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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  2nd one and we did buy again!!!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By miamommie - May 3 - 11:50 pm

  We have had 2 Mitsubishi Galants and we have loved them both. The only problem is the room in the back for older kids. Small kids dont have a problem. Its fun to drive and good on gas. We have only had this 02 for 2 days but it seems like we got a great deal for our money. My husband is a mechanic and he looked it over good before buying it. We only payed $6800 and it looks new sounds great and runs well.

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  A little bit of everything... - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ½mv² - May 3 - 6:23 pm

  I bought the car without ever test driving it - I didnt even like the way it looked. I used to own an Avalon XLS, which was the biggest and baddest luxury car I had ever seen. I also owned a 1993 twin turbo RX7, which outran and outhandled everything but the Corvette Z06. In February 06 I got in a crash that cost me both cars. I needed a car quick, and I didnt have time to shop around so I looked for the best deal I could get on a reliable ride. Ive had the car for less than a week and I already love it. The car glides along highways and satifies the desire for a luxury-car-feeling, yet locks down tight onto the road when you get the burning desire to rip around a 90 degree turn at 30 mph.

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  GAlant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dfs - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive!

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  Canadian Opinion - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CNDN opinion - March 25 - 7:43 am

  I bought the Gallant in 04 with just over 20,000 km on it, it now has almost 180,000 km. Not a problem or a let down yet, just had to do some regular stuff to it. Replacement parts are expensive and the gas mileage could be better but its fun to drive. The Galant is used as a highway commuter mostly, and handles great in the wind and heavy snow. The resale value is crap so if you buy one, be ready to keep it until its paid for.

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  Reliable cheap - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By reliable cheap - March 25 - 7:26 am

  I bought this car hit (salvage) fixed up put 34k miles, since I have it didnt have any problems yet! Nothing special in the car but its really reliable!

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  Was Happy Unitl - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By al4me23 - March 1 - 8:58 pm

  Car was great until it hit 80k miles...then it went downhill. I had to replace the starter, all 4 rotors, timing belt and both catalytic converters(twice) and all 5 O2 sensors(yes 5). And then the transmission started to slip at 95kmi. After the 2nd converter replacement I found out the car had at least 2 bad exhaust valves causing the converters to be blown out. I promptly traded in it after I got the check engine light code cleared. It was a good car until the end..sadly the end was relatively young for what todays car should get you mileage wise. I bought a Honda and I love it but Im never buying a Mits again because they closed the dealership and now the closets dealer is 60miles away.

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  A great alternative to Accord / Camry! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TurboMX5 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  The V-6 is every bit as powerful as the competetion (it seems quicker from 0-50mph than Accord 4-door V-6), smooth shifting transmission. The ABS 4-wheel disc brakes are very capable, and the traction control worked well in the winter (on ice). Fuel economy is in the 23/24 in city and 26 highway. On the highway with 4 passengers and full luggage, you can still average 25 to 26mpg with the A/C on. Maintenance expenses have been very low (under $50 in 12k miles). Oil changes are at 7500 miles (normal driving conditions)! Ride quality is better than most vehicles Ive driven in its size range.

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  Pretty Decent Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ralli_Rules - January 2 - 2:33 am

  I bought my galant in 2005 used with 56,000 miles. All in all it has been a pretty decent car, its not blazing fast but still pretty quick. I have left quite a few people at the line even with a stock engine. The outside looks nice, inside could use some improvement but its not terrible. Not too much interior space but thats not a huge issue. I have customized wit ralliart parts for more performance. Has been a pretty good car, I recommend this car as a great car for a first time driver.

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  Best Kept Secret, The 2000 - 2003 Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Financial Advisor - December 26 - 10:50 am

  Its too bad this car is overlooked by Accord & Camry owners. This is my 2nd Galant and these cars are amazingly reliable. I have owned this my 2003 V6 LS Galant for 4 years now and never had a problem. I did change a leaking coolant hose by myself, that set me back $30 at the dealer. This car runs like a champ and comfortable, I have all the creature features that came with it. My V6 LS also looks great with 17" wheels. If there is one thing I that hurts this car, is that they dont hold their values, so its great for those who buy it used. Make sure to change the transmission oil every 24K miles and get the timing belt changed every 60K. You can get 180K miles out of these cars easily.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rakesh - December 23 - 10:50 am

  This is my 2nd 2000 Galant. I bought the first one in 2000 with 27,000 miles on it and drove it until had 108,000. Besides brake jobs, a new alternator, and tires, it was a great car. I bought my second one last years, with 93,000 miles on it. It now has about 115,000 miles. I just replaced the brakes. I would definitely consider buying one again. You could pick up a nice Galant for cheap and really rack some miles with no heavy maintence.