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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  Liking this one!! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chridan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is great, havent had any problems with it and we drive it everywhere. The only concern is how the value has dropped, it better hold up cause we are stuck with it.

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  Mediocre car for a decent value. - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By pubmain - May 17 - 9:26 am

  The only thing my GTZ excelled in was handling. Superb handling for a FWD. Ive already avoided two serious accidents from idiots failing to yield to oncoming traffic. I literally pulled some McGuyver moves on the road with this car. However, the exterior and interior is plagued with cheap manufacturing and design. This car is an absolute embarrassment to be top dog in the American Galant lineup. Models overseas make this thing look like a POS. The premium fuel gets extremely annoying and I wish I would have purchased a Hyundai or Ford Mustang for the same price. My advise, get a used Chrysler Sebring v6 if you dont need to leg room

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  Outstanding - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By triswimcycle@aol.com - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. The handling and acceleration or a credit and the roomy interior is quite suprising.

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  Late Purchase - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dennysmitzi - May 5 - 11:51 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Galant in 2009, with only 31K miles on the ticker. Currently, it has 80,500 and still running quite strong. My biggest complaint is the oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets that have been replaced 3 times, and the wheel alignment issues that cause vibrations in the front end at times. Otherwise, it has been a good performer, and has never left me stranded. I would definitely consider another one, should the powers that be at Mitsubish Motors consider bringing the Galant back to the market. Overall, I am a satisfied customer.

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  GREAT FIRST CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JOHN - May 1 - 9:36 pm

  BOUGHT USED FOR MY SONS 16TH B-DAY 24K ON IT BOUGHT FOR UNDER 10K WHAT A GREAT DEAL ON A LIKE NEW CAR.COULD NOT BE HAPPIER

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  Very reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By j10jordan - April 28 - 3:20 pm

  Purchased at 37,000 and still running at 114,000 with no signs of slowing down. Not a very FUN car to drive with the 4 cyl. but its been very reliable and smooth on the highway. Gas mileage has been good too. Will be sad to see her go

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  reliable built poorly - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By haylock - April 18 - 10:00 am

  i have a galant i bought about 6 months ago its reliable and very fast but i recently got in an accident and it is built very poorly made out of nothing but i enjoy the comfort.

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  Solid Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RodD - April 5 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car new and now have 127K miles on it. I commute 60 miles a day to work and back. The only engine problem was a sensor going out recently. The transmission hiccups once in a while but overall the car has been very reliable. On a long trip when it was newer I got 31 mpg going 75 with the air on, not bad for a V6. Feels more powerful than 195 HP.

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  I couldnt have made a better choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Wilma - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Mitsubishi Galant over the Honda Civic and Im so glad I did. Even tho it is a 4 cl it drives like a 6cl. It has a very large trunk space. Its very reliable, Never has given me a minutes trouble. I will always by this car in the future, thats if this one ever wears out. Oh yeah, its very good on fuel and I love the color (silver) inside and out. The audio sound is awsome.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JAMES BAB - March 21 - 10:00 am

  OUTSTANDING FOR THE PRICE