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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  what? - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By parag19 - July 18 - 4:33 pm

  good...

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  The Best - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By master - July 15 - 7:50 pm

  One of the best cars driven in the mid luxury car segment. Ample leg room, good 4 side visibility. Stable.

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  10 years and counting - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Irie - July 11 - 2:53 am

  Purchased in 1999. Fun, comfortable car to drive. I needed quick acceleration because of commuting on the beltway. Am not giving this car up, will be passing this car down to my children.

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  not bad - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KLK - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I cant say anything good or bad. Its a good car to get around in, but Ive had more exciting cars. Im just begining to have a few problems, but I would buy it again if I wanted to be boring. My next car doesnt have to be a BMW or something, but I would like a little more fun.

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  Impressive Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By John Treubig - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Lured in by the 0% financing and left with what must be the best car in the price range. Handles as well or better then any car Ive driven, including my 96 Passatt. Excellent design and many compliments for the Audi/BMW inspired exterior with the Dover White Pearl paint with the 14K gold lettering. Great car, great value.

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  Great Car - Terrible Dealerships - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jackman - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Just coming down to the end of a 5 year lease on this car and am considering buying it at the right price. I still enjoy the look, the ride and the overall good reliability thus far. The dealership in Mentor, Ohio, where we got the car from are 100% con artists and getting it repaired at another local Mitsub. dealer was just as bad. At least it is now out of warranty and I take it to my own trusted mechanic. It is too bad that the owners of Mitsbu. do not get it together and treat its customers like they do at Lexus & BMW.

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  Henrys Gallant GTS Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By henry - June 13 - 3:50 pm

  I puchased a Gallant GTS back in April and the most impressive feature about it is its power. The Gallant does exactly what you want it to do. It has no problem speeding up onto the freeway when you need it to. The engine has a very nice roar when acceleraating.

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  One Fine Sedan - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Gary T. - June 5 - 4:03 pm

  A week ago I purchased a 2006 Galant GTS V6 and I am loving every minute Im in it. I have only tallied 400 miles in it so far, but I am highly impressed. It has fast acceleration, quick turning, holds the road through curves, and turns like shes on rails. There is plently of room inside to give four adults plenty of room. A few improvents that I would suggest would be to heat the exterior mirrors and upgrade the interior rear mirror with the autodimming feature that it available on Mitsubishis higher end SUVs. Also, the passager side seat needs to be upgraded to a high-end power seat. Overall this is a very reliable and enjoyable car to drive.

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  A Midsize car with a SubCompact interior - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MMask76 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  If your 57" or below, then this car might work for you. Im over 6 and I feel extremely unsafe driving this vehicle. It is extremely uncomfortable (legroom and headroom is at a minimum), the performance is extremely poor (VERY loose steering for starters as well as NO pickup in the 4 cyl.), and as time goes on it will get more and more unreliable (has stalled on me already and has 11,000 miles). The sticker price on the LS with the leather package is approx. $23,000. My suggestion is to take that money and go buy yourself a VolksWagon Passat, or Nissan Maxima, or Toyota Camry, or any other car in the Galants class.

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  Love it <3 - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Natalie - May 23 - 8:50 pm

  I love my car. Ive had my 04 Galant for 5 years now and have had NO problems! I love it and would highly recommend it! PLUS hardly anybody has the Galant so Ive had a LOT of people asking me about the car.