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 Little Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Todd Wagner - June 3 - 1:23 am

  Just bought a 1999 Mitsubishi Galant last year for my daughter from "A little old lady . . .", it had only 39k mi on it. Its gas mileage is great, nearly 30 mpg on average. It has great pep too. The engine and tranny are very good, nice and smooth. One thing that I am disappointed about is the vibrating breaks - it must be those warped rotors. I am looking into higher quality replacements. Also, the car has some noise in rear end when turning, this may be more problems in supsension. Overall though seems to be a good car.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gloria62 - May 29 - 8:17 am

  I bought my Galant brand new in 2004. Its one of the very best cars I have ever owned! After 8 yrs and over 100K miles, she still runs great! The only repairs done have been one window motor, a leak in the floorboard and regular maintenance. I love this car!

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  Great value for my buck - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sirvince - May 15 - 2:56 am

  I just changed jobs and had to give up my company car sooner then I thought and bought this car without even test driving it from a dealer. I just had a good feeling about the car..Now that I own it I just love it.. Even with the 98,000 miles on it I could tell it was well cared for. Not even one door dig on it so I know the last person watched were they parked it to avoid door digs. Why would someone do all that and not care for the car..Right? I was sad to hear that this car will be dropped after 2012. Just when I find a car I like its discontinued. Sure a Honda or Toyota is a higher rated car but also a higher price..In these hard times the Galant offered me great value for my dollar

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  Great Value for Price - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By angel_ortega - May 11 - 2:33 am

  I must say that critics review is harsh to say the least. I have recently purchased my 2010 Galant for $16K and am very much pleased with my purchase. I must say that the V6 option was a nice feature in the past but with gas prices where they are, I was in the market for a 4 cylinder anyhow. I researched the comparable Camry and Accord and the price margin was at least $3500. As someone that needs a daily commuter with great city and highway mileage (21 city and 30 hwy), the price difference helped with my purchase. Apart from great mileage, the car also has a torque happy 4 cylinder; helpful in lane-changing maneuvers, great cabin and trunk space, as well as, a great sound system.

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  Galant ES - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kh - May 8 - 11:00 am

  I bought my Galant ES new in August of 2000. After 8 years and 170k miles, this car still runs great. I still get 27-28 MPG and it starts as easily as it did in 2000. The only maintenance I have done besides brakes, tires, oil, is timing belt at 85k and plugs & wires at about 100k. I am starting to get some rust on wheel wells and around the bottom of the doors, but Ohio winters will do that to a car. When this car finally does quit running, I will definitely consider another Galant, just wish they got a little better MPG.

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  Loving My Mitsu. - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By John Reyle - May 3 - 4:03 am

  I drive in town and travel the interstate. Im disabled,and this vehicle is comfortable, has plenty of room and is easy to get in and out. The more I drive it the more I like it. I was looking for a 6cyl. but found that the 4cyl. has plenty of get-up and go for city or out on I-75. As a mech. and instructor for more than 35 yrs I think Mitsubishi did a great job redesigning the Galant!!

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Paula - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive. Has more room in it than my prior Ford wagon. Handles like a fast car. I had to make a sudden stop (a child on a bike rode out in front of my car) Its stops on a dime. Needs better drink holders. Wheres the keyhole to the trunk? Thats my big problem. No keyhole to the trunk. Have to open it from inside the car. Also, the emergency flashers button is placed on the front dash between the two a/c vents- accidentally turned it on a few times and couldnt figure out how to shut them off. Trunk is roomy, but the board over the spare tire is not secured to the car so it occassionally comes out of place.

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  Reliable Vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ole Reliable - May 2 - 4:46 am

  I purchased this car with 50k miles on it. It now has 191,000 and still runs the same. I have replaced 02 sensors, radiator, starter, catalytic converter and shocks. Car runs as smooth as the day I got it.

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  2001 Mitsu - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bauerenna - April 25 - 10:00 am

  good car for the money

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  mY BATTERY DEAD 2MONTHS OLD - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JohhnyNoxville - April 25 - 10:00 am

  bAD CUP HOLDERS. SLOW PERFORMANCE. BAD BATTERY, AT LEAST IT CAME WITH FREE TOWING!!