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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  A Terrific Car to Own - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Very satisfied - June 29 - 11:26 pm

  Having previously owned a Galant for the past 15 years and had great performance and low maintenance from it, the car inside and outside held up extremely well so we decided to purchase the new 2005 model. It is fun to drive, comfortable, very attractive both inside and outside (very sporty looking design). We highly recommend this car and feel it is the best buy today and Mitsubishi offers the excellent warranty program around.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By j.campbell - June 6 - 12:36 pm

  For the money, the vehicle is better than a Honda or other comparable vehicles. I will gladly purchase another one in the near future. The one secret that the public is not aware of is its reliability.

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  A fun to drive peppy car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Peppy - June 3 - 8:43 am

  Having been owners of Mistubishi cars before and know how reliable they are and how long they last, we decided to get a new 2005 Galant LS. Besides being an eye-catching car which has had many compliments, it is a smooth driving car, roomy, and with its airbags both front and side and a heavy body, it is a safe car. Mitsubishi warranty is fantastic -- 10 years - 3 years of normal routine services (oil, change, rotate tires, etc.). For someone looking for a stylish car that lasts, no one would be disappointed with the Mitsubishi Galants.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ejp - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for about a year and am very satisfied with it. It is a relatively inexpensive car that rides well. I previously owned a 1997 Galant and was satisfied with it as well.

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  One Hot Car!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GQqt - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I am an 18 year old and have already owned 4 cars, and no, the others were not wrecked! My third car was a 1994 Mitsubishi Galant ES, and I loved it! Great styling, ride (a biggie!), good gas mileage, and at 130K, no problems at all, just regular maintenance. I honestly think the Galant is under rated a lot! My Galants are the best cars I have ever owned, and many in my family. Galant is just as capable as an Accord or Camry with better styling, more standard options, and a better ride and performer. It would be nice, though, to have a little bit more rear seat leg room. Otherwise, this is a really HOT car!!!

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  Beutifull Sedan from Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By durga - May 24 - 10:00 am

  It is a defenitly much higher refined car than accord/camry.

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  Buy Used - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By edbeng - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car for $5900 with only 40k miles - ran a carfax(ok) - car runs and drives great. The resale value on these cars are low so purchase it used and you can get a good deal - look around -- I checked out the car completely and it is in great shape. This is the best value in a used car.

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  excellent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By leelee - May 24 - 2:00 am

  i love my galant. i am really impressed with the performance and capabilities for a family car.

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  my mitsubishi ...its time to sell =0( - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By patty - May 22 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this car with 105,000 miles on it. Everyone told me not too, it has been a wonderful car and is now pushing 180,000 miles! Great gas milage, quick for a 4-cylinder! Fun little car to drive with overdrive at the push of a button and power everything and leather seats and even a spolier on the back! I have to sell it now. If you buy one, I hope you have as much luck with yours as I have had.

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  Check This Car Out! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jay - May 6 - 3:13 pm

  I recently traded my 2002 VW Jetta for this car and so glad I did! I test drove the Honda Accord and found the Mitsubishi SE to be a better alternative with more incentives, 0% apr, rebates, and warranty is way better than Honda (just because it isnt as popular as the Hondas I am sure) so we got a car with the same features as the Accord for $5,000 less! It has unique look with a comfortable ride and handling. I think this car has been underated my the by most of the researchers and deserves a test drive at least...I also own a 2002 Mitsubishi SUV and have had excellent luck with that...so we will see but so far i am very impressed a lot of car for the $$$.