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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  Blah! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mikedwood - October 18 - 4:02 am

  I like the way it drives and its strong as can be for a non-turbo 4 cyl, but pray to God for guidance if you need to do much more than change the oil or air filter. This is my 2nd Mitzu and my last ever. Parts are hard to come by and expensive! My wife got it in 2009 and in 2011 before 80,000 miles it needed a head gasket, 2 struts and plates, front axle and two 02 sensors. Parts only avalible from Mitsubishi on all but the 02 sensors. Fortunately my mechanic works at a junk yard by day and stripped the heck out of a wreck and we were able to get about $2,000 in parts for about $500.

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  Shouldve Bought a Honda - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By w360 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Ill admit it, I got suckered in to the Mitsubishi 0%/0 down/0 payments campaign. I should have waited to get a Honda Accord. The car (4cyl)looks great and has good oomph when you step on the gas. Had to replace the tires at 35K mile and brake rotors needed repaired at 50K mile and now again at 54K. Materials used are cheap and has adequate fit and finish. Its no Honda, but live and learn. Depreciates faster than an Olympic sprinter.

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  Old and Steady - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Diane Bloom - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is second mitsubish. I owned. Minor problems on interior after 1st year, i.e. plastic parts not fitting. Internal air filter disentegrated after 5 years of ownership. Replaced brakes twice on front, battery 2x already and all tires once. Has high miles now and still works well, though a timing belt may be its next repair need. Tape deck and horn died last year as well as interior vanity light and trunk light. Love the Homelink system. Good maneuverability in tight places. Still can get over 80 mph quickly. Is squishy with one infant seat in center and another next to it. Good visibility- few blind spots. Still reliable car.

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  Gas Hog - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Andrew - July 5 - 5:13 pm

  I didnt buy the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, mine was just a long-term rental while my car was recovering from an accident and waiting for parts, etc. It is a nice car, but the seats dont have much for lumbar support, even the drivers seat. There is plenty of legroom though (Im 62") and the power was nice. I was disappointed that my 1996 Saturn SL2 gets a whopping 10+ more MPG than this newer sedan. I wouldnt buy it for that reason alone. It only churned out 17-20 MPG depending on my ratio of city / highway driving.

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  Never Again - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By brandon - May 13 - 4:16 pm

  We were so excited to be buying a brand new car. Newly married, first baby on the way, little did we know what a surprise we were in for. In the first two years alone, this vehicle was in for warrenty work at least 12 times. After having the car for 3 weeks they still never figured out what was wrong with it. While driving at highway speeds with the cruise on it would rev out as if someone slammed it into first gear. The dealer kept saying "this car is so great and best rated car" blah blah blah. I will NEVER buy a Mitsubishi product again...EVER.

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  PERFER CAMRY!!!!! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KDUB - December 24 - 2:00 am

  HAD 97 CAMRY AND LOVED IT, GOT TOTALED IN ACCIDENT. IN ITS PLACE GOT 00 GALANT ES. INTERIOR NOT COFORTABLE FOR 6 FOOT PLUS INDIVIDUAL. KIDS NOTICED DIFFERENCE IN BACK SEAT, NO ROOM. HAVING PROBLEM WITH DOME LIGHT, WONT SHUT OFF AFTER CLOSING DOOR. THATS ENOUGH DONT GET ME STARTED.

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  Not worth it if theres problems... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By reson8 - September 28 - 8:00 am

  4 days after I purchased the car, I needed both front & rear brakes. The explanation was that it had been sitting on the docks in California for two months before I bought it and that the salt water probably caused corrosion of the calipers, rotors, etc. Unacceptable (IMHO)!!! Other problems here and there. Looking back on it, I did not get my moneys worth for what I paid ($26k+). I would not have purchased this car back then...but hey...I didnt know better (I was young- only 25).

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  Think Again - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rhonda - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The 1st month the car was floodeddue to poor window seals. Both interior door handles broke off (recall) and I have had proably 10+ recalls. Tried to turn it in under the lemon law but it has to be the same problem 4+ times. I have has alignments and it still is not striaght and over 70 mph it rattles. The resell value is terrible and to fix any small part as in light covers is very expensive.

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  Its just OK - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chuck - June 12 - 8:03 am

  Mitsubishi did a good job on the rear end of the 09, but hardly did anything to the front. The Sports Edition that I have does have the chrome top to the grill and darkened headlights but thats it. Its ok on gas and ok on comfort. On a recent trip, my backside really got sore so I assume the seats could have been made better. I do not like the waffle like dash, I can already see where dust settles on it. When in idle, you cant turn the headlights off, like when youre waiting for someone. To me thats irritating. There is not an accessory adapter in the console like the prior years did. Engine is very noisy compared to my 08 Camry, and the doors sound tinny compared to the Camry.

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  Could have been better - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nick_ole - March 10 - 12:34 am

  I bought the base version of this car... Its very plastic, especially the trunk that sounds like a tin-can when you close it. Vehicle has lots of blind spots but for the money, its still okay to drive. One morning, transmission started shifting heavy, took it to the dealer and after 2 days I find out that a squirrel had chewed off a wire that was supplying power to the onboard computer.. My question is, whey leave such an important cable exposed to the element through the vehicle design in the 1st place. Most annoying issue was the squeal of the car when I reverse right after starting the vehicle. Dealer says is happens to all Gallants. Just traded in...