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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  2001 ES Gallanat - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Martin F - August 31 - 10:00 am

  We have had the car for six months now with absolutely no troubles. The only weakness so far is road noise, and lack of take off power.

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  2003 Mitsubishi ES Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nd4spd - August 29 - 11:20 am

  I bought 2003 Mitsu ES 4 door in 2004. It is almost 4 years and never had any single problem. It is fun to drive this car and it is picking up good when you press the gas pedal.

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  Outstanding Performance - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bluemidnight - August 26 - 6:53 am

  I traded in my 2002 Galant ES 4 cyl for the 2005 Galant LS V6 and was instantly happy with the performance and acceleration. Its power drivers seat is a great plus, although it should have a memory preset. I am extremely disappointed with the fuel economy, I am only getting about 12-15 mpg city and about 19-22 highway. I dont slam on the gas pedal, by am usually casual while driving to / from work. Maybe the car still isnt broken in yet with only about 3,000 miles driven so far. The interior design appealing, but the cheap plastic on top of the dash and doors is not easy to clean. What drew me to this car was the bold design. Its reliability has been satisfactory so far. The build inside and out seems solid.

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  I like it - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Georgia Girl - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I"m relatively new to the design as my last Galant was a 94 and ultimately was crashed and totalled due to someone rear-ended me. The 94 sort of folded around me as the car hit me from behind and pushed me into a cement barrier. I was not injured. But the 03 has many of the same features as my old Galant and handles even better. The steering is tight and it handles like a larger car and not the mid-size that it is. The engine has got a lot of pep for a 4- cyl. in my opinion and the new Steel Blue is just gorgeous. The a/c blows ice cold air and the gets good reception although the rear speakers dont seem to be of high quality.

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  Really fun car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tony - July 24 - 9:00 pm

  I bought mine in 02 pre-driven with 12k miles. Right now I have 95k. No problemos at all, except regular: brakes, rotors etc. fun to drive, nice design, good power. It was really worth it every penny. Only downside huge price reduction and poor mileage.

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  2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KSpec - June 25 - 7:20 am

  After 2.5 years of ownership, this car has been a real pleasure to own. Mileage is around 25 around town and 29 on the highway. Steering is precise and the brakes and accelerator are responsive. Even though it only has the 140 HP engine, Mitsubishi put the torque where it is most useful which makes the car more responsive than you would otherwise expect. This is the 2nd 2003 Galant we owned. the first only lived a few months before it got totalled, but saved our lives as we were hit from behind at a very high rate of speed. Were alive because of this car!

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  Hate the gas mileage - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kay - June 9 - 2:56 pm

  I bought this from a rental company. The car has basically been problem free except for the heater/air conditioner. A co-worker who owns a 2002 model is having the same problem. I was also disappointed with the gas mileage. Otherwise, the car has treated me well!

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  RELIABLE - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mitsu - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The best thing about this car is its reliability. Overall I have been happy with since Ive had it almost seven years and I feel as though its been good to me. This is a pretty simple car that gets the job done and doesnt give you any problems, which is all I was looking for.

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  Galant ES. Great buy.. a few issues - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Patrick - April 25 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this car for mom at the end of 03. The car performed well for 4.5 years and required only routine maintenance. Two problems came up at around 55,000 miles that I think you should know about. Heater problem- The heater began failing intermittently (vents would blow, but no hot air). The problem was not the heater core, but rather a component (a valve or a switch) of the heating system. I found that this was a common Galant issue and is not cheap to fix unless you diy. The other problem was that the drivers power window began to fail intermittently around 57,000 miles.

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  Fun to Drive, But... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SiNTHETiC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my GTZ for a year and half. Since date of purchase the car has received one new side airbag, TWO new rear speed sensors, a new battery, the weather stripping over front head lights has been replaced, and the Inifinity radio no longer ejects or accepts CDs. Additionally , I had to have the brake rotors turned and the pads replaced myself since the Dealership would NOT warranty them! The car is great to drive, difficult to own.