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:
Showing 701 through 710 of 757.00-
So so - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By varand - November 27 - 7:10 pmI had that car for 21 month. When I bought it it got 176,000 miles and it was ok. It was good car at first year and I didnt spend that much as maintenance. But at second year it broke me down every thing was going wrong and I wasted too much money on it and finally i gave it to carmax . (dont buy any gallant with high mileage).
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best japanese mid size - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By mr.galant - November 27 - 2:00 amthis was the best car i ever tried and buyed!
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Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By Chris Brown - November 26 - 12:50 pmThis has been the most reliable car I have owned the car for 51,000 miles (bought it used with 21,000 miles). I had one pulley that was squeaky and it was replaced by the dealer. Great car! My parents own one too!!!
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I hate this car - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
By lora76 - November 14 - 2:05 amIf I had done some digging before I purchased this car I wouldnt have bought it. I do not like anything about it. I have owned it for 9 months and checked in to trading it off and found out that in 9 months it lost 12000.00 in value. I paid just over 25,000.00 for it and was offered between 13,000 and 15,000 for it. This is just CRAZY.
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Wonderful Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
By Arlene Coleman - November 12 - 12:40 pmI love driving this car. It has enough room to carry adults in the back seat. Plus it has a beautiful interior. It corners like a dream. I recommend this car to any body. You cant beat the quality for the price. It even has a great warranty and after sales service.
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GREAT CAR - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By ERNIEALLSTAR - November 10 - 10:00 amI AGRE WITH ANOTHER REVIEW COULD USE A LITTLE MORE HELP ON INTERIOR ACCESSORIESS IE..CUP HOLDER AND SUCH..EVEN A CELL PHONE HOLDER...BUT IN GENERAL...CARS HANDELS GREAT..NO PROBLEMS...WOULD BUT AGAIN..SECOND GALANT I HAVE OWNED.HAVE OWNED GRAND AMM AND 6000LE...JAPAN RULES CARS
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Sweet - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
By ahn - November 2 - 10:00 amWith the 5 speed manual the car is very responsive. Can be a little uncomfortable on long hauls. For whatever reason we get water in the trunk when it rains and we are driving, not when it is just sitting, the seal is in good shape and I made adjustments to the lid but to no avail. The gas pedal can be uncomfortable, cruise control really helps in that aspect, we had one installed. The car performs better with higher octane gas, and in turn it gets better fuel mileage.
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Love the car hate the salesman! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By womewhere - October 19 - 10:00 amI went in with a trade and had 2 salesmen with me at all times, took my original car keys never delt with issue of price reduction on their car only dickering with price on my trade in. Told me the cars on the lot were certified and they had the extended 10/100,000 warranty. Very disappointed with the dealership; felt they misled me;paid too much for the vehicle however not unhappy with it. i have 30 days/1500 miles whichever comes first which is normal on used vehicle. Salesperson is miserable never folllows up on his phone calls or followups. poor salesmanship. Would I go back ..NO!
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Elegance without the cost - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By TXDigger - October 19 - 10:00 amI was astounded when I saw the new design of the 04 Galant GTS. Black exterior with black interior, so many "options" are standard, its a deal waiting to happen. The ride is smooth and quiet. The Infinity sound system with 6-CD changer and EIGHT speakers...its like a concert hall on the road. It beats Lincoln LS from bumper to bumper. The same is true with the "little" Cadillac (cant remember the letters). Dont go lower than GTS. For less than $25K after a bit of dickering, youll love it.
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A year old - great buy! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By Vikas - October 15 - 8:10 pmI bought this car a year old off of a dealership. I got the car about 40% cheaper than what it would have been brand new. I like the exterior styling of the car, the front looks aggressive and the back looks a bit like the older BMWs. I have had this car for about 16 months now and have been very happy with it. Only a couple of compaints: 1) as mileage in the city stinks. 2) when I try accelerating aggressively it does this weird thing where it gets caught when the engine is revving at around 4,000 rpm. The Galant depreciates pretty quick for the quality of the car. I would rate it just behind the camry and the accord, but for the money you save, I would rather get this car. Great Buy!
