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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  2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is expensive to maintain - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bbod78 - October 25 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart as a second owner when the vehicle only had 11,000 miles on it. The car is amazingly fun to drive with excellent acceleration and handling, it is also amazingly expensive to maintain. The parts and labor associated with fixing this vehicle are out of control and difficult to locate. The gas mileage is unacceptable for todays gas prices (I average about 16 MPG city/22 MPG highway, non-aggressive driving). The tires, too, that come standard with this car cost nearly $200 a tire and last only approximately 30,000 miles. Frequently stores dont even have the tires in stock and have to special order them! This car was too much of an expensive.

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  Great job! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By John - October 22 - 7:46 pm

  Although Mitsubishi only made slight changes to the 2009 Galant, they seemed to pick the best features to improve. The ride is smoother and quieter. The new sport fabric seat is very comfortable and they even have power and 2-part heated fabric seats. They did away with the cheap plastic console and it look very tastefully elegant. A+ overall!

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  Pretty as a Pearl - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LoveMyMitsu - October 10 - 1:26 am

  I was considering the Chrysler 300, but didnÂ’t like it after the test drive (the viewing is really limited especially for the blind spot. Driving home a little depressed I stopped by the Mitsubishi dealership and was impressed with the style of the Gallants...went home did some research and a week later bought my car! The Dover Pearl color looks awesome and Im saving to put some 19" rims. I love the smooth fast ride. Gas is pretty average (28-32 bucks to fill her up) I got a crazy deal 0 down 0 APR which was nearly impossible at the Chrysler dealerships. Overall, I love my car, love the price, and love the warranty.

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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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  the greatest purchase that i made - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By amis - September 30 - 2:00 am

  i looked at a couple a cars and the toyota was one of them and the people at levis mitsubishi treated me very well. the 4cyl. that i bought has just enough power that i need to get out of the way of trucks and other things.

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  Dont Buy this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dontbuythis - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car ever build. Its a hunk of crap. I had to return this car to the dealer 3 times aready. The engine over heated, the fan was not running, and various interior electrical problems

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  Its not going to work!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Fuzzywife - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has a fairly nice design, but is too under-powered for my taste and for the price I paid for it (13K used!) I should have bought the Diamante!

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gt7318d - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased the car last weekend, and am loving it so much. I have so much fun with the V6 engine. The car is on the go with just a tap on the gas pedal. It drives like a dream. The car is very quiet. The stereo sounds good. The seats are comfortable and spacious. Plus, I was treated very well in Carmax. With the $2500 cash incentive, it is about $5000 less than a comparible Camry, and even more compared to Accord. It is the best you can get for the money.

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  2004 Galant ES Bought at 45k miles - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RK - September 23 - 2:56 am

  I bought a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant ES in July 2009 from a Mitsubishi Dealership (Schaumburg, IL). I had a fantastic experience with the dealer by the way. The car was at 45k miles and 1-owner when I purchased. Good used-car bargain. Came with great features including powered sunroof, infinity audio system, 17" alloy wheels and leather strapped steering wheel. Excellent control and driving performance. Low on the mileage (I get around 22 mpg city and highway mix). Havent used in snow yet... hopefully it will drive well. Love the exterior and the looks.

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  Decent Nice Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CJ4482 - September 17 - 6:00 pm

  This is my 1st Mitsubishi. Its a nice car, decent and I enjoy driving it. Ive had A/C problems way too much and the back seating is kind of tight. I would recommend this car for a 1st timer, or a commuter car, poor gas mileage, although I do like this car, I will not be buying another one nor will I be buying any other Mitsubishi.