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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  New Car, Lovin It - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By del98 - October 14 - 7:00 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Galant is a breath of fresh air. It is comfortable, spacious, fun to drive, has more pick up than I had anticcipated, has great looks, and gets good gas mileage. It is a family car with a sporty feel.

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  GTZ - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By floejoe - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my GTZ new almost 2 years ago. For the most part I have thoroughly enjoyed. My wife mainly drives the car and she loves it. My only dissapointment is the sloppiness of the transimission. When you need the car to downshift for passing the transmission takes forever to shift. The car has a good ride to it and isrelatively quiet at freeway speeds. The gas mileage sucks for a v6. I normally get 22 around town and 25 on the freeway. My 97 z28 camaro gets better gas mileage than this car. Build quality is good and I havent had any mechanical problems.

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kopykopron - September 19 - 2:13 am

  I love the fact that I owne the only Galant GTS in my town, I have had this car on trips over 600 miles and less and have had the best ride i could get. The GTS turns heads every where I go, I would not trade the GTS for anything else out there at this time. This has to be one of the best decisions Ive made when buying a new car. It gives me the power as well as handling I want. Once you drive it you wont want anything else.

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  Great car but needs more - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By robbieshop - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for over two years. I am happy on the power and handling of the car, even if the car is not a BMW. I quickly wore out the stock tires at 33000 miles, I have had the brakes worked on four times. I would not recommend going to the dealership for brake problems. The car handles great in adverse weather, partially due to the Aquatred 3s and Dunlop Graspic snow tires.

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  Best out of 42 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mygalant - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 42nd car and I plan to keep this one till the extended warranty is out and then I still might. I had one as a rental when I got my car back, I went out and bought this one. I have had 4 months and I have over 30000 miles on it. You can not beat this car. My second car is an Accord and I much rather drive my Galant. She is a keeper. Also I drive a lot of snow and dirt roads and this car is like a 4 wheel drive. It goes everywhere.

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  Three years together. - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nick111 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I got my present Galant ES used, with 17k miles in October of 1999, when it was under a year old. The design of Galant is sharp and stylish. They preserved that agressive edge which BMW lost in their newer "soapy" vogue of recent years. Its close to 55k now. I still love and enjoy the car. The 4-cyl engine actually feels like 6-cyl. It has 2.4L, so it is plenty of power on low RPMs. I had three safety recalls, free of charge. Just regular servicing thereafter.

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  owner - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jimhoward - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The best Galant yet

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  Poor Paint Job - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Help - August 24 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car in Oct. 2007 just before the winter. I noticed what looked like salt in front of the rear tires. When spring came and i washed the car, i noticed it was actually paint that was missing. The dealership contacted mitsubishi and submitted photos. They said it was due to "road wear" so they would not repaint my car even though it was only 6 months old. Shouldnt they use paint on their cars that can stand up to road wear? I have filed a complaint with the review board but havent heard back yet. When i see another Galant in a parking lot, i always look and there is the same problem to some degree in the same place. I havent owned the car for a year and it is rusting

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  Decent enough car, poor resale value - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By clee1138 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car during the 0-0-0 deals for when we were cash poor. It has been a pretty decent car - fun to drive, comfy, and pretty reliable - but now that its time to trade, were taking it on the chin. The V6 is peppy and responsive with OK economy. Handling is OK with the right tires. The interior is solid, but Mitsubishi cut too many corners - small console, no rear dome light makes the back seat DARK at night, and very limited storage space. If you can find one used, its probably not a bad choice, but let someone else take the new car depreciation hit.

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  Love this car! - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mdark - August 23 - 11:06 pm

  Bought this car with 150k miles on it, has had a few minor issues but nothing abnormal for a car thats now pushing 165k miles. The car is extremely comfortable, I love driving it and the gas economy for a 1996 is AMAZING. The freeway MPG is phenomenal, however it dislikes stop and go in-town driving and traffic. Extremely reliable and the maintenance fees are pretty reasonable. Id recommend this car to anyone, I can expect it to go 200k with ease.