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 - Everything I Want in a Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By Galantboy - October 15 - 2:00 amThe ES with the upgraded sun and sound package is a blast....open the sun roof and crank up the stereo. Handles extremely well, and at high speeds, around 110mph, the car holds the road like a racer. Try that in a Taurus or Camry and youll end up in a ditch.
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Great car,can be better - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
By rosemarycars - October 15 - 2:00 amGreat car,only thing you need to use hi- test gas.Can never feel very comfortable in the drivers seat.Overall, a great car.
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GTZ - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
By Beacon 888 - October 12 - 2:00 amA very nimble car to drive, thanks to the front suspension settings, it tends to provide too much confidence on car handling, so be careful. Body Frame are too soft for this kind of settings.
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The Best Midsized car around!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By jimmy_cali - October 12 - 2:00 amThis car is one of the best cars around with the best V6 in its class. And also best in class torque (250). it also sprints to 0-60 in 6.5 secs. i dont see honda or toyota near that!!
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Good car - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
By dcw3 - October 2 - 6:50 pmIve had the car for 3 years. Bought with all accessories-it was $25,000. However, purchase price was $19,000. The depreciation is high but not an issue for me since I keep a car for at least 10 yr. Reliability has been excellent with zero problems. SE ride is a little stiffer than base model but handling is excellent. Im not sure what the other reviewer hated so much about this car.
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Not too bad, but wouldnt recommend - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
By maddee2030 - September 26 - 10:00 amI bought this car brand new off the lot. I didnt have any problems for a very long time; just normal maint. ~110K my transmission died w/ no previous indications there was a problem. Replaced a cracked radiator @ ~90K. Never replaced windshield or headlights. 4 things Ive always complained about. 1.The LCD display on the CD player is nearly impossible to read. 2.The fact that the CD player tells you when its too hot is an extremely bad design flaw. 3. The top coat on door handles & side mirrors is gone. 4. Upholstery all the way up to the window? Terrible place to have fabric after 9 years of resting your arm there. Vinyl on my next car, please...
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My Galant - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
By dwight - September 18 - 2:53 amMy ownership of this car has been geat. The Galant is fun to drive and very comfortable. When I have to accelorate I do not have to do it hard. Also, its great in stormy weather.
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Awesome Overall Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
By Steve - September 15 - 8:13 amThe 2005 Mitsubishi Galant has all the features one would want without having a huge price tag to accompany it. I love driving it and everyone I know has been very impressed by the vehicle appearance inside and out.
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Excellent Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
By IA - September 10 - 10:00 amThis is an excellent car. Good solid comfortable ride, handling and sleek styling. It could use some minor changes in the design of its interior for example, the cup holders are at a petty uncomfortable place and it needs a sunglass compartment and some coat hangers.
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Impulse buy - turned out GREAT! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
By Brandon in Jersey - September 6 - 12:23 amI saw this car in the show room (black w/ black leather, 18s. ) gorgeous. Made my heart stop. Sitting in it, I thought, "I cant afford this" . Killer sale, got it for like 22k and had them drive it out of the showroom. So far, so good, been almost 13 months. No problems, almost 14k miles. Im loving it. Definitely a head-Turner. Have not see others like mine on the road thus far! Unsung hero. I think Mitsubishi has a lifer now. Definitely would recommend!
