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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  Value plus - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By princmd - April 28 - 5:23 pm

  I just picked mine up today. After you factor price, 10 yr 100000 mile warranty, then Toyota, Nissan and Honda just dont make sense. So far, Ive enjoyed driving it around. Its comfy and the 4 cylinder feels as good as any on the market. If you are in the market for a comfortable, modestly priced, long term family vehicle, not another run of the mil "Camry" like the neighbors, then buy this car.

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  07 Ralliart Joyride - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MitsuMan - April 26 - 9:46 am

  Bought my 07 Ralliart used with 13k miles. Still own a 97 Galant ES with 161k on it (awesome reliability). Have to say, I am absolutely blown away with the Ralliart; its the most fun Ive ever had driving. This car just begs to get out and run in the left lane. Cruises along smooth as silk at 40, 60, 80 MPH. Interior is immaculate and I love the leather and the high quality feel of the dash pieces. Everything about the car just feels right. From the way it drives to the way it looks to the solid, high-quality feel of the controls, seats, and movable parts. Overall, this has to be the best car you never really hear much about. Buy one and you will not be disappointed.

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  Galant ES. Great buy.. a few issues - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Patrick - April 25 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this car for mom at the end of 03. The car performed well for 4.5 years and required only routine maintenance. Two problems came up at around 55,000 miles that I think you should know about. Heater problem- The heater began failing intermittently (vents would blow, but no hot air). The problem was not the heater core, but rather a component (a valve or a switch) of the heating system. I found that this was a common Galant issue and is not cheap to fix unless you diy. The other problem was that the drivers power window began to fail intermittently around 57,000 miles.

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  Fun to Drive, But... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SiNTHETiC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my GTZ for a year and half. Since date of purchase the car has received one new side airbag, TWO new rear speed sensors, a new battery, the weather stripping over front head lights has been replaced, and the Inifinity radio no longer ejects or accepts CDs. Additionally , I had to have the brake rotors turned and the pads replaced myself since the Dealership would NOT warranty them! The car is great to drive, difficult to own.

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  Finally Got a Good One - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tracy - April 18 - 4:00 pm

  Although Ive only had it a month.... I love it! It is my dream car! Its very classy and sophisticated yet still sporty and stylish for young peoples tastes. Im still figuring the fuel economy, but so far, its better than my past 2 Chryslers and my Ford. Im a bit curious as to the transmission.. it doesnt shift as smoothly or as quickly as when I first drove it. Handling is very fun (on dry roads anyways, shouldve gotten traction control). AC is awesome, sun/moonroof is awesome, stereo sounds great except for a rattling speaker, overall I love it!

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  Love My Third Galant! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mrs. Robinson - April 15 - 2:53 am

  This is the third Mitsubishi Galant that I have purchased; the first was used, the second I leased and then purchased and the third I purchased. Each vehicle performed beautifully! The first was involved in a serious accident and was demolished but the driver (my mother) survived! The second I sold to a friend w/over $100,000 miles on it ~ she still has it! The third my husband purchased because he wanted me to have a vehicle with a good warranty, etc. The only complaint I have are the brakes. Each car needed new brakes at about 35,000 miles...but thats my ONLY complaint! If youre in the market for a great-looking car thats comfy, fun-to-drive & good on gas, check out the Galant GTS!!

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  GTS Fan - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ohio Owner - April 12 - 8:56 am

  Really like this GTS model-fun to drive, smooth ride after some new tires were put on and handles great for a sedan. Interior is put together well and very comfortable-best Mitsu Ive had.

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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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  Great! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Deidric S. Cave - March 18 - 12:16 pm

  I owned many cars before becoming a full-time biker. I bought the 2003 Galant for my wife right before my travels took me overseas. This car makes me want to get behind the wheel again. Its styling is superb, in my opinion. Its a blast to drive. Even though I bought the basic DE model, Im suprised with the comfort package that comes standard with the Galants... big 16" wheels and room for a growing family of four. This car is pretty good on gas too. Id recommend this car to anyone.