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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  Great Car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bobbi m. - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been completly happy with my Galant it meets all the needs I wanted plus is really fun to drive

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  Smooth - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mean-ness - February 20 - 10:00 am

  If you cant tell--I totally love my Galant.

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  Worst Car Experience in my life! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mrglenn76 - February 16 - 8:02 pm

  I bought the 2004 Galant six years ago and have had nothing but costly issues with this car. For one, the parts are usually very expensive and most shops will not have them on hand. For special parts you have to order them from Japan and can only order on Tue and Thursdays and it takes about a week to get them in. The major issue of all the issues I have had is with the brakes. Have had 5 brake jobs in the last year and a half. Have had the belt break, the power steering pump go out, had to get the alignment done several times and now I am having an issue either shocks are blown or sway bar link needs replacement. The car looks nice, but it has been a NIGHTMARE!!

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  Hope it lasts as long as my Explorer! - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jinsan - February 16 - 4:50 pm

  I recently purchased my 08 Galant with 30k miles and have now put 2k on it. I just hope that it lasts as long as my 02 Explorer (152k trouble free miles). I drive 20k miles per year, mostly commuting to work and 95% highway. So far, I must say that this car rides and handles well...has plenty of power and is VERY quiet! I am pleasantly surprised with Mitsus build quality and hope to drive this car for 150k+ miles! Waiting to see how it handles in the snow!!!

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  Happy overall - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tommy - February 11 - 11:06 am

  I can fit all three car seats in the back and still have room in between to buckle the buckels, and still can shut the doors with out hitting or bumping any of the car seats. It gets up and goes when you need to get out of the way of anything. Great gas mileage when you are traveling...but not around town. It is very sturdy and feels safe. The sensor for the airbag in the passager seat is great, since I do have little ones that sometimes have to sit in that seat.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Galant - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ichiban - February 2 - 10:23 pm

  I have owned this car for five and a half year and have enjoyed it every time I drive. I havent experienced any problems with the engine or transmission. The only problem that I encountered was a broken air conditioner clutch and air conditioner fan at 81,400 miles. I have no complaints with my Galant.

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  Runs Like A Top - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By summer - January 14 - 3:46 pm

  109,000 miles and this car runs like a top. Other than oil changes and new tires (once), Ive never had to do a thing to it, and I am not good about regular maintenance. The exterior is showing some wear - passenger side door handles are loose, body side trim came off in the car wash. If you are looking for a car that will start every single day and get you where you need to be all the time, this is the car. The resale value is bad but works to your advantage as the buyer. Im looking for a newer one now. Ive never owned anything as reliable as this car. Gas mileage is OK, accelerates quickly, ride is good.

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  good deal for the $ - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steven G. Johnson - January 10 - 6:50 am

  peppy 4 cylinder, dealer added leather to the ES which we liked. Fun to drive and a good deal for the money. We traded a 2003 eclipse 5 speed and this car is quicker

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  Good contender - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By yubilo - January 7 - 10:13 am

  This is my first Mitsu. IÂ’ve been driving it for about 2 months now in summer weather on both city and highway. IÂ’m combining about 25 MPG on 91 octane gas, which I think is great due to the elements. The car feels sturdy and 2.4 MIVEC engine picks up well on sportronic mode. It has a roomy interior and comfortable front and back seats. The controls are well laid out for easy access on the go. It comes with high performance all season tires which comes handy on the east coast changing seasons. This car is great buy! Everything sums up to a comfortable, reliable, spacious, sporty fun vehicle to drive. I would recommended this vehicle to a small to mid size family looking for a 4 door sedan.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kwonda - January 1 - 2:00 am

  My Mitsubishi is a greatly styled car & very dependable. Most powerful 4 cyl. I have ever owned. I would buy another!