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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  99 Galant - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JoeSup - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall pretty good car except for brakes. No real problems in 85K miles

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  Cant wait to trade it in! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KW - July 27 - 5:10 am

  I purchased this car new in 2003. At first I was in love with...which quickly passed. The seats continually shocked me (humidity level in this area) when I got out of it. I installed leather from an LS. Sound system could not produce enough sound to be heard with the windows down, replaced speakers and head unit with MP3 player. Door trim peeled off (luckily was under warranty). All radiator clamps came loose and began leaking, dealer had to replace all of them. Valve cover gasket is seeping oil. Now that it is hot and humid, car can barely pull itself. Last fuel tank I averaged 19.3, generally around 23-24 MPGs. Now modifying intake and exhaust to attempt to regain power.

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  We had a love/hate relationship.... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By haylzmr - July 11 - 3:48 pm

  I hated this car, but loved it so much at the same time. I totaled it not too long ago, and for one final time, it saved my life. I walked away without a scratch. The car, on the other hand.... It was pretty bad. My car had not been properly maintained (thanks to the person who had given me the car), so it had a LOT of issues. Aside from the issues, though, it was a great car to drive. I loved the way it handled. I always had fun driving it. I took it back and forth from Indiana to Virginia three times. We had some issues, but it got me there. It was pretty hard saying my final goodbyes to this car.

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  warranty service "sucks" cheap features - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ttapgal - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The warranty covers nothing that is apt to defunct. The interior light continuously drops out of its slot--not a warrany covered feature!! The hubcaps are plastic which causes the front ones to "melt" and fall off. Of course, this is not a warranty covered problem. The battery died before the 60,000 miles--not a warranty covered item after 24,000. This causes the radio/cd to need a special code in order to get it to play again. Since the car had 14,000 miles when I bought it, the special code cards were not included in the sales/car info. Will Mitsubishi furnish the special code??-- NOT WITHOUT A CHARGE--another nonwarranty item.

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  Could be better...could be worse - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By lamaripositaboricua - May 30 - 2:13 am

  I purchased this car this year, for $9,000. It already had 60,000 miles on it, but it is in great condition. The gas mileage on this car is horrible. I just got rid of an SUV because of the gas mileage, but this isnt a big change. It gets about 200 miles to the tank, which is comparable to the Jeep that I had. The car interior and exterior are just OK. The exterior is nice, but the interior reminds me of a cheap Saturn. It can be a good car, but if looking for luxury or style, this is not the car.

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  Like It, but Never Loved It - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bergerman - November 26 - 7:10 pm

  The Galant is an overall good, solid, reliable car. It was years ahead of its competition in exterior design. As soon as the others caught up, they went and made it ugly again in 04. Its resale value stinks, I mean its absolutely horrible, to the point that I cannot trade it in, so I just have to live with it, kinda like my wife. She calls it the "Grampa mobile" because it handles like the 89 DeVille I drove in college.

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  Interior Quality - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Shannon Stone - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a new 2001 Galant in 2000. The vehicle runs great, but it is cheaply put together. My map light falls from the roof, the side mirror adjusters fall off, the entire glove box lock fell out when I tried to lock it, and the vent on the passenger side fell into my dash. It is not fun to pay for a car that you hate. Also the side doors ding VERY easily if someone next to you kits your door in a parking lot.

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  Mitzu not so great - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Last time owner - June 28 - 10:43 pm

  Have been very disappointed. Mileage is poor, 21 mpg city, 26-28 highway, even after K&N filter and Mobil 1 oil, must use 89+ gas. Ride is very choppy, there is no give in rear end. The brakes, I almost forgot, brakes stopped working when temp. dropped below freezing! Had to have master cylinder replaced. On the plus side, there is plenty of room for 4 adults. Thye dash is great at nite.

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  not the best in class by far - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By maxxmitchell - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My company gives me intermediate cars for 3-6 months. Ive had them all. The Galant has highs and lows. The fit&finish, reliability&mechanics, and the interior materials are all good. The 4 cylinder runs perfect, but is underpowered. The steering has a slow ratio and requires more turns to maneuver. The suspension is soft and bouncy making road sway and a bouncy washed out ride. The radio in not as loud and clear as others if you play loud music. There is no trunk or passengers side key hole.

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  mY BATTERY DEAD 2MONTHS OLD - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JohhnyNoxville - April 25 - 10:00 am

  bAD CUP HOLDERS. SLOW PERFORMANCE. BAD BATTERY, AT LEAST IT CAME WITH FREE TOWING!!