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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  Wish Id chosen another car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By lindag3 - November 3 - 10:07 pm

  I just got my Mitsubishi Galant 2 months ago (used) and thank God I got the extended warranty with it! I just took it in to dealership last Tuesday and the ABS sensors werent showing on the dash. They ran into needing more parts and I dont expect it back until end of this week (almost a two week repair!). Thank God for the courtesy car I am able to use. I sure hope this isnt a sign of things to come with this car. I loved it at first but this isnt good two months into a loan! I hope to trade it in as soon as that opportunity comes up. It wasnt great in the snow so I bought two snow tires for the front which did make a difference. The dealership has been helpful I must say.

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  If only the dealers.... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Terrance - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I felt I got a good deal on the car, but my father warned me that Mitsubishi dealers are far and few between, and terrible. He was right. After owning a Saturn, and being spoiled by Saturn service, it was quite a shock the first, and subsequent times, I returned my car to Mitsubishi for service. I gave them a horrible rating on my after ownerwhip feedback card, and never heard a peep from them.

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  UNderrated Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jodum - October 10 - 10:00 am

  My mother has had this car for almost 3 years now and I ahve driven it several times. For a 4-banger it has great perfromance and loves to be pushed. The interior is very cramped- with two adults in the front, there is barely any leg room in the back seats and Mitsubishi can do a much better job in getting more interior space out of the very long car. It has an enormous trunk. A good sound system and nice (fake) wood trim.

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  145 HP - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carlos94110 - October 10 - 10:00 am

  nice looking car , not expensive , I like it .

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  Great Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By X-Men - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have bought this car for 2 months as 2nd hand and Im loving it so far. I gives me the power when ever I needed it on a highway/city and the comfort the car gives is imaginable. Great "Infinity" stereo sound system with 6CD changer.

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  what? - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By parag19 - July 18 - 4:33 pm

  good...

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  10 years and counting - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Irie - July 11 - 2:53 am

  Purchased in 1999. Fun, comfortable car to drive. I needed quick acceleration because of commuting on the beltway. Am not giving this car up, will be passing this car down to my children.

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  not bad - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KLK - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I cant say anything good or bad. Its a good car to get around in, but Ive had more exciting cars. Im just begining to have a few problems, but I would buy it again if I wanted to be boring. My next car doesnt have to be a BMW or something, but I would like a little more fun.

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  AC Broke - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dee 39203 - May 21 - 3:46 am

  At first I loved my Galant, but since the AC went out, Ive been in what has literally felt like hell. I have an all black leather interior which draws heat. I took the car to the shop and my air conditioner is broken. I was told that it would cost $941.00 to fix it.

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  Sport feel for Basic Sedan - 2011 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carriemae - May 15 - 7:00 am

  I purchased my red Galant as a prior rental. There is a big depreciation for Galants, so that is the only way I would buy one, as used. I like the sleek sides and look of the car. The red is very pretty, especially just cleaned on a sunny day. The car has a wide wheel base so feels good on the road, I think the power seem fine (I dont think it felt week like the pro review). The interior, however, is very, very plain and cheap looking. ..charcoal cloth seats and black vinyl, holds dust. Arm rests were separating and needed to be repaired by dealer. However, engine seems fine...I think this is a great alternative to a Honda/Toyota for those on a budget if you keep it long.