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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  Mitsubishi wins again - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kenneth - April 26 - 3:43 pm

  I just returned a Mitsubishi Galant ES 07 and was looking for a new car in or about the same price range. There really was no contest, Mitsubishi wins again. I purchased the 2009 Galant Sports edition 4 cylinder model. I am a big guy and have plenty of room anywhere in the car. The trunk space is huge. There are plenty of comfort features, heated leather seats, tire pressure. This model drives like a 6 cylinder and feels very sporty and has a comfortable sedan feel at the same time. The Galant is very reliable. For the money I feel this is a winner all the way.

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  My 2002 Galant - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Claren Megow - April 25 - 12:46 am

  I love my Galant. I bought mine three years ago. I bought it used so there were some things that need to be replaced. It ran excellent the day I bought and continues to run great. I did have to take it to the shop to clean out the A/C filter. The heating coil is broken so there is no heat in the car, but where I lived that was not a major problem. I do want to get it replaced now that I have moved to a different state. But overall this is a great car.

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  OK , for now... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Manual Shifter - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over 3yrs and slapped on 46k miles. Major gripes: perpetual tire/wheel issues: requires regular rotor smoothing; uncomfortable seats for medium/long trips; "adaptive" transmission - One minute you actually feel like theres almost 200bhp under the hood, next you have a Geo Metro. The dealer informed me that it gets "confused". Clearly a very technical evaluation of the problem. My trick, which will likley cost me later, is to manually shift into 3rd or 2nd at a suitable speed. Its average car with nice styling and a better than average engine for the price. Ill be keeping it for a while longer.

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  03 Galant V6 - Excellent Car All Around - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By platinum - April 17 - 8:50 pm

  I bought my 2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES V6 in April of 04 with 3,200 miles on it and driven about 2,000 miles a month every month since then (School 75 mls away & Work is 20) with a current 62,500 miles. To say the least, the car is EXCELLENT. Fast, comfy, reliable, and strong! The tires lasted 60,000 miles, brakes are still original and make absolutely no noise. Its engine, tranny, suspension, all lighting, and electrical are perfect and the interior is still perfect. The 3.0L 195HP V6 engine is AWESOME. It has quick acceleration and needed no maintenence. This car also has a nice, clear stereo. I average 22-25 mpg. It has a very smooth ride even on rough roads and a very low noise level on the highway. The galant is a very impressive vehicle, especially for the push its been given.

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  A lemon turned to lemonade - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By EFL - April 12 - 5:16 am

  I bought it new and had minor problems to start (the liner around the sunroof kept popping out). It is still not right to this day BUT, what a great car it turned out to be. I put over 207,000 miles on it with just regular maintenance and upkeep. But the one time I didnt do what I should have (change timing belt), wouldnt you know it, thats what blew. So now its in the shop and Im not expecting good news. The engine is probably shot. But up to its last day it was driving great, getting 28-29 mpg and no issues. I got more than a few tire changes, brakes, normal wear and tear but overall I was very happy with it.

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  Solid Choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By michelle - April 11 - 8:23 pm

  The Galant is a fun, competent, reliable ride to the Accord and Camry, plus less expensive. I bought my 2004 Galant in November of 2008 and have not had any issues since, other than regular maintenance (brakes, oil, tires, etc). It has all the bells & whistles u can get on used car for less - sunroof, leather seats, seat warmers, etc. Max Madsen also has great service coupons as well as great service! If you cant have your dream car (Honda, Acura), go with the Galant.

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  Ralliart Fun - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Wayne - April 4 - 9:03 pm

  We owned a Mitsubishi Diamante VRX 03 model and were looking to replace it after 5 years of trouble free driving, and found out the Diamante was discontinued. The other car makes were all test driven and some stood out more than others, like the Passat and Maxima sedans, and then my wife and I drove the 09 Gallant Ralliart. Well it rekindled our love for Mitsubishi with the build quality in the car plus the wonderful 258 horsepower 3.8 MIVEC engine and sport shift automatic transmission. All we can say is we recieved more for our money and fun for our dollar!

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  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By G4 - March 27 - 5:43 am

  Ive owned my Galant for 2 years now, no problems except a hose that broke and the ever troublesome glove box latch. My glove box would fly open going over bumps or pot holes in the road! It only cost us $25 for the part to replace it though. Brakes are great except they squeak all the time. Fun car to drive in the summer, not good in the snow/ice at all. Very reliable, but mine is a V6 and the gas gauge drops pretty quick and the manual says to give it premium fuel, ouch! We were thinking about trading it in but just couldnt give it up because its such a reliable car that has a great body design and looks good even 10 years later.

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  best car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By danik roger - March 14 - 10:00 am

  the car is very competitive

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  2004 Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Georgia - March 12 - 6:30 pm

  My Galant has had issues for the last 2 years. I bought it brand new in 2004, and was pleased until recently. My blower on the air conditioner/heater has stopped working and my engine light has come on because there is a vacuum leak related to the gas line. My husband has a 2004 Endeavor, and its transmission has gone out. We will never buy anything from Mitsubishi again, and we would really like to send them back since we still owe on both of them and they are worth nothing to us. I am now driving a 1980 Oldsmobile that is more reliable than both of our Mitsubishis!!!!