Mitsubishi Galant: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Mitsubishi Galant

The Mitsubishi Galant is a storied nameplate in the automotive world, representing a lineage of vehicles that evolved significantly over nine distinct generations. Produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1969 to 2012, the Galant transformed from a compact sedan into a sophisticated mid-size car. The name “Galant” is derived from the French word for “chivalrous,” a fitting title for a car that often combined style, performance, and innovation. Its popularity and noteworthiness stem from its diverse range of models, which included sedans, hardtops, wagons, and even high-performance, rally-bred variants like the VR-4. The Galant’s history is marked by technological advancements and a global presence, making it a significant model in Mitsubishi’s history with cumulative sales exceeding five million units.

Mitsubishi Galant Overview

Generations and History of Mitsubishi Galant

First Generation (A50; 1969–1973)

The first-generation Mitsubishi Galant, initially known as the Colt Galant, was introduced in December 1969. It debuted with a “Dynawedge” design, which emphasized aerodynamics in its silhouette. This compact car was initially offered as a four-door sedan and later as a two-door hardtop and a station wagon. Engine options started with the new “Saturn” series, available in 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter configurations. Over its production, larger engines, including 1.4-liter, 1.6-liter, and a 1.7-liter for the top GS model, were introduced. This generation also saw the introduction of sporty coupe variants, the Galant GTO and the more compact Galant FTO, which would become iconic names for Mitsubishi.

Second Generation (A112, A114, A115; 1973–1976)

The second-generation Galant, launched in 1973, featured more modern and angular “coke bottle” styling. It was more widely exported than its predecessor, often under different names by Chrysler in various markets. This generation introduced Mitsubishi’s “Astron” engines, which incorporated “Silent Shaft” balance shaft technology to reduce noise and vibration. Body styles included a four-door sedan, a five-door station wagon, and a two-door hardtop coupe. New trim levels like GL-II, SL-5, GT, and GS-II were added to the lineup.

Third Generation (A120/A130; 1976–1980)

Debuting in 1976, the third-generation Galant, also known as the Galant Sigma in many markets, continued the evolution of the model with an emphasis on aerodynamics and a more refined design. This generation offered a variety of engine options, including the 1.6-liter 4G32, 1.85-liter 4G51, 2.0-liter 4G52, and a larger 2.6-liter 4G54 engine in some markets. Body styles included a four-door sedan and a station wagon. A notable addition was the two-door coupe, the Galant Λ (Lambda), which was sold in the United States as the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo. This generation was also the first to feature Mitsubishi’s MCA-Jet engine technology for improved emissions control.

Fourth Generation (A160; 1980–1987)

The fourth-generation Galant, introduced in 1980, brought significant innovations. It was sold as the Mitsubishi Sigma in Australia and New Zealand. This iteration focused on improved ergonomics, aerodynamics, and safety, with increased interior space. A key development was the introduction of the ‘Astron’ 4D55, the first turbo-diesel engine in a Japanese passenger car. A new electronic fuel injection system was also made available on some gasoline engines.

Fifth Generation (E10; 1983–1989)

In a major shift, the fifth-generation Galant, launched in August 1983, moved to a front-wheel-drive platform. This change, along with a slightly longer wheelbase, resulted in significantly more passenger and cargo space. The design was more harmonious, with a lower drag coefficient. Engine options were diverse, and this generation saw the introduction of a powerful 2.0-liter Sirius DASH 3×2 engine in the “Super Exceed” trim, which produced a remarkable 200 horsepower. In 1986, a 2.0-liter Cyclone V6 engine was also added to the lineup.

Sixth Generation (E30; 1987–1993)

The sixth generation, introduced in 1987, was a significant leap forward, winning the “Car of the Year Japan” award. It featured a more rounded, modern design and introduced advanced technologies. This generation is most famous for the introduction of the high-performance Galant VR-4 variant. The VR-4 was developed for the World Rally Championship (WRC) and featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4G63T engine, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering. This model laid the groundwork for the later Lancer Evolution. AMG also offered a tuned version of the Galant.

Seventh Generation (E50/60/70/80; 1992–1998)

Launched at the 1992 Tokyo Motor Show, the seventh generation featured a completely new design with sleeker and more flowing lines. Body styles included a four-door sedan and a five-door liftback. This generation saw the introduction of V6 engines as a replacement for the previous GTi models, including a 2.0-liter V6 and a more powerful 2.5-liter V6. The VR-4 variant continued, now with a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

Eighth Generation (EA/EC; 1996–2006)

The eighth-generation Galant, introduced in 1996, featured a distinctive “shark-nose” front-end design. It was available as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon (called Legnum in Japan). The high-performance VR-4 model returned, now equipped with a 2.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing up to the Japanese voluntary limit of 280 horsepower. This generation also featured advanced technology like Active Yaw Control (AYC) in the VR-4 models.

Ninth Generation (DJ/DM; 2004–2012)

The ninth and final generation of the Galant was primarily developed for the North American market and was produced in Normal, Illinois. It was a larger and heavier car, designed to compete in the mainstream mid-size sedan segment. Initial engine options included a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.8-liter V6. The design was more conservative compared to its predecessor. Production of the Galant ceased in 2012.

Mitsubishi Galant Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Mitsubishi Galant Variants and Features

Throughout its long production run, the Mitsubishi Galant was offered in a wide array of variants to cater to different market segments. Early generations were available in sedan, hardtop coupe, and station wagon body styles. Trim levels ranged from basic models like the GL to more luxurious and sporty versions like the Super Saloon and GT. The introduction of the VR-4 variant in the sixth generation marked a significant turning point, establishing the Galant as a performance-oriented sedan with rally pedigree. These models featured advanced technologies for their time, including all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and turbocharged engines. The eighth generation continued this trend with the even more powerful 2.5L twin-turbo V6 VR-4, available in both sedan and wagon (Legnum) forms. Later generations, particularly the ninth, focused more on comfort and mainstream appeal with variants like the ES, LS, and GTS, featuring amenities such as leather upholstery, premium audio systems, and automatic climate control.

Mitsubishi Galant Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Mitsubishi Galant varied dramatically across its nine generations, reflecting its evolution from a simple compact car to a sophisticated sports sedan and finally to a comfortable family car. Early rear-wheel-drive models offered a classic driving feel for their era. The shift to front-wheel drive in the fifth generation provided more predictable handling and improved interior space. The sixth-generation VR-4 completely transformed the Galant’s performance image with its turbocharged engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system, offering impressive traction and handling. This rally-bred performance continued and was refined in the seventh and eighth-generation VR-4 models, which featured powerful twin-turbo V6 engines and technologies like Active Yaw Control, delivering a thrilling driving experience. The final ninth generation, with its larger V6 engine, offered strong, smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride, but with less of the sporty edge of its predecessors.

Mitsubishi Galant Pricing and Mileage

As the Mitsubishi Galant has been out of production since 2012, all available models are on the used car market. Pricing is highly dependent on the generation, variant, condition, mileage, and historical significance of the specific vehicle. Early, well-preserved models can be of interest to classic car collectors. The high-performance VR-4 variants from the sixth, seventh, and eighth generations are particularly sought after by enthusiasts and can command higher prices due to their rarity and performance credentials. The more recent ninth-generation models are generally the most affordable, offering practical transportation at a budget-friendly price point. Fuel efficiency varies significantly across the Galant’s history, with smaller four-cylinder engines and diesel options from earlier generations offering better mileage than the powerful turbocharged and V6 performance models.

Mitsubishi Galant Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Mitsubishi Galant’s design underwent a dramatic transformation over its 43-year production run. The initial “Dynawedge” design of the first generation gave way to the “coke bottle” styling of the second. The third and fourth generations adopted a more boxy, angular design language popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A shift to more rounded and aerodynamic styling began with the fifth generation and became more pronounced in the sixth and seventh generations. The eighth generation is noted for its aggressive “shark-nose” front fascia, which gave it a distinctive and sporty look. The final ninth generation adopted a more conservative and conventional design to appeal to the broader North American mid-size sedan market. Dimensions grew over time, with the Galant starting as a compact car and evolving into a mid-size sedan to offer more interior and luggage space. A wide variety of paint colors were offered throughout its history.

Mitsubishi Galant Safety Features

• Airbags: Became available in later generations.
• ABS / EBD: Anti-lock braking systems and electronic brakeforce distribution were introduced on later models.
• Electronic Stability Control: Not a common feature, though some later VR-4 models had forms of traction and stability control.
• Crash Test Ratings: Not widely available for most generations, especially older models.
• Other advanced safety systems: Early VR-4 models featured advanced (for their time) four-wheel steering for enhanced stability at high speeds.

Mitsubishi Galant Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment and connectivity features in the Mitsubishi Galant evolved with automotive technology. Early generations were equipped with basic AM/FM radios and cassette players. As technology progressed, later models from the eighth and ninth generations offered more advanced features. The ninth-generation Galant, for example, offered available features like a multi-function display, a premium Rockford Acoustic Design audio system, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. However, it lacked modern connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which became commonplace after its production ended. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling was available in some of the final model years.

Mitsubishi Galant Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Mitsubishi Galant are as varied as its generations. Owners of the high-performance VR-4 models often praise their power, handling, and the advanced technology for their era, though they also note the complexity and potential costs of maintenance. These models have a strong cult following among enthusiasts. Owners of the more mainstream later-generation models typically appreciate their reliability, comfortable ride, and value for money on the used market. Common complaints for the ninth generation sometimes centered on its bland interior design and less engaging driving dynamics compared to some of its competitors and its own performance-oriented predecessors. Overall reliability is generally considered to be good, particularly for the non-turbocharged models, with many owners reporting long service life with proper maintenance.

Mitsubishi Galant Comparison with Similar Cars

Throughout its life, the Mitsubishi Galant competed with a wide range of vehicles. In its early days as a compact car, it contended with other Japanese models like the Toyota Corona and Datsun 510. As it grew into a mid-size sedan, its main rivals became the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. The Galant often tried to distinguish itself with a sportier edge, particularly in its V6 and turbocharged variants. The high-performance VR-4 models were in a class of their own, competing with other rally-homologation specials like the Subaru Legacy Turbo and, in spirit, laying the groundwork for the rivalry between the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Subaru WRX.

Mitsubishi Galant Awards and Recognition

• Car of the Year Japan 1987 (Sixth Generation)
• World Rally Championship Victories (VR-4 model)

Interesting Facts about Mitsubishi Galant

• The Galant nameplate has a rich motorsport heritage, thanks to the VR-4’s participation in the World Rally Championship.
• The legendary 4G63T engine, which powered the Lancer Evolution, first appeared in the Galant VR-4.
• A version of the sixth-generation Galant was tuned by the renowned German firm AMG.
• The Galant Lambda coupe from the third generation was sold in the US as the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo.

Mitsubishi Galant Legacy and Influence

The Mitsubishi Galant’s legacy is multifaceted. It played a crucial role in establishing Mitsubishi’s brand identity globally. For many years, it was a showcase for the company’s engineering prowess, introducing innovations like the “Silent Shaft” engine technology, turbo-diesel engines in passenger cars, and advanced all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steering systems. The Galant VR-4, in particular, had a profound influence on the performance car world, creating a direct lineage to the even more famous Lancer Evolution. While the final generation may have strayed from its performance roots, the Galant nameplate remains significant for its contribution to automotive technology and its rich history in both motorsports and the mainstream market.

Mitsubishi Galant Global Availability

The Mitsubishi Galant was a truly global car, manufactured and sold in numerous countries around the world. In addition to its primary production in Japan, the Galant was also assembled in Australia, the United States, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, and China at various points in its history. It was marketed under different names in different regions, particularly in its early years through partnerships with Chrysler. The Galant was available in both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations to suit various international markets. Its widespread availability contributed to its impressive sales figures of over five million units.

Mitsubishi Galant Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Maintenance and ownership costs for a Mitsubishi Galant depend heavily on the specific generation and model. For the more common, non-turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 models from later generations, maintenance costs are generally reasonable, with good availability of common service parts. However, for the older and more complex VR-4 models, maintenance can be more expensive. Specialized parts for the turbocharged engines, all-wheel-drive systems, and four-wheel-steering systems can be harder to find and more costly. As with any older vehicle, the resale value is largely determined by its condition, rarity, and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts. The VR-4 models, in particular, have seen their values hold steady or even appreciate in recent years.

Final Words about Mitsubishi Galant

The Mitsubishi Galant is a car with a rich and diverse history that spanned over four decades and nine generations. From its humble beginnings as a compact sedan to its glory days as a rally-winning performance icon, and its final iteration as a comfortable mid-size family car, the Galant has worn many hats. Its appeal is broad; classic car enthusiasts may appreciate the early models, performance junkies seek out the legendary VR-4 variants, and budget-conscious buyers can find reliable transportation in the later-generation sedans. While the Galant is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through the technological innovations it introduced and the dedicated community of owners and enthusiasts who keep the “chivalrous” spirit of the Galant alive.