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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  Not bad so far - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By eedog64 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Well I just bought it and so far I Love it. It isnt my style of vehicle Im more a truck Guy, but with the gas prices the way they are it seemed to be a great way to get a nice car that will last a long time and still has the functionality I need. So far so Good.

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  I Purchased Used - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jason Bittner - August 9 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased this car used. It was a one owner lease and well taken care of. I never anticipated buying a Galant. I was in the market for a Camry or Accord. The value of this vehicle is great. I bought a 4 year old car with a warranty, Honda or Toyota couldnt come close. I have now owned this car for one week and absolutely love driving it.

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  Good Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galant - July 30 - 12:10 pm

  The 2002 Galant is a really nice on the highway. It is really a trustworthy car to use everyday.

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  Great review - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tim Cook - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car that is fun to drive. Great reliability.

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  Mine has 260,000 miles still going(4cyl) - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By colton_f - July 21 - 12:59 pm

  I felt a need to post a review on this car considering how good it has been to me. I bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Galant ES new at Rice Mitsubishi. Now it has 260,000 miles and still runs strong and looks great. Everything works. The only problem Ive ever had with the car is I had to replace one of the headlights. I can say with confidence that this car is just as reliable as any Honda or Toyota,as long as, you change the timing belt every 60,000 miles which is routine for all Mitsubishis.(This will run you around $600) Besides that this car had caused me NO inconveniences. My Galant with 260k can still reach 100mph and still has pretty impressive acceleration and is praised for its handling.

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  COOL IF YOU RIDE ALONE - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By meeka - July 16 - 2:00 am

  DURING MY 3 1/2 YRS OF OWNERSHIP,OVERALL THE VEHICLE IS RELIABLE.ITS VERY SMALL INSIDE. IM A FEMALE, AND WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR FOR GUYS OR FAMILY UNITS. ITS LIKE A FEMALES GOING AWAY TO COLLEGE GIFT OR FIRST CAR. MY STRUTS ALSO WENT AT 30,OOO MILES WHICH IS UNHEARD OF. UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.

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  A Very Decent Automobile! - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Gerald Zymet - July 15 - 2:10 pm

  This was my second purchase of a Mitsubishi Galant GTS and probably my last. Mitsubishi has poor quality control as both vehicles had major factory defects at under 1,000 miles. The car does handle and drive very well, though the engine does give you some wallop when you accelerate.

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  Fun car.. air bag problems... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chinoloco93 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my GTZ for a year and I have the SRS light on. It appears that the passenger side air bag is a known issue (at least that is what the dealership told me) and its a ongoing problem. So far however, its a fun car to drive. The engine on the GTZ really sucks because its the same as the ES V6. I mean, its got less HP than a V6 accord and this car is screaming to have like 225HP. The suspension/handling on the GTZ is just super and very true. I can zip in and out of traffic with little problems and going up in the mountains, I feel very confident in the tight turning parts of I-80 into Reno.

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  Excellant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bala - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Smooth driving, stunning style, quick pick up, more space, offordable price, unique ..mm what else you want?

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  Not too happy - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By desi plains - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Galant for the last 4 years and all I can say is that its been satisfactory. The car has a reasonably powerful engine but the brakes are simply aweful. I have had to resurface the rotors and also replace the rotors and pads for the 48.000 miles on it. Also the audio system is pathetic. Ive also had some bearing and tire problems. The car came with Goodyear tires on which there was a manufacturing defect so there is a unique tire noise.