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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  Superb Value - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Placenshow - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a used 2009 Galant ES with 49,xxx miles for $9991, brand new, this car was $22k! Traded in a 1999 Camry LE, which we loved, but were looking for a new model family sedan. So far so good. Plenty of space, decent acceleration for a 4 cylinder, and driver seat is quite comfortable. Doesnt have all the bells & whistles of Camry/Accord but pricing is a definite plus and reliability is above avg from what Ive read on numerous sites. Looking forward to many happy years of worry free driving.

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  2005 Mitsubishi Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mrtestcell - June 26 - 3:53 pm

  This is a fun and smooth car to drive. I had a 2003 Galant that I traded in for this one and there is no comparison. A full size person can now fit in the back seat comfortably. The 3.8 V6 rocks the house too, in comparison to the 2.4L 4 cylinder. Overall Mitsubishi did a great job redesigning this vehicle but it is oddly similar to the new Honda Accord, which I also have. Looks like a little industrial espionage by somebody.

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  2005 mitsubishi galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By courtney richter - June 26 - 10:00 am

  it is great it is nice for family and friends safe and neat

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  Very Happy - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jennifer - June 24 - 11:43 am

  I love this car. I have had it for three years. I have 147,000 miles on it and runs great. My husband and I own an auto repair shop, and rarely see Mitsubishis. My Galant died one time on me - the belt broke and the car shut down to prevent overheating. I had a Mitsubishi before and they have features no one else has such as headers, easy access in engine compartment (especially for an import), three low gears (vs. 2) if manually shifting (extra power to pass, etc.). I am going to keep this car for many more years. I cant complain about the lack of items that were obviously not part of the vehicle when bought - heated seats, no light in back seat, bigger back seat,etc. Yes, dealers are hard to find and provide bad service. But I am biased against all dealers. Go Independent.

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  One life saver.... - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rich - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Galant...I could not get over the acceleration and style this car had to offer....Another thing that I was impressed with is that my wife had a head-on collision at 60mph, of the three ocupants in the vehicle, no one was seriously injured....That speaks for itself..yeah, my car was totaled, BUT MY FAMILY IS STILL ALIVE AND HERE WITH ME...Thanks Mitsubishi....

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  Sexy Red Galant - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Lwilliams - June 23 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Black Mitsubishi Galant ES in January. The car was very nice but was lacking something. One month after I purchased the 2006 Galant ES, Mitsubishi introduced the 2006 Special Edition Galant. A beautiful car, everything I wanted in the Galant: style, substance, and leather seats. The SE was the type of car I was supposed to have, so I got. Love every minute of it.

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  Gallant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By htexbb - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is our second mitsubishi. We are in love with this car. Its very stylish and roomy inside. We had a catera before this and I like this car so much better! We are sold on Mitsubish. The service we get at the dealership is fantastic. The salesman has not forgot our names and is very helpful.

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  GTZ......Vroooooooooommmmm !!!!!!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Hooked on Pontiac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  At the lot looking at the toy Eclipses for the wife. Couldnt really decide on one.. She pulled a Galant out of the Hat....Never would have thought she wanted that sporty 4 door! Have to say the GTZ Galant looks and acts sportier than many sports cars! Already have taken it on a long trip. No usual back aches, butt aches...NOTHING! We have owned a lot of nice luxury cars. This is the first one that she has remarked to her mother that it "Drives like a dream!"...Made me look pretty good. Mommas happy....so Daddys happy! Go GTZ !!!!!!!!!!

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  Its just OK - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chuck - June 12 - 8:03 am

  Mitsubishi did a good job on the rear end of the 09, but hardly did anything to the front. The Sports Edition that I have does have the chrome top to the grill and darkened headlights but thats it. Its ok on gas and ok on comfort. On a recent trip, my backside really got sore so I assume the seats could have been made better. I do not like the waffle like dash, I can already see where dust settles on it. When in idle, you cant turn the headlights off, like when youre waiting for someone. To me thats irritating. There is not an accessory adapter in the console like the prior years did. Engine is very noisy compared to my 08 Camry, and the doors sound tinny compared to the Camry.

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  Happy so far - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RocGalant - June 5 - 8:33 am

  I bought this car w/ 16mi. on the odo. And put just under 2k to so far. I really like the front grille and tail lights for 09. Im about 61" and it fits me perfectly. I had a 02 Eclipse and 00 Linc Continental. This Galant is perfectly wedged between those cars in terms of performance, ride quality, features, gas mileage and size. The Galant gets me from A to B with good sound from the 140w system, decent pep when passing hwys, great safety features.