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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  Solid Sedan - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By T. Miller - February 22 - 8:43 am

  So far I have put 8,500 miles on my 2006 Mitsubishi Galant GTS V6 and have had not problems. It gives great, responsive power and has a nice balance of comfort and road feel. It is the roomiest vehicle in its class, comes with a solid warranty, and an outstanding sound system. Its handling is a good balance between comfort vs. road feel, thought the car is not meant to be pushed to hard (its a sedan - doesnt take to sliding around corners well!). The abundance of torque and power make it a very comfortable car to be driven, its hard to keep below 80 mph. Its clear guages, and autoshift provide some additional "enthusiast" feel. This is a very pleasant, reliable car - I look forward to driving it each day. What more can you ask?

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  A rallycross queen in family sedans clothing. - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By hush_hush - February 19 - 4:03 pm

  I brought a used 2.4L I4 (SOHC 4G64) Galant ES for rallycross. The similarity of Galants 4G64 and Lancer Evolutions DOHC 4G63T makes the swap drop-in easy, and the 5-speed transmission from Eclipse fits perfectly. With 10 grands, youll have an autocross monster with 4G63T, 12 psi turbo, and ECU controlled boost; Dump another 20 grands, and you get a fancy built 500+hp rally queen filled with HKS goodies; Squeeze yourself hard for another 20 grands, this car is going to be a supercar. As they said, old school DSM are "dollar-per-hp champs" (IT 14.3 (2011): 12). Hands down.

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  A Great Car For The $$$$ - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Marley - February 17 - 10:00 am

  After being married "forever" to a man who took care of all the car purchases, this was my first " buy on my own" car adventure. I researched, I test drove, I checked financing, and landed in the seat of my Galant. I love it ! The ride is great, fuel mileage is better than expected, it looks good and provided more car for the $$ than the comparable cars I looked it.

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  galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By countrybo - February 17 - 10:00 am

  first foreign car and im sold on them now

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  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By NDobbins - February 16 - 11:43 am

  I bought this car when it had 23K miles on it. It had been a rental car prior to me owning it. It now has 175K miles on it. Its been a great car. I did have some problems w/ the brakes early on. Seems like it went thru a lot of them. But I have not have that problem now in over 5 years. At the 10 yr. of ownership mark little things are staring to show their age. Airbag light stays on now and the cruise stopped working about 8 months ago. The electric locks needs a new motor as of about a year ago, as its making a buzz noise when you unlock it with the key. Horn also stopped working about 8 months ago.

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  Great, Fun, and Safe - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy in Ohio - February 12 - 3:53 am

  Bought this car on the spot after a test drive, I am very pleased with the car, I have just turned 50,000 miles on it and it still drives like the day I drove it off the lot. It has great acceleration, I have had it in the Smoky Mountains and love the handling. Needless to say I recommend this car for anyone who wants to enjoy their daily drive.

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  Excellent - We Love It! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jepherson - January 31 - 10:00 am

  We were veering towards a camry or an accord, but good thing we stopped over a mitsubishi dealership first so my brother can get an eclipse and thats when my wife and I saw the 2004 Galant GTS dove white and we immediately fell in love with it. I enjoy the head turning on the street up to now, the unique headlight assembly combined with euro tail lights is just sweet! Standard with 17" alloy wheels. Infinity 8 spkr Audio system and blue interior lighting is really cool! 3.8 liter V6 AutoShift trans. that can take on the V6 Accord or Camry anytime! And get this, a 10yr/100,000 mile warranty comes STANDARD!

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  I love my Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TIGGRNME - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I knew when I was able to get a new car exactly what I wanted...The Mitsubishi Galant. It has style, sophistication and sportiness along with comfort, roominess and reliability for the money. Sure I could have gotten an Accord, Camry or Altima, but for the same money I get extra features in my Galant. When I was finally able to go out to get a new car, I went right to my local Mitsubishi dealer, pointed out the 1 car I wanted to test drive and took it home that afternoon. I LOVE MY GALANT!!!!!

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  GTZ Owner - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sug6ar - January 15 - 3:20 am

  Yes I agree that the Camry is nice and so is the Altima, thats if you want to pay too much and lack a sense of style....but as a GTZ owner, I cant get enough compliments. So what if its a BMW knock off, at least I paid half the cost. Since Ive owned it, driving has become fun again and I always feel safe driving it. It may not have been your first choice...but its #1 with me.

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  Nice Car with great value.. - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Deepfreeze - January 11 - 7:40 pm

  Great car, has a lot of power. Transmission is smooth.. Its a great buy if you buy it used. Got mine with 65000 miles on it. Great altrnative for the overpriced Accord and Camry. This car is also a bit sporty compared to the two.