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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  Nice Ride - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Fast Eddie - March 9 - 1:50 am

  We looked hard for several months and decided on the Galant. The Korean cars didnt have the quality of construction and lacked the performance and styling.The warranty and price were a big issue when compared to Toyota and Honda.

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  Fell for the Financing Gimmick - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vipdave - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 92Galant LS and loved it until I was wiped out by a poor driver and the insurance company totaled it. So I bought the 2000 GalantES hoping for a similar experience. 2 recalls, very noisy ride, and a few other problems have made for a disappointing experience. Now that I am trying to sell it, I am going to take a big loss in order to unload it.

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  Short Honeymoon - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Joseph - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Aside from price, I looked at getting good gas mileage in the city. Todate, that milage is about 35% less than what was qouted. The service manager told me the car needed to be broken in before I would see better gas mileage numbers, however, he also said that my city driving would only yield about 18 MPG instead of the 23 MPG as adversited; with the explaination, that the 23 MPG qouted was an estimate. So far Im getting a little less that 15 MPG, in my opinion, a far cry from the qouted numbers.

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  ES V6 Good Car for the Buck - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jerroranda - March 3 - 9:03 am

  Good Financing considering other Japanese Cars.

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  Galant 2.4 liter - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tlv - February 24 - 2:00 am

  A highly under rated automobile. Nice sleek exterior desgn. Plenty of get up and go even with the 2.4 liter engine.

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  I am Queen of the Road - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Miss Penny - February 18 - 10:46 am

  I love my Galant! It chose me at the dealership-I didnt choose it. I didnt even test drive it--I simple drove it away and you have been unable to catch me ever since. It handles great and I havent had any problems at all with it. It is very fast (or maybe thats just me) I got a lot of bang for a little buck. Used with 22000 miles it was practically brand new. Ill never give it up!

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  Great car with few problems - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Eric - February 12 - 5:43 pm

  Ive only had this car for 3 days but love it. Plenty of room all around, including ample trunk space. The engine is very responsive and can push you back against your seat when you want it and it has a great throaty hum from 2K RPM and up. It looks great from the outside but it is truly gorgeous on the inside. The Rockford Fosgate system is an awe and you will blow out your eardrums way before you it becomes distorted. The sport suspension lets you hug the road around turns but still offers a comfortable ride. All around a truly functional car that can still make your adrenaline pump when you want it to.

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  I love it - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By I Love it - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my car.I had no problems with it. Besides, the mitsubishi dealer at Thousand Oaks is excellent.

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  Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Peter - February 5 - 8:10 pm

  There is no equivalent vehicle in the same price range. 10yr/100k mile warranty is simply amazing. The car is solid and a pleasure to drive. Extremely happy with our purchase.

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  Quality and fun for bargain price - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mithun2005 - January 31 - 3:16 pm

  I purchased this car in early 2009. Although dealer said it was one owner, I did not check anything officially (carfax etc). It is at 30,000 miles now from 12,000. Not a single problem so far. Fun to ride. Excellent handling. great exterior look of SE compare to other Galant models. Excellent sound of upgraded audio system. First Galant for me, third in my family. Nothing else can beat the value of this car.