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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  Gas Hog - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Andrew - July 5 - 5:13 pm

  I didnt buy the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, mine was just a long-term rental while my car was recovering from an accident and waiting for parts, etc. It is a nice car, but the seats dont have much for lumbar support, even the drivers seat. There is plenty of legroom though (Im 62") and the power was nice. I was disappointed that my 1996 Saturn SL2 gets a whopping 10+ more MPG than this newer sedan. I wouldnt buy it for that reason alone. It only churned out 17-20 MPG depending on my ratio of city / highway driving.

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  very satisfied - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By buckstalker - July 3 - 6:25 pm

  My wife found this car for my son. It had 100k miles on it. It was the first car I bought with 100k miles. My son has been traveling back and forth from college with this car and its been a very reliable car NO PROBLEMS. We have had the car now 4 years and its hasnt cost a penny for maintenance other than normal oil changes and such.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DeeDee - June 30 - 9:36 pm

  I have not had any problems with my 2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES so far. It idles a little low for my tastes, at about 500 rpm though. 750 rpm would "feel" more stable. Also, it will not take you long to dislike the silver trim around the radio/heater console. It shows a very bad reflection in your windshield. It seems like I constantly am staring at this reflection in my windshield, does anyone else notice this?

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  Strong daily driver - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jjimbo - June 13 - 8:34 pm

  My 1999 Mits Galant is one of the best cars I have bought so far. Strong engine and Transmission, OK suspension, roomy and classy interior, and great body style. Only improvments needed would be the suspension. It seems that Mitsubishi wanted to make this car more sporty and stiffened the shocks and struts.

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  Has Been a Pretty Good Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By pc2mac - June 13 - 1:30 pm

  Just traded my Galant in after putting 86,000 miles on it. Still drove great. However, the resale values on Mitsubishis are pretty bad so beware of buying a new one. Never had any problems with this car with the exception of squeaky brakes that the dealer never was able to fix. Pretty roomy for four people and it is comfortable and quiet for long trips. V6 200 horsepower engine is really nice. Nice looking exterior, the best of all the model years. Cant stand the look of the current Galants.

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  Love it - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tanya - June 10 - 8:30 pm

  I was skeptical about buying my used Galant because the mileage was so high, but so far, I have no complaints about my Galant. As long as I keep up the regular maintenance up on it, all seems to be ok.

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  I Love my Sporty Galant! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Meeksups - May 18 - 5:06 pm

  I got my 2002 red Mitsubishi Galant ES used for $9,999 with just under 15,000 miles on it back in 2003. I fell in love with the side profile and spoiler. This is my second car (my first was a 1990 Mazda MX-6). I would say most of these reviews are accurate. This is an excellent used car to buy. The only problem Ive encountered required a new front oxygen sensor. Otherwise its mechanically sound. Despite my inexperience with cars, I feel this car handles very well. The acceleration is pretty decent too. I cant wait to throw some moderately flashy 18" rims on it to make it really stand out. As far as the inside is concerned, yes the back seat is a little cramped, but its fine with me because Im the driver..hehe.

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  Never Again - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By brandon - May 13 - 4:16 pm

  We were so excited to be buying a brand new car. Newly married, first baby on the way, little did we know what a surprise we were in for. In the first two years alone, this vehicle was in for warrenty work at least 12 times. After having the car for 3 weeks they still never figured out what was wrong with it. While driving at highway speeds with the cruise on it would rev out as if someone slammed it into first gear. The dealer kept saying "this car is so great and best rated car" blah blah blah. I will NEVER buy a Mitsubishi product again...EVER.

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  Safe- but dont pay too much! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jess - May 12 - 7:23 am

  Ive yet to even have this car a full year and have had nothing but bad luck with it! The brakes are terrible and went a month after buying the car and the tires are terrible during the winter. The vacuum for the A/C broke and while it is simple to fix, it is located under the dashboard which means a huge labor cost. Ive had two accidents; the first was a front end collision with a neon, with a lot of damage, but the car ran beautifully after it was fixed until the second; someone hit me in a parking garage and completely damaged my front suspension.

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  Dont buy a mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By fireangel - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Wheel noise since day one that company refused to fix. Blamed it on tires. Exorbitont services required at minimum 400.00 each service. Now, air conditioner has stopped working. Also is built like a tin can. The so called quality sound system works when it wants too. When sunroof open, sun shines directly in drivers eyes from overhead. It is the first and the last one I will ever own. I plan on unloading it as soon as I can.