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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  Good value for l;ong term ownership - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Larry72 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car about 28,000 miles from new. For a 4 Cylinder car it has very good pick-up and ability to maintain highway speeds. The cars appearance in my opinion is better than the Camry or Accord but public perception (for trade-ins or private party seller) does not value a Mitusbishi as much as the others. If you are buying the car for the long term, then by all means get one. If you trade in every 2-3 years then you will not notice any trade-in value except for another Mitsubishi.

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  You Have to Drive it to Believe it - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chandler Phillips - July 13 - 10:03 am

  I found the Galant by accident. A friend offered me a deal on a 96 Galant with 110,000 miles. When it came time to buy a much newer car, I looked at the 2000 Galant and liked the way it looked. I also drove the Altima and the Mazda 626 and the Galant is by far the best. I feel Mitsubishi is trying to make a move against Honda and Toyota, so they built a car of much higher quality than the price class. If you are shopping in this class you have to drive it to believe it.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rg925 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The Mitsubishi Galant is one of the best cars I have ever owned. You get luxury and performance at an affordable price. I love the resemblance to the BMW body style. Very fun to drive and the power is unbelieveable. I would recomend this car to anyone who was looking at an affordable luxury automobile.

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  Great Car for Dough - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TW - July 12 - 9:50 am

  Bought from little old lady in 05 with 36000 miles for only $5500. After putting new brakes and tires on it drives like a dream and can avg 26 mpg if your careful with lots of spunk. Only downside is little knobs and lights tend to act up but overall has been great car for my daughter.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By va3djl - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I real nice car to drive. Responds well in the turns and has ample power to get around your partners on the highway. I like the sexy look of the car inside and out. I have owned mine now for 9 months and have already put 24,000 miles on it. Absolutely no problems what so ever.

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  Great car for the price. - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By R.Diaz - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Car is a great value for the money. The performance is very good considering that even the GTZ is more a family type sedan than a sports car.

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  Mitzu not so great - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Last time owner - June 28 - 10:43 pm

  Have been very disappointed. Mileage is poor, 21 mpg city, 26-28 highway, even after K&N filter and Mobil 1 oil, must use 89+ gas. Ride is very choppy, there is no give in rear end. The brakes, I almost forgot, brakes stopped working when temp. dropped below freezing! Had to have master cylinder replaced. On the plus side, there is plenty of room for 4 adults. Thye dash is great at nite.

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  Rated a Consumer Reports best buy. - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GBC - June 21 - 2:16 am

  I purchased my 2000 Mitsubishi Galant in 2004 for $2400 (repossession). At the time it had 100,000 miles exact. Six years later I still have the car and the mileage is just over 243,000. The 2.4 Liter motor is bulletproof in my opinion and the transmission follows close suit. Aside from the necessary preventive maintenance I have had no major mechanical issues with the car. I call this one a good investment.

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  not the best in class by far - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By maxxmitchell - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My company gives me intermediate cars for 3-6 months. Ive had them all. The Galant has highs and lows. The fit&finish, reliability&mechanics, and the interior materials are all good. The 4 cylinder runs perfect, but is underpowered. The steering has a slow ratio and requires more turns to maneuver. The suspension is soft and bouncy making road sway and a bouncy washed out ride. The radio in not as loud and clear as others if you play loud music. There is no trunk or passengers side key hole.

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  I Recommend It!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By savingchris19 - June 5 - 8:36 pm

  I just bought the brand new 07 Galant ES with the sport package. Seems like it runs great so far, fun to drive, has a good amount of power for a 4 cyl., the dash lights look amazing at night! 360 watt rockford sound system sounds excellent. I had an 03 lancer before I got this car. This car is wayyy better than that was. Only thing wrong with the galant is the disc changer, something is wrong with the number 2 cd slot, but the dealership is putting a new one in for me so its all good. Go get yourself one, I recommend it!