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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  NO PUFFING ALLOWED - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Vegas Joe - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Car now comes with Yokahoma tires instead of Bridgestone. The Yokahomas, for some reason, provide a bouncy ride whereas the Bridgestones dont. No workmanship like Smokers package is offered by Mitsubishi. All they offer is a cupholder insert which cant be seen at night. It also reduces the cupholders from two to one.

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  never fails - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jtho249 - May 28 - 7:43 am

  I have had my Galant for over two years and 40,000 miles. Ive taken it on long trips and I obviously drive it every day. it is easy to drive. I have not had one issue mechanically. dont get the seats wet. the cloth they used will show a ring just from water. I have had to steam clean the seats to get the marks out. this car looks good and I will always recommend it to friends. as in most cases. treat your car well and it will treat you well.

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  Mitsubishi is coming around - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Layton - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Im still pleased with this car at 60k mi. Ive experienced one bad and one good dealership -- same experience with Ford and Dodge. It has great styling. This car hasnt given me one bit of mechanical trouble. There were a couple of loose panels that rattled, but that was an easy fix. With only 3 recalls for the first year of the body style, its been great!

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  Worth a look - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jeff - March 13 - 5:33 pm

  I have had my GTS for just under 4 years. Its fun to drive (very quick), pretty quiet, good interior room( and looks good too, decent trunk space, handles well. Average fuel economy for an engine this size. My ONLY complaint about this is the turning radius is just a little to large. If they fixed that, it would be close to perfect. I have owned Camrys, Accords, and American sedans and this is as good as any and better than most. Warranty is much better than most also. I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun to drive sedan.

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  My old, boring, and outdated ride - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bookieyawan - March 8 - 9:30 pm

  This car may be fast because of its engine. My father thinks this is the best car he has ever had. This car may have a powerful engine I agree, but in my opinion I would say that I dont like this car too much. The reason is that this car has shown its age already. Go anywhere like hotels, restaurants, or even just shopping malls. Many of the cars I see are new or younger than this banger. Every time this car is in use I feel Im lagging behind because this car is old while those people they have fairly or brand new cars.This car is outdated already. We have a 2004 Dodge Durango but we seldom use it because its a gas guzzler. We also have 2004 Camry but my father says this is much nicer to drive.

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steven E - February 22 - 4:26 am

  This is my first Galant, its not a bad car at all. Its fun to drive and the trunk space is great. The rear seats have a lot of room!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By browneyes - February 11 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Mitsubishi and I love it. I previously owned a 1996 model and recently bought a 2003 Galant ES. The car looks brand new, the interior design is a little boring but I like the feel of the seats. Its accelaration is fair. This car comes standard with a lot of great features like keyless entry, CD player, power locks, windows, brakes, cruise control, etc. The air conditioning is great! Ive only had this particular model for two days, but Ive had the 1996 model for about seven years.

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  Galants are great! - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kay - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Since the purchase of my 1996 Mitsubishi Galant, I have had absolutely no major problems with it. I make sure it has its regular check- ups, and it has been good to me. My husband loves the power behind this vehicle. Looks are definitely deceiving! Its quiet, easy to maintain, and sporty. I have been searching for a family car, but havent found one that can match my Galant. I would have to go greatly out of my price range to get something in comparison.

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  Great Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sasha - November 18 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle with a little over 16,000 miles on it. It was absolutely great for these past 2.5 years. I did not have even one minor problem with it. Its gas mileage should be a little bit better, but overall this was a great car for the money.

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  Good, but not great - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galant owner - October 19 - 12:13 am

  I bought this car brand-new. Ive never had accidents with it except one fender-bender where the side panel got bent (cosmetic damage only). Though I got a V6 for more power (gas wasnt as expensive back then), the car is very weak at low gears with SUV like fuel efficiency. But on the highways, the car is fun to drive and gets respectable efficiency (about 27-30 mpg). Hasnt given me any major problems yet, maybe due to the low mileage. Overall, this car is very solid, but is not very appealing. I bought it because of great financing options at the time. Probably wouldnt buy it if I had to do it all over again.