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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  My Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jammie - May 3 - 1:33 pm

  Great teenager car - the nose end is a little long and pointy, but thats about all that I dont like about it. Its a great car and drives well, I have got stuck in the snow once or twice, but even though it dosent have 4 wheel drive it does go pretty well in the snow. Oh, one other small thing I dont like about it - the cup holder situation, there are two cup holders but the back one is covered by the console lid that sticks clear out, but again just a small dumb thing.

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  Mitsubishi is a good option - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sumncguy - April 23 - 10:06 pm

  We bought our Gallant new in 2008 and have over 130k trouble free miles on it. NO. Let me say this again NO Major problems with this car. We simply do the planned maintenance. One downside is with the wrong tires, the car is loud. Alot of interior noise. Something just started rattling around in the trunk area .. sounds like something body related. I had a mitsubishi engine in my 1999 Grand Voyager and we ran that to almost 300k. 2 FOR 2, Mitsubishi has been good to me. A great alternative to the overpriced Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans.

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  Good car, but... - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By former owner - April 13 - 5:16 pm

  I had this car from 2003 and just traded it in this past weekend. Overall, it is a very reliable car. I never had any major problems with it. While driving it, I got rear-ended twice. I also lost control of the vehicle once while attempting to avoid a driver on a cell phone and was hit on the passenger side. I consistently walked away without a scratch and relatively minor property damage. That being said, if you can afford it, I would go for a new car or one made in the last couple years. While this is a good, reliable car for its age, the safety features which are standard cars today are SO much better than they were in 2003. (Curtain airbags, stability control, etc.).

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  Almost Bulletproof - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By du8y4 - April 10 - 12:41 am

  I bought my 2003 Galant 2.4ES in 2005 with 54,000 miles on it for $8900 because it was all I could afford at the time and Im anti-Honda. Good gas mileage, snappy for a 4cyl. After delivering Pizzas full time for several years and going on multiple trips to Yellowstone, it now has 235,000 on it. The only thing major was replacing the timing belt at just over 200,000. I will say also that it can get up the the 120mph that the speedometer says itll go. (it just takes a while)

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  Not Bad, But Not Great Either - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By shoeie - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 4 years now and have 51K on it. It is just mediocre. Fuel efficiency is poor, I have never gotten better than 28mpg, even with conservative driving. The lower price is attractive (as compared to a Honda or Toyota), but once you have owned it for a while you start noticing all the little corners that were cut to bring that price down. Not a bad car, but for $2K more you could get a Honda or Toyota and have a great car.

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  Great Car at Great Price - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KzooFan - March 28 - 1:10 pm

  This is the second Galant I have owned (previously had 2003 with 95,000 miles and that was a great car). Have had this 2009 ES for one month and have put 2,000 miles on it so far. Not a problem, not a strange noise, nothing. Very nice car. Great styling. Nice to have something a little different than everyone else has. Nice ride, love that ABS is standard. Comfortable seats. Very roomy. Very pleased so far.

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  NEVER AGain - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cydneyc - March 9 - 4:39 am

  I bought this car because it looked amazing on the outside & test drove it once & fell in love. two weeks into my loan my car was going down hill from there. tune ups, alignments, Y Pipe had a hole in it. car was shaking really bad when the AC is on, shakes while stepping on the brake, the only time it did not shake was when it was in park. the worst car ever its a true RIP OFF. My door got stuck & I couldnt get out. I had to kick it out, and the whole panel came off. The dealer said its unfixable I have to get a whole new door. I hate this car

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  Loved the 99, Love the 02 - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Crockett Actuary - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance, especially acceleration from a stop and for passing. Very quiet for a car this size. Only drawback is interior room. Headroom is acceptable but could be better (Im 64"), and backseat room is fine for kids only

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  A great car for a decent price - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By leskor - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The ride in this vehicle is very smooth, and it handles great.

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  Regret My Quick Decision to Buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LisaD2003 - March 1 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my 2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES used in August 2003 with approx 30,000 miles on it. It seemed like a good deal at the time, but I was never truly excited about the car. Lots of little things have gone wrong over the past year and a half. The most annoying problem has been squeaky brakes...the car has been in to the dealer at least 5 times for very loud squeaky brakes, and it still isnt totally fixed. The design of the car is boring, inside and out. It cant get out of its own way on the highway. Once youre up to speed its okay, but forget accelearting quickly to pass. Im currently in the market for a new car, and it definitely will not be a Mitsubishi!