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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  Love hate relationship - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By yuuuup - December 31 - 2:32 pm

  bought it in 2008 with 39,000 mi., now has 160,000. A/C was clogged twice, heater door became stuck, and thats about it. I ride this bitch like a beast at an AVERAGE 80 mph on the freeway. The biggest issues are the maintenance issues that arise, such as the recurrence of misfires which can potentially damage your catalytic converter if not assessed ($900). This car is tough like a honda and can potentially be just as reliable at the cost of good maintenance. change the timing belt every 50-60 k miles. change the tran fluid every 40 k miles MAX! Make sure you put in luxury fluids, like amzoil, and mobil one. on my benefit, i bough it used with nearly new miles. used with high miles is iffy.

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  Galant #1 - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Suzanne117 - December 29 - 12:13 pm

  This car handles beautifully on all road conditions. I love the luxury interior design (very comfortable). Although the car is a 99, I still get comments about how new the body looks. Some people even think it is new.

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  the best car for the price - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ray - December 14 - 9:16 am

  The 2005 Mitsubishi Galant is great. It has excellent looks, is macho, fast, economical, a great stereo, quiet interior, and last but not least great price and is maintenance free with a great warranty.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Clint Riley - December 10 - 5:10 pm

  I just recently purchased this car and I love it. I love the handling and its look. It is very comfortable and reliable. It is very spacious also. The acceleration is moderate, but I didnt buy a DE for the acceleration. The engine feels powerful and the transmission is smooth. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Superb Value - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mngoodtimes - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent acceleration for a 4- banger. Wish the MPG were a bit better, have been averaging 22 miles with combo driving. Its been freezing here in MN so Im hoping the MPG will tick up a bit in the spring/summer. Drivers seat is very comfortable and has great leg room (Im 61, 220 lbs). Rear leg room space is great but the seats are a bit low. My 10 yr old has starting using her booster seat again in order to see out the window better. Purchased new, the 2009 Galant ES was $22K. I purchased mine a couple weeks ago with 49k miles for $9991...not too shabby!!!

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  2000 Mitsubishi Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rhonda Hodge - November 23 - 11:50 pm

  I have only had my Galant for almost a year. The reliability is awesome I moved from Oklahoma to Florida recently and I drove my car down here it was a very comfortable trip.

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  THE BEST OF THE BEST - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By massin1218 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The best car ever made in its category. No need to buy honda nor toyota, this is the car many of us were waiting for. I have put 60K miles on my Galant and had never had a problem.

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  In most cases, a solid vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bborrelli - November 1 - 10:00 am

  My dad and I bought a black 03 Mitsubishi Galant ES with the fun and sun package. It currently has about 114,000 miles on it and honestly, I wish I could say it runs well. When we purchased it, we noticed the paint was degrading in areas on the roof, hood, and upper quarter-panels. We had it repainted at MAACO (Presidential service) for maybe around $299? Well after that, I began noticing a "bump" while the car shifted from gear to gear. Recently, Ive been getting around 16 miles per gallon, city and highway driving. I got the transmission fixed , but it seems the engines shaky idle is affecting it. I love this car so much, but Ive spent too much money fixing it. :(

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  Love this Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pooh&Tigger - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. It is sporty yet is great for a family with small children. There is not much leg room in the back seat, but overall very nice. I highly recommend this car.

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  Maybe.... - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vagirl - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I am an avid fan of the Nissan Altima, my fiance has one and I had one until it was in a car accident and I had to go looking for another car. I never considered the Galant because I didnt know a lot about it, I had seen commercials all over the place about the eclipse but the galant was an afterthought. I have the V4 and when I test drove it I though I was driving a V6 and commented to the dealer that as a V6 it was a tad sluggish, they said, "no, you tested the V4", well I take it back, as a V4 its got a little bit of a zing then! I am still getting used to it and continue to be a loyal fan of Nissan, but Mitsubishi isnt far off!