Mitsubishi Galant Review

2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sport Edition Sedan Shown

For decades, the Mitsubishi Galant assumed the role of fringe player in the family-sedan segment. While representing a good value for the budget-conscious consumer, it was no match for the class leaders in these hotly contested segments 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 was time to redesign the Galant. Consequently, the latest, fifth-generation model -- most recently reworked in 2004 -- was engineered exclusively for the North American market. Its dimensions grew considerably, and an optional 230-horsepower V6 made its debut.

The Mitsubishi Galant may still be an also-ran in the family sedan segment, but it's a pretty capable car in its own right. Folks who don't necessarily follow the crowd or demand the latest glitz and glamour from their midsize sedan, as well as those who appreciate a somewhat performance-biased driving experience, would be well-advised to give the Galant a look.

Current Mitsubishi Galant

The current-generation Mitsubishi Galant debuted for the 2004 model year. It's offered in four trim levels -- ES, Sport Edition, Sport V6 and Ralliart. The entry-level ES comes with four-cylinder power and the basics, while the well-equipped Sport Edition adds alloy wheels, some stylized trim and a few more conveniences. The Sport V6 is fully loaded, with six-cylinder power and an upgraded audio system. The athletic Ralliart features a high-output version of the V6 engine on the discontinued GTS trim level and comes with a sport suspension, larger alloy wheels and enhanced exterior styling. All Galants come with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, and the Ralliart adds traction control. Stability control, however, is unavailable.

Powering the ES and Sport Edition is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 160 hp. Sport V6 models come with a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 230 horses and a healthy 250 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping Ralliart checks in with 258 hp from essentially the same power plant. Disappointingly, a four-speed automatic transmission is specified for four-cylinder models, though V6-powered Galants sport a five-speed auto with manual-shift capability.

Uniquely styled inside and out, the Galant features one of the more distinctive cabin designs in its class, with a cascading center console and large climate and audio controls, along with a display screen and bright blue backlighting at night. Materials quality is now generally good, though some surfaces still get by on the cheap. Behind the wheel, you'll find the driver seat agreeable and roomy; rear-seat comfort is now also more competitive and amenable to adults than in the tighter previous-generation Galant. The seatback still doesn't fold down, but there is a ski/cargo pass-through to increase utility.

In reviews, we've found the Mitsubishi Galant to be one of the more fun-to-drive family sedans on the market. The V6 engine delivers plenty of power and torque for passing and merging, and 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. Its shortcomings may keep it from the ranks of the midsize sedan segment leaders, but the Mitsubishi Galant remains a likable alternative to the family-sedan status quo.

There have been a handful of changes to the current-generation Galant. The trim levels initially offered were the four-cylinder DE and ES, alongside the V6-powered LS and GTS. A four-cylinder SE model, featuring leather upholstery and automatic climate control, was added in 2005. For '07, the LS was dropped and the high-performance 258-hp Ralliart debuted. For '08, the GTS model also disappeared, leaving just the DE, ES and Ralliart. The next model year saw the elimination of the DE and the introduction of the Sport Edition and Sport V6, which are roughly analogous to the old SE and GTS models.

Front-seat side airbags became standard for all Galants in 2005, and rear floor heating ducts were another new addition that year. The V6-powered models received a new five-speed automatic transmission in '07; previous Galants were available only with a four-speed unit. The Galant also received mild styling updates for '07, when a navigation system was offered for the first time.

If you're looking for a used current-generation Galant, you should be able to score a good deal on one, as resale values have not been strong. A well-maintained specimen qualifies as a genuine used-car bargain; reliability, however, may be a notch or two below Japan's best.

Past Mitsubishi Galant Models

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 2003 model 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 or third 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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.