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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  Great cheap reliable car but BORING! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Glenn - May 5 - 7:23 pm

  We needed a cheap reliable 4 door car with a new addition to the family and having owned 2 other Galants and an Eclipse I knew the reliability factor was there. This is unfortunately one of the most boring cars around!

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  Wasnt the best for me... - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By skally - March 6 - 12:31 pm

  After buying this car I realized it was one of those cars the dealer patches up just to get off the lot. The instrument cluster had been swapped out which means the car likely had higher miles than stated. The transmission didnt shift into overdrive which I never did resolve. After a few weeks of driving it the upper rear shock mount broke. So I fixed those things and traded it in on something else.

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  Reliable, poor fuel economy,poor resale - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By phil9164 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Engine is reliable but it consumes too much fuel for a 4-cylinder. Noticeable road noise and not too smooth a ride. My 94 Accord still gives me 30 miles/gal and still is a more solid ride. Dont buy this car brand new as the value goes right out the window by quite a chunk as soon as you leave the car lot( or keep it for a year and youll see how much its worth)

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  Should have purchased another car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jads mom - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt find a carseat to fit my sportscar after having my son. Mistubishi was offering a great deal (I thought). Appearance-wise the car is ok. Other than that I wish I had made another choice. Nothing about this car is impressive to me and now that I want to trade it in, I find that my $22,000 car is only worth a little more than $8,000, even in excellent condition and I still have tons to pay on it!!!! Im beating myself over the head for buying this car new or used!!!

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  Junk - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Beth - September 2 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my Galant after receiving a settlement from a bad car accident. Figuring it was a good deal (89k for 3,900), seemed fantastic. It drove fine for a while. Then I realized, it gets 21 MPG on average. Really? For a 4 cylinder motor I expected much more. As for handling, its alright. Ive driven better and Ive driven worse. I would never ever endorse this car. My mistake. Hopefully no one else does the same thing.

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  2000 Mitsubishi Galant ES Cheap Parts - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galant ES - May 5 - 4:56 pm

  This car only has 73,000 miles on it and it runs great but, the parts are way too cheap and the value goes down like a rock in water. I see one of these cars in every corner. They are very common. Exterior parts arent glued too well. The interior parts are arent either. Not lots of room in the back. Ive seen lots of these cars with the exterior paint fading. To be honest I do not think this car is one of the safest out there. Besides all that, the transmission is great Ive had no mechanical problems with it. Just the brakes. Ive painted it once already. This is like a Honda except it has cheap plastic parts.

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  Its Okay - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Carrie - April 5 - 12:43 pm

  We bought our 2005 Galant used with 10,000 miles on it. It has enough horsepower and the interior is very nice. I dont really like the exterior though, it looks like all doors to me. I can live with that I guess. However due to the sloping down of the roof when I pull the seat up so I can reach the pedals I have virtually no head room unless I lower the seat and then I can barely see out. Its a nice car but not built for short people. I am 53". I probably wont be keeping it long because Im tired of hitting my head.

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  The fast and the furious owner - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Marco Solano - March 21 - 10:00 am

  ive owned this vehicle for about 2 years now and the engine and transmission are a dream but the quality and craftmanship are the worst Ive ever experienced, two of my windows electric motors are shot, the factory rotors were warped before I even broke in the engine...i would think twice before purchasing this vehicle. In a two year period, trade in value is about a third of the purchase price.....

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  Rented the Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SomeCarReviewer - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I get a chance to rent different cars, this week it was this car. I like Mitsubushi, but seems like the Japanese rip-off of the Chevy Impala - minus the ugly tail lights, 50 lb doors and GM craftsmanship. Cost-cutting apparent. Good car for a spend thrift who doesnt care about looks and wants solid wheels. Probably low resale. They need to pick better materials other than the cheap/hard/sand textured plastic. Run your hand over this and then think about a three hour road trip – brutal. Need gas cap lock, unless you want your gas siphoned or bake cookies in your engine.