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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  Economical & Surprising 4L - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By M. Planas - December 21 - 7:26 pm

  Looking for an inexpensive used four cylinder sedan, came across the Mitsubishi Galant. I was most impressed with the suspension and interior comfort. This is as good as it gets for your money.

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  decent 4th car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By daddy-danny - December 17 - 12:43 am

  Overall, I love my car. I hear these bad reviews on it here and there, but overall, the car has power. It is semi-comfortable, soft seats, easy to drive, nice body, and great responsiveness on the road. Gas isn’t too good though, but it is sitting on 20” chrome rims which left the tire place to have to lift the car. I say Im getting 16-18 mpg! Whatever you do, if you want to save gas, stay with stock. But it is a great car. It’s a car that can be for both male and female, unlike the 2006 sentra! Guys, do not buy that, you will be considered a female! Another issue is how fast the resale price goes down on Kelly blue book!

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  Mits GTZ - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sprcoop - December 13 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive with gas mileage that improved with age

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  Not Bad But not Great - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By car guy - December 8 - 1:40 am

  Not a bad little college student car for my wife and me. If youre willing to give up some of the comforts of Honda and Toyota. I think the Galant is just as reliable. Replaced the engine mounts at 90k cost about 800.00 Not bad But not great. Poor resale value.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Motherof two - December 4 - 8:03 pm

  I looked at the Galant on a whim, while passing a dealer. I test drove the car and it felt very comfortable. I liked the style and the size (I did not want something too small) So far I am happy with it. I think it far exceeds the handling of the Honda Accord I test drove and is much more comfortable. I have not had any "glare" from the metal plate near the radio! I dont know what all the hype is about that. The only thing it needs is a lighted shift console. Other than that I have no complaints yet!

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  Great Car for the money! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Christy Love - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I came to this car from an Infinity and thought I would be stepping down. i was wrong! This car has everything great pick up, all the bells I need and use, great reliability, and best of all the fuel economy. The brakes are the only problem I have had. They may have fixed that since 1999. I am very happy with this car. I will keep it when I do get my next Infinity.

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  Great Value Auto for the Money - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Svenska Poyka - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive found my Mitsubishi Galant to have been a hidden secret in the automotive world. A great little car you hear little of until you meet someone who owns or has owned one. Never have i found a person who was not excited about their Mitzi!

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  Galant ES - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MIKES - November 24 - 1:43 am

  The only thing I dont like is the material they use for the dashboard and upper door panel. It is very hard to clean the rough surface. Other than that it is a great car averaging 22 mpg city and 30 on hwy. 4 cylinder is plenty powerful enough.

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  Great Wheels - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cjf 06/29/2010 - November 23 - 7:13 am

  This is my first Galant. I have to say Im impressed. Ive only owned it 3 months but it seems like this car is well put together. I must say I dont at all agree with the Edmunds OR Consumer Reports reviews. They seem exceedingly harsh. Although I would have preferred a 6 cyl the 4 cyl is quite adequate. Ok. It might not leap like a race car but it has a lot of pep for a 4 cyl. Handling and response is excellent. And, yes, the engine is slightly noisy at times but its not loud by any means. The ride is very steady, smooth and even. The interior very stylish and the radio sounds great. As far as the quality of the controls. Everybody uses plastic these days. Seats are comfortable too.

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  Good car only have had for a day though - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy Owner16 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good car to buy used we bought it with 41k for $7500 although it has been repaired in the past. A very good amount of standard features and very fun to drive. The back seat is cramped but as long as you scoot the seats up a little its fine. Very nice looking exterior and easy to use interior.