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:

• 

  Mitsu Stands Out from the crowd - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By virtualyode - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my new Galant. I said that I would never buy a sedan until I saw the new Galant. The car is sporty, stylish and built like a tank. The 2.4 mivec purs like a kitten and feels like a 6 cylinder. This car is different than most grocery getter sedans. Mitsu is re- engineering their North American operations and their products are getting better and better. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  The car drives like a dream - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Victor - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  The car drives like a dream. I cant think of anything that I dont like about this car - very sporty looking starting with the grill to the tail lights they look like the Lexus tail lights. As far as the engine - lots more power than the previous 4cyl plenty of power. I cant think of anything out there that can compare. Overall a very nice car for your money...

• 

  My Best Car Experience - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jeremy Keith Branch - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my brand new 03 Mitsubish Galant ES. Its fun to drive and very comfortable. It is very sporty and fuel efficient vehicle

• 

  Sporty Ride, Sedan Feel - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kennydo373 - September 7 - 12:16 am

  I just got the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant ES and love the feel and ride. I feel like Im driving a sports car. It has a BMW-like feel and plenty of room, like a nice sized sedan. It is still very new, so I have to break it in. Its engine was a bit noisy at first iat slow speeds. I love the visibility and ride.

• 

  Heater Core went out!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By whatanabe - August 27 - 5:06 am

  Granted I bought my 03 Galant used with approx. 32,000 miles. No major problems until a few weeks ago. Heater core went out along with the drivers side window motor. Dealership said the cost would be over $900. I said no way! Never been happy with the design... a huge lackluster.

• 

  2007 Mitsubishi Galant - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By milos - August 26 - 1:00 pm

  I just bought this car and I love it. Easy to drive, feels sporty, stable on the road, easy on gas. Mitsubishi is big in Europe and underappreciated in USA. Excellent warranty and real eye pleaser. Looks like a BMW, drives like an Accord, costs like a Chevy!!

• 

  Excellent Car, wish Mitsubishi hadnt cheapened the look - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By joesee - August 20 - 9:39 pm

  I still have my 2000 Galant with close to 200,000 miles, always trouble free. The acceleration and ride for a 4 cylinder are great. The look still holds up, and is much better than later galant models. Unfortunately although the car is still awesome, the paint has lost its luster and repainting doesnt make financial sense, otherwise I would keep on driving it. If Mitsubishi had maintained or upped their game on the details for later models, I would have considered getting another for my next car this year.

• 

  Its Getting Long in the Tooth - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gsemike - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Maybe it was a sharp design in 98, but now it looks old and boring inside and out. Ive been looking for a 6 cyl sedan, and it only took a few minutes for me to know that the Galant wouldnt cut it. How did it get up to $23,800 and still have cloth seats? Im still shopping, but the Galant is definately behind the Chrysler Sebring and Mazda6. The Chrysler and Mazda dealers were far more willing to deal and both cars are new designs and feel more solid. Even though I asked twice, Wantaugh Mitsubishi never let me know what invoice was on the car.

• 

  Great Car! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By BigRuss - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and it drives great! It gets about 27 miles per gallon. I havent had any problems with it, except the steering wheel would shake around 75mph. But that stopped when I had the wheels rebalanced and rotated. Very good car for the price it is going for.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By X-Men - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have bought this car for 2 months as 2nd hand and Im loving it so far. I gives me the power when ever I needed it on a highway/city and the comfort the car gives is imaginable. Great "Infinity" stereo sound system with 6CD changer.