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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  Batter Than Expected - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chris - February 3 - 10:36 pm

  I got my Galant with 42 miles on it. Now it has over 125K. This car has been almost problem free from the beginning. The Heater gave out but the warranty covered the damages. The Brakes need to be services a bit too often. But other than that, this car is a gem. Always starts on point and has no issues to date. I do a lot of highway driving so gas mileage is OK for me. However city driving does tend to eat away at the gas mileage a bit faster. The horsepower is adequate. Sound system is great. Body is OK. Front bumper is very sensitive. Resale for the owner is terrible, but is favorable for a used car buyer. I highly recommend this car for someone wishing to purchase a reliable used car.

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  I Love My Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DeekDeezie - January 23 - 7:26 am

  I received a 2004 Galant as a graduation gift and I love it. I searched from Nissan to Toyota to Honda. Not only was this in my budget, it was complementary to my style and image. I feel an obligation to always keep it looking good. When I first got it, I remember after getting out of the car always having to look back at the car in disbelief that such a beauty was mine. Love the big body design.

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  Great Car/Good Price - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kathleen Wheeler - January 22 - 6:43 am

  I have had my new Lancer for two weeks and absolutely love it so far. It is stylish, seems well built, and gets good gas mileage. This is my third Mitsubishi and may prove to be my favorite. Six days after I purchased my car my best friend backed her SUV into the drivers side front fender of my new car. I have found that the Lancer holds up very well under attack and it actually relatively inexpensive to repair.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Seth Urbanoski - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I actually own a 2000 galant es v6 but have owned it fo six months. I am only seventeen and find it an excelent car for someone my age. It fits all needs reliable safe and fun. Most importantly not too fun. Although acceleration is strong and handling is secure its not so good that you can end up really hurting yourself. All and all i have no complaints with the car. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great four door sedan.

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  Love This Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kaisere - January 1 - 2:10 pm

  I bought my Galant about 3 weeks ago. It had 32,000 miles, very low I thought for an 03. The interior and exterior were in great shape. I feel in love with this car as soon as I took it for a test drive. It was either between an 06 Malibu or the 03 Galant. The Galant drives so smoothly Im glad I chose it. They style of the car is sporty yet "mature". My car already came with the spoilier so thats why it looks sporty. The interior looks like every other Galant, the greyish color seats. The car is very spacious, bigger then my neon. So far I dig this car and I hope it lasts me for a long time :)

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  sporty family sedan - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dbl - December 30 - 2:10 am

  This car is a Mitsubishi. It is known widely as one of best if not finest producer of quality cars. I like it because of its sporty design on the inside and the outside even if this car is clasified as a family mid-size sedan. The 2004 model has a spacious backseat. It is fast, one can feel the push back in the seat when you accelerate.

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  I LOVE IT - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By xcore - December 28 - 4:13 pm

  Its nice and easy to drive, comfortable seat, but it should install a handle for old people get in or get out the car. It has a 2.4L engine,its quite powerful for a 4 cylinder car and its very reliability.

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  Love it - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gottogetupandrive - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2002 Galant. Stoped in for a service check and loved the 2004 model. Bought it 2 days later. I went on a test drive loved the new style and features they changed. More leg room and trunk. Saw it, drove it, bought it, Love it!

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  Great Sedan - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By adhi - December 21 - 10:00 am

  As a driver of Saab, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, i was skeptical of buying a Mitsubishi Galant as a secondary car, which i would later give to my son. However, this car has won me over. I purchased with the warranty, saftey and power specs in mind, but the automobile itself is excellent. I am impressed by the design, power and quality of the car. This car is a great alternative to the Accord, Camry or Altima, for those who think the aforementioned three are just a tad staid. This car has a sport-oriented soul, and i am pleased with my purchase.

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  Nice little cruiser - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jetman - December 15 - 9:23 pm

  Overall the outer styling is top notch. The interior is nice but leaves room for improvement. The plastics are cheap and that cheapness is everywhere. The plastic scratches very very easily. My car has 4000 miles and looks like it has 50,000. It has only one 12 V adapter. Cup holders are way to far back, seat heater buttons are in a horrible location. The car runs and drives great with the 4cyl motor. This motor does take a bit to rev up but then the power kicks in. By no means is this car fast from the stop, if you want that get that Raliart model. I have already had the turn signal break and the rubber on the brake pedal fall off ( warranty items). The gas mileage is not that great in town.