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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  Do not buy any new mitsubishis - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By st966z5d - October 30 - 10:00 am

  dont do what I did, buy a brand new mitsubishi with a low finance rate. afterwards i find out that the car that cost me 23k brand new is now worth 11- 13 k the following year! you lose half of what its is worth. its a big scam, dont buy new, buy used! :(

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  Heater Core went out!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By whatanabe - August 27 - 5:06 am

  Granted I bought my 03 Galant used with approx. 32,000 miles. No major problems until a few weeks ago. Heater core went out along with the drivers side window motor. Dealership said the cost would be over $900. I said no way! Never been happy with the design... a huge lackluster.

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  Its Getting Long in the Tooth - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gsemike - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Maybe it was a sharp design in 98, but now it looks old and boring inside and out. Ive been looking for a 6 cyl sedan, and it only took a few minutes for me to know that the Galant wouldnt cut it. How did it get up to $23,800 and still have cloth seats? Im still shopping, but the Galant is definately behind the Chrysler Sebring and Mazda6. The Chrysler and Mazda dealers were far more willing to deal and both cars are new designs and feel more solid. Even though I asked twice, Wantaugh Mitsubishi never let me know what invoice was on the car.

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  A decent car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jldude - April 4 - 3:53 am

  This is a car that grows on you and the more you own it, the more attached you get. Its nothing spectacular in any area, but its sufficient. The best thing about it is the quiet engine and smooth transaxle. It rides like a more luxurious car. I can squeeze 31 mpg on the highway so thats not so bad. Mine does feel a little cheaply made, thats probably the biggest turn off. The doors close like theyre 10 years old and the shocks feel likewise, but it has a good loud factory cd player and despite the threatening rust in the engine bay from midwest use, it is still quiet and smooth and everything works. The brakes do squeal pretty bad though. If it had more modern technology it would be great.

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  So-so - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By illuzions - February 4 - 10:00 am

  "Decent" car with nice styling. Tons of complaints about how great it looks, and thats why I bought it. Didnt realize though that this 4 cylinder has no motivation at all, the tranny takes forever to downshift sometimes, and passing people is a joke. It does cruise nicely at 85-95 mph but getting there can be frustrating. The interior is comfortable but there are quite a few obnoxious rattles (dash, passenger door/window, glovebox....) Breaks are also mediocre

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  Good transportation - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vadim_st - January 4 - 12:23 am

  It is a mild, comfortable car for individual or small-family everyday transportation. The trunk takes a lot of luggage. My 4-cyl. engine is noisier and hotter than I would expect from a new car, but delivers smooth power sufficient to move around. Drivers seat needs to provide more support.

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  So so - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By varand - November 27 - 7:10 pm

  I had that car for 21 month. When I bought it it got 176,000 miles and it was ok. It was good car at first year and I didnt spend that much as maintenance. But at second year it broke me down every thing was going wrong and I wasted too much money on it and finally i gave it to carmax . (dont buy any gallant with high mileage).

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  Very disapointed - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By warnecj - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car strait off of the truck. This was my first mistake. When I got in I noticed the tweeter on the driver door was missing from the Premium sound system. It took 3 months to get fixed. I then spent 2 months trying to get the airbag fixed. After having the car for about 1.5 years the stereo went. The dealer replaced it, but not long after the warrenty expiered, it would not read cds again. It cost me 300 to get a new stereo. I have spent more time at the shop than I have on the road. When I called Mitsu about the problems, they did not even seen to care. I will not buy a Mitsu. ever agian.

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  Couldve been designed better - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By esa0819 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall I would say the Galant is a "Pretty" car.. However, it lacks in interior design. The back seat is entirely too cramped, they should have cut back on trunk size to accomodate anyone over 3 feet sitting in the back. You couldnt find a penny using the dome lights centered in the front of the car..Also, the bumpers are dented too easily. A crash impact of 1 mile an hour causes thousands of $s worth of damage..Mitsu needs to listen to consumers and go back to the drawing board.