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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  luv this car! - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
  By midway2 - June 21 - 7:35 pm

  I bought the 2012 Galant because i was looking for something that is reliable and got good gas mileage, and boy does it fit the bill. But what really attracted me is you can get these only a year old at half of their original value, whereas Camrys, Accords etc. are thousands more. The base ES model lacks some bells & whistles found on other cars, however the interior room,comfort and ride is surprisingly good. The body style is a tad dated (from 2004) but with the money I saved it doesnt matter. Power is adequate. Overall a good, solid, reliable vehicle that can be had for a good price.

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  Good price, good car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Juiceman - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Coming out of an infiniti G35 it is hard to brag about this car but it did what I wanted, lowered my payment and got a car I could live with at a good price. 5 year 60K bumper to bumper, 10 yr 100K powertrain and 3 yr 45K free service at no additional cost Dealership is close to home, car looks good, interior is alittle low end but you get what you pay for. LArge interior and pretty quiet ride. Great family car. Do not worry about how I treat it as it is a cheap car. This was actually cheaper than a civic!

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  On par with Toyota and Honda - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SarahG - June 5 - 6:26 am

  This vehicle has been in my family for approximately 10 years now, and has given us no major problems. Acceleration is better than adequate, handling is excellent, and fuel mileage is good. It was my mothers to start, and then when it turned 8 years old, she gave it to my brother, who has a tendency to break things. He hasnt broken this yet, which is amazing. Neither my mother nor my brother have taken care of it as they should. I cant even remember the last time its been in for an oil change. My brother only had to replace the shifter cable @ 130,000 miles, and the radiator @ 135,000. Other than that, only regular maintenance, or lack thereof. I will only go foreign.

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  Best Galant ever! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Big Buse - May 21 - 4:06 pm

  The whole experience of the 2009 V6 sport is extraordinary! Extremely smooth ride, and when take off power is needed, it is definitely there! Very classy and luxurious look with its leather interior and sun/moon roof. Definitely puts my old 2007 to shame. Look out US and Euro competitors... you have a big problem on your hands.

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  Galant GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Carl - May 21 - 10:10 am

  Handles extemely well and has good acceleration. Very smooth at high speeds on the interstate. The stereo is awesome. Have had some problems with the sunroof but these were resolved by the dealership. As of this time at 23000 miles it has been flawless.

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  Popular Cars - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Andrew Baxster - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I do not like popular cars that everyone is driving such as the Accord or the Camry. I tested other cars such as the Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima and VW Passat. Of all the cars I tested, the Galant proved to be the best built car out of the bunch. It has power like no other midsize and feels very refined. The car drives verey nice and looks decent.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By wagales - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I was very impressed with the new look of the Galant online, and even liked it better in person. Interior is much roomier than my 2000 Galant was, and styling, both in and out is excellent. You can actually read the gauges through the steering wheel. Trunk is large and has a passthru area for long stuff. Iwas somewhat aprehensive about the 4 cylinder, but it;s peppy on the Interstate with plenty of passing power. Ride is stiff and sporty, but this will probally soften a bit like my 2000 did. Very impressed and very happy.

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  Comfortable driving with some fun - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vadim_st - May 10 - 10:00 am

  It is a mild, comfortable car for individual or small-family everyday transportation. The trunk takes a lot of luggage. My 4-cyl. engine is noisier and hotter than I would expect from a new car, but delivers smooth power sufficient to move around. Drivers seat needs to provide more support.

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  Couldve been designed better - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By esa0819 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall I would say the Galant is a "Pretty" car.. However, it lacks in interior design. The back seat is entirely too cramped, they should have cut back on trunk size to accomodate anyone over 3 feet sitting in the back. You couldnt find a penny using the dome lights centered in the front of the car..Also, the bumpers are dented too easily. A crash impact of 1 mile an hour causes thousands of $s worth of damage..Mitsu needs to listen to consumers and go back to the drawing board.

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  2003 galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By loraine - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great!!!! I absolutely love the exterior of the car. I own the 2003 mitsu galant LS v6 fully equiped with sun, sound and leather package, which has drawn many compliments from other drivers. I stongly recommend buying this vehicle, over camry, altima, and accord.