at the rear flanks. Important controls that would be regularly adjusted on a road trip are not illuminated at night. The front windshield has a nasty glare reflecting the chrome accents from the dashboard (too many chrome accents)you need sunglasses to protect your eyes from interior glare. I test drove this car at night or I would have caught this major design flaw and passed. The majority of interior space in this car is all in the rear seating area. Cannot recommend this car!

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  Dud Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MIKE BISHOP - January 7 - 10:20 pm

  Our experience with this car was not what we expected for a car with a new style. Although we loved the new design the quality of the car seems to have been put together with the cheapest materials Mitsubishi could find. The test drive was nice but two weeks into ownership there seemed to be a lot more engine noise than what we experienced on the test drive. This cars initial quality was pitiful.

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  Run Away From Me - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bad mitsu - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have bought this car right off of the show room floor. 12 miles on it. Right after the warranty expired. I have had to replace Engine, have the transmission overhauled, replace entire muffler from rust. This car has never been involved in any accident or loss. The interior Started falling apart. Whats worse the car never gave any warning signs of engine or transmission trouble. Called Mitsubishi, they were no help at all. Not even a sorry for all the trouble. $24,000.00 for the worst car I have ever owned.

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  A Midsize car with a SubCompact interior - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MMask76 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  If your 57" or below, then this car might work for you. Im over 6 and I feel extremely unsafe driving this vehicle. It is extremely uncomfortable (legroom and headroom is at a minimum), the performance is extremely poor (VERY loose steering for starters as well as NO pickup in the 4 cyl.), and as time goes on it will get more and more unreliable (has stalled on me already and has 11,000 miles). The sticker price on the LS with the leather package is approx. $23,000. My suggestion is to take that money and go buy yourself a VolksWagon Passat, or Nissan Maxima, or Toyota Camry, or any other car in the Galants class.

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  Expensive to maintain - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bakerhemlock - December 23 - 5:59 am

  Worst car I have owned. Lets see: - A/c condenser went out - 2 window motor/regulators replaced. - Check engine light multiple times. for one, needed spark plugs, tuning etc - check engine P0401 gas cap, valve replaced - timing belts recommended change at 60k. way too early it seems imho - need new struts - power steering acts funny in rainy weather

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  Hell On Wheels - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Joy - February 7 - 2:43 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 1/2 years now. At first the car was great. I took good care of it. Then the trouble begin. I had a major oil leak, had to replace the transmission, had to replace the timing belt, and the regulator on the driver door went out. This car is never ending trouble. Never buy a Galant. The back seat is very cramped. The repairs are very expensive.