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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  Great Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By golden - April 22 - 3:26 am

  My 2000 Mitsubishi Galant is a great car. I bought it after three years of going through different drivers and it was still an awesome car. The only things I have replaced since on it are the brakes once, the battery once, and the tires. The only problems that I have had are that it squeaks a little (which is probably just the belts getting old) and it needs a new alignment and this is a 6 year old car with almost 90,000 miles on it. The exterior design is beautiful and very aerodynamic. The interior is very comfortable.

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  She Got the Job Done - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Brade - April 17 - 8:10 am

  Well, I finally did it. I had a little fender mender with ole Bessie Lou, and she was totaled. But this was a fantastic car. I bought it new in 99 and it almost made it to ten years. Ive always really liked the styling, especially for its class, and it proved to be very reliable too. Only routine maintenance (oil change, timing belt, brakes, tires, hoses) that never cost much. The only issues I had were build quality with the glove box (had to replace the latch) and the blinker switch that was weak plastic and finally snapped after 8 years (but it still worked). So if you see one of these on the cheap, hey, you could do a lot worse.

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  Mitsubishis rebirth - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Burg82 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Galant is an exceptional value and a great car to drive. Pick-up on the LS Galant is terrific w/ no lag time. Handling is more like a sports car rather than a 4dr sdn. Styling is sporty yet practical. Roominess is great for a family of four. This vehicle is the best vehicle I have owned to date.

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  The best value for your money!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SWERVIN - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This car by far has one of the most powerful V6 engines and has smooth ride to go with it. Not to mention the great warranty that the car offers. 10YR/100k MILES POWERTRAIN, 5YR/60k BUMPER TO BUMPER, 3YR/45K FREE MAINTENANCE!!!!! No car out has this strong of a warranty. The redesigned looks of the car will definetly stand out of the crowd.

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  2003 galant V6 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gina - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive! Looks nice and has a great stereo. I get a lot of compliments and looks. My neighbor thought it was a Lincoln LS. I love that it has keyless entry and a moonroof.

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  Excellent Sedan - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By willycasanova007 - March 21 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car a week ago with less than 82,000 mileage on it for just $3600! Has been a pretty good deal so far, did all the inspections, no major flaw. The car drives great, the exterior design is superior to most Japanese cars that it is almost German like- similar to BMW, Benz. The interior is super comfortable and is equally great!

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  Good buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RobChai - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun to drive car. It sticks to the road. The V6 is lively. I used it for a year now, so far so good. No problem at all.

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  2005 Galant = Best New Mide-Size Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dan - March 7 - 12:43 am

  This car is the complete package. It has a great exterior design,roomy and stylish interior, nice 6 speaker CD/AM/FM stereo, stylish blue dash lights, drives smoothly, low engine noise, and handles very well. This is the best Mid-Size Car for the money out there. This car has everything that a Camry, Accord, or Altima has but for a lower price. Also, it has the best warranty out there today.

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  I Love my Ralliart! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Brett Gordon - March 4 - 11:00 pm

  The Galant Ralliart 09 is a very powerful and beautiful car; I love it. High points are acceleration, cruising power, sport leather seats, aluminum pedals, 20" alum. alloy wheels, stereo system, GPS system with many additional (and helpful) applications. Low points include cheap plastic interior, VERY tight suspension system giving a bumpy (and noisy) ride, adjustable seat limitation set too high, rattling seat belt mechanism, over-sized tail lights, and the GPS DVD player in the trunk is set in a very poor location. However, the Pros far outweigh the Cons. As an all-around sport edition of a mid-size car, Im very pleased with it, but hopefully, the 2010 will address the low points.

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  Takeshi Nishioka - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TAKESHI NISHIOKA - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money,fun to drive good gas milege,roomy, comfortable and practical.