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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  Big style, little substance. - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MBowen574 - May 11 - 9:00 am

  I bought my 1996 Mitsubishi Galant as a college car. It had 83,400 miles on it when bought, now it is at 90,850 miles. I love the styling, inside and out. I love that its easy to work on. I just love this car. Ive done a great deal of work on it, and have mostly gotten it all working again. The engine is really smooth for a 4-cyl. with the A/C off, the interior has held up really well, all the problems the car had when I got it have been relatively easy to fix. Its a shame the parts are so expensive and the major components (engine, transmission) are so finicky about care and proper maintainence. I can provide great care to this car, and have. The previous owners didnt. Its a shame really. I plan to keep it for a long time! This is an awesome car!

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  Galant Good Alternative To Accord/Camry - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By john9263 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Galant pre-owned (off lease vehicle). Was extremely impressed with the exterior lines of the vehicle. Fit and finish is up to the Japanese standard. Interior is reasonably comfortable and dash is easily accessable. Standard Infinity 100 watt stereo/CD is quite good for most individuals.

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  MITZU - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nudunno4112 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car i have traveled all over the US with this car and it has held up great, the only problem i have had is the rotors and brakes i had them changed a few times dont know what happened in that department, another is the interior it bruises and stains very easily other than that i am happy with this car great deal and exterior looks is why i purchased this car, my wife swears by this galant

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  Safe, Reliable, Comfortable, Economical, and Fun - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By R.E.Rohrbaugh - April 5 - 9:36 am

  I am very pleased with the purchase of this Galant ES V6. This is my family car and daily commuter (120 miles daily). Starting with a modest price, I enjoy the performance of a 24 valve Fuel injected V6. A solid shifting automatic transmission. Good steering response and agressive 4 wheel disc brakes. Comfort for a 61" male to drive. Fuel usage ranges 29/24 mpg depending on driver agression. I do not enjoy paying for "Premium grade fuel only". Also the faded paint is not fun to look at.

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  not performing up to par but classy look - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JerDaStud - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My Galant LS is supposed to get 20city mpg and 26 highway mpg but consistently gets 16-18. Ive swithced to mid grade with no difference in fuel economy. The gauge is starnge too, it gets 100 miles or so from full - 3/4 tank; 80 or so from 3/4 to 1/2 and 40 from 1/2 to 1/4. It is also hard to find a comfortable temp sometimes...but the car is darn good looking, awesome interior design in the LS

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  Ride with me - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By thomas furry - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Its very good on the road , speed and braking.

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  2002 ES 4 cyl. - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Louisp - February 13 - 10:26 am

  Very solid car, Ive had it for 3 years now, 48K miles, and the only problems Ive had are with the brakes - be sure to get only Mitsubishi brakes, otherwise your rotors will go quick, nothing major but its worth the extra $20... Other than that a great, light, economical car. My most recent check up they could not come up with anything that they could even forsee having an issue with in the next 6 months to a year, which is always nice.

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  Good stock, better stocked. - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Greasy - February 1 - 10:26 am

  I bought this car at a bank action, it was fun to drive then. Peppy for a 4 cylinder and able to keep up with a V6 mustang (not an achievement really). So it was good with a stock engine, but being an 18 year old male I couldnt have just 140 hp. I started doing selective mods to it. I put in a cold air intake, a new exhaust with resonator pipes, its not one of those loud hondas driving around. I kept the body stock lowered the front a bit raised the back and inch and put 18inch chrome wheels on. I put kyb gas charged struts in and a new sound system. i put in a new performance cam shaft and was thinking about a turbo. Honestly this car can take off and stop on a dime. I love it.

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  Its ups and downs - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By a galant driver - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Really, its a nice, fun car to drive. Knowing that whenever you drive down a street, people are looking at your car wondering if its a BMW is a nice feeling. However, before driving this car, I drove a 1993 Honda Accord. Another member of my family drives a 1998 Accord. One thing I noticed is that on the Hondas (even on the 10 year old one), there are more features in the interior (pockets on the back of the front seats, glove compartment lock, easily accessed cupholders) than on the Galant. On my angled driveway, the parking brake tends to squeak and slip a little more often than my Accord previously did.

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  great ride for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bbf65 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  v6 engine is really smooth, powerful and quiet. sound isolation is at par with class leading camry. ride is a bit stiff but with moderate body roll during spirited cornering. brakes are strong and non dramatic. front seats have adequate breathing room but rear seat is cramped. interior could use a little adrenaline. exterior styling is really nicely executed.