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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  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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  My 2004 Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Unkkafesta - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned this car for just over a month. We absolutely love it. Its roomy, plenty of comfort for the price. We own the ES in Titanium Pearl, dark grey interior. It feels like a sports car in a family sedan. Its not too flashy, but it does turn heads. Perfect for the wife in sales and business associate, with the sporty feel that I like. It feels like a safe car.

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  Mediocre Galant - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By galantinDM - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Weve put approximately 35000 miles on our 2001 Galant. Weve enjoyed driving the car however, the build of the car is cheap. it dents or dings if you barely touch it which is difficult to avoid when you park in a parking ramp everyday. we love everything else. its a little small for us but that is because my husband is 66" tall. Not very many cars are built for a man that size!!!

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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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  Great Galant! - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By William Sosa - July 4 - 8:18 am

  Great value!

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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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  go get one - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mr. Ern - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I highly recomend this vehicle. I never had one problem with this car with the mileage I put on it. The only thing you have to do is change the fluids and go. After about 30,000 miles the engine became nosier but still pleasant.

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  Its a Fair Car. - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cori - June 20 - 12:50 am

  I bought my 2000 Mitsubishi Galant when it was one year old with 17,000 miles and kept this for four years. Its been very good to me. I have had no repair problems. It was my first car, so I cant really compare, but I gotta agree its fun to drive compared to some other cars Ive driven like Subaru AWD and Dodge Sedans. The Eclipse was as much fun to drive, though. I agree its a good car for females. Im 54 1/2 and this car is a perfect size for me. I understand my 62 husband has very little leg room, at least it has more than his Mirage. And It must be not enough space for children in the back.

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  Awesome Buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Al33 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This 4 cyl has to be one of my best purchases in the last 12 months! It has enough power to scoot me around the San Antonio freeways, but it is still easy on my wallet when i have to fill it up.

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  Better than the reviews Ive read - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jamie in Las Vegas - June 12 - 6:23 pm

  Ive had a 98 Jeep Wrangler for a decade. So moving to a sedan is an upgrade in most ways. Interior, styling, ride, acceleration; ALL are an improvement for me. I know a Camry or Accord might be better outfitted, but so far, Im digging it. It is at once distinctive AND doesnt call attention to itself. 2009 restyle fixes design incongruities from earlier models. 4 cyl engine does much better than I thought it would. Im very pleased. If you are moving from a lesser car you wont have many complaints. I test drove a 2010 Kia Optima before this one, and the 2009 Galant kicks its behind. But then, I guess it should. Love it right now. Well see if I feel the same after 9 years.