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:
Showing 411 through 420 of 757.00-
Overall, Love It! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
By GrandTurk - August 24 - 10:10 pmI bought this car new one month ago and enjoy the ride to work everyday (city driving). My 63" tall but lean body build fits into the drivers seat with just enough headroom. The ride is a tad noisy from the engine, particularly with the high rpms upon acceleration, but not so much to be bothersome. I dont care about the "plastic" interior comments from some of the reviewers. I care more about the small side-view mirrors and wonder why nobody has mentioned this. Also, the turning radius leaves a lot to be desired. Why cant I turn into tight parking spots? The trunk is roomy. The rear passenger space is roomy for a small car. The good crash test performance gives you confidence.
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?????? - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
By EB143 - August 24 - 10:00 amA+ ALL THE WAY. I LOVE MY CAR TO DEATH I COULDNT HAVE PICKED A BETTER CAR FOR MY MONEY!!!!!
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Interior Quality - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By Shannon Stone - August 18 - 10:00 amI 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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Great - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By Mukesh - August 14 - 10:00 amgood and great recomondation
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Cheap thrills from my perspective - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By Cars 4 me - August 12 - 10:00 amIt has stolen some lines from BMW and Benz. Nice car, good looks, friends remark about the Dover Pearl White color and styling.
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I love this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By Kristin, 22 - August 9 - 10:00 amIm very happy I traded my Grand Prix GTP for this car! I had A LOT of problems with my Grand Prix... spent $thousands$ on repairs. Ive had my Mitz for 3 months now and havent had any problems with it. I get much better gas mileage, its reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, looks good & I have a warranty for a great price. I live in Tampa, Fl and Galants are very popular here, theyre everywhere I look! I love this car!
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Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By gopackers - August 5 - 2:00 amThis is a nice car. Fun to drive. The V6 moves the car well. The 4 banger was not nearly enough engine for this car.
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My New 2005 GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
By leftofcenter - August 3 - 3:26 amThis car is awesome! I test drove a new Mustang, Atima, and an Accord. The Mustang is hot on the outside but not really as comfy or functional as the GTS on the inside. I wanted comfort, luxury, and originality and boy, does this baby have it. I love the interior and the dashboard, especially at night - im not sure why there are complaints. Its bigger than my old 2000 Galant ES. My friend has a BMW 325 and i have to say i like my GTS much better. More legroom (im only 52) and functionality on the inside.
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Terrible Resale Value; OK Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
By Galant Owner - July 31 - 2:00 amWe had them throw in a spoiler and tinted windows for free when we bought it from the dealer. That helped the body style look more sporty. Passenger front door sounds hollow when you close it. Mitsubishi service dept said it cant be fixed. Sounds like a cheap tin can. Interior fabric is cheap. Car does handle well. The back seat is very cramped- no leg room. Low horsepower compared to other cars in its class. We want to sell this car six months after we bought it, but it lost so much value that we cant. We should have bought a Honda or Toyota because they hold their value.
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Love this car - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
By Dionnie - July 22 - 1:26 amThis is by far the best car Ive purchased. It handles very well. Lots of muscle and speed. The Sunset Pearlescent color turns a lot of heads. Im keeping this one.
