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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  Car with the Spirit - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Eugene - August 22 - 9:40 am

  I do not have any problems with this car after driving 12000 miles.

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  POOR PAINT JOB! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bob - August 19 - 3:00 am

  I like my Mitsubishi Galant but the paint on the roof and hood rusted out after only two years. Otherwise I love the car!

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  Old and Steady - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Diane Bloom - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is second mitsubish. I owned. Minor problems on interior after 1st year, i.e. plastic parts not fitting. Internal air filter disentegrated after 5 years of ownership. Replaced brakes twice on front, battery 2x already and all tires once. Has high miles now and still works well, though a timing belt may be its next repair need. Tape deck and horn died last year as well as interior vanity light and trunk light. Love the Homelink system. Good maneuverability in tight places. Still can get over 80 mph quickly. Is squishy with one infant seat in center and another next to it. Good visibility- few blind spots. Still reliable car.

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  My first new car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Deborahp - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my mitsu. Dont see a lot of GTZs, in fact I had to purchase mine in a different state. This was the most car for the money and of course the special financing of 0.9. I have to buy a new one now as I need to give this one to my daughter, but I cant find anything to compare with all this had to offer, except another mitsu.

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  Great Value - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dan255 - August 17 - 8:50 am

  Edmunds review of this vehicle is REALLY harsh. I test drove many other mid-sized sedans including the Camry, before I purchased my 2010 Galant. A 2010 Camry with close to 20k miles on it would have cost me the same as the brand new 2010 Galant I purchased, with 12 miles. I got a brand new 2010 left over Galant for just over 17k. The sticker price is close to 23k for this vehicle. You will not find a new Camry or Accord out there for anywhere close to this price. For the price the Galant is a great value. I would not pay 5k more for a Camry or Accord, I think the Galant is very close in quality after driving all of them.

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  wake up call - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jeric - July 31 - 2:00 am

  i owned an older galant and the new blows it away

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  best for the money - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By fineat40 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  for the money i cant see why anyone would buy another veh. with a 7/100,000 power train warranty.outstanding style, and a v-6 that is truly awesome. i love my new galant!!!!

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  wonderful car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By svetlana1231 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  absoloutly love the car...the way it rides and looks, you cant beat it for 12 thousand

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  Its awsome - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chris holowiak - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I have so much fun with this car its my first car but more then any other car i have driven its the best one out of all. its just an awsome car to drive.

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  Love it - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By a & l - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Weve had other Galants, but this one is by far the best of them. The ride is smooth, the pick-up is great. You feel you are in a much bigger car. We absolutely love this car. We leased the others, this one we bought with no regrets. Unfortunately, with the gas prices high - well we all know.