4
0
Midsize car; Built in USA
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,300 – $2,400*


1995 Mitsubishi Galant LS V6


1994 Mitsubishi Galant GS


1996 Mitsubishi Galant LS


1995 Mitsubishi Galant LS V6 interior


1994 Mitsubishi Galant ES interior

Pros:
  • Antilock brakes
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Ride
Cons:
  • Engine noise
  • Fuel economy
  • Rear visibility

This generation of the Galant has several good qualities, and we consider it a solid buy. Nevertheless, it lacks a single distinguishing feature to help it stand out in the crowded field of midsize domestic and imported sedans, particularly given the absence of a V6 option.

Overview

The 1994 Galant arrived in June 1993. It came only as a 4-door notchback sedan. Slightly larger than its predecessor, the new Galant rode on a wheelbase that is 1.3 inches longer. All were front-wheel-drive models and each of the four trim levels (S, ES, LS, and GS) came equipped with dual airbags. The Galant retained a 4-cylinder engine under the hood, but boosted overall performance with a new 2.4-liter unit that provided 141 horsepower. A more potent twin-cam unit delivering 160 horsepower was a one-time experiment in the 1994 GS. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the S and GS. A 4-speed automatic was standard on the ES and LS, but optional on the S and GS. Antilock brakes were optional across the board.

Yearly Updates

1995 Galant
Among the modest changes for 1995, the uplevel LS model receives 4-wheel disc brakes, and antilock brakes are an available option for all but the base S model.
1996 Galant
The S, ES, and LS models return with several equipment changes for 1996. All can now be ordered with a rear spoiler, and the ES provides a new Premium Package that includes upgraded seat fabrics, a power sunroof, fog lamps, a 6-speaker sound system with cassette, and wider tires mounted on 15-inch styled alloy wheels.
1997 Galant
In addition to making several cosmetic changes to the 1997 Galant, Mitsubishi provided the base 4-cylinder with two more horsepower (up to 143). Appearance changes included the addition of a new grille above the car’s reshaped bumper, plus revised taillights. Interiors featured lighter color schemes, more-contoured front seats, a higher center console, and, for the ES and LS, new pseudo-wood accents.
1998 Galant
No changes were made to the Galant for ’98. An all-new model was waiting in the wings for 1999.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Powering the current-generation Galant are a pair of frisky 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engines. In 1994, Galant S, ES, and LS were introduced with a single overhead-camshaft engine that made 141 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 148 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. A 5-speed manual is standard on the S, with the 4-speed automatic being optional. On up-level ES and LS models a 4-speed automatic was standard. The GS model came standard with a double overhead-camshaft version of the 2.4-liter engine that made 160 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 6250 rpm. It was available with either the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Mitsubishi fully intended to offer a Chrysler-supplied V6 for the Galant during the 1995 model year, so the company dropped the more powerful 4-cylinder from production. However, financial sense dictated otherwise. Consequently, a V6 for the Galant will not arrive until a new body style makes its debut in time for the 1999 model year. For 1997 the Galant received a minor boost in horsepower–up to 143 from 141. Torque remained constant at 148 pound-feet.

ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 141-143
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 148
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		23/30
22/28 		20.2
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 160
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 160
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		22/28
20/26

Road Test

The Galant’s 141-horsepower 4-cylinder has more than adequate acceleration and passing power with the automatic transmission. It shifts smoothly and downshifts without argument when it comes time to pass. The 160-horsepower unit found on 1994 GS models feels stronger still. Engine noise is abundant during hard acceleration.

Galant’s suspension absorbs bumps easily, while providing a stable, competent ride at highway speeds. The car handles corners with ease and the precise steering feel gives drivers a sense of confidence.

Firm, supportive seats and a generous front cabin area are Galant strong points. However, rear-seat passengers have only adequate head room, and an inch less leg room than the previous model. The dashboard has an attractive four-dial gauge cluster, and climate controls are stacked atop the center stereo controls in the center console. In a welcome departure for Mitsubishi, the stereo is mounted high enough for easy operation, even when driving. The trunk provides ample space plus a wide flat floor and low liftover. Visibility is good, but wide rear roof pillars force the driver into neck-stretching during lane changes.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1995 Mitsubishi Galant ES

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 5
50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 52

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
103.7 187.0 68.1 53.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
12.5 16.9 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.4 37.5 43.3 35.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1998 Galant 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 3
60%
Rear Passenger Injury - 2
40%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 136
Injury 160
Theft 153

Trouble Spots

Dashboard lights
Description: The headlights and dash lights may dim during deceleration because the computer switches on the electric cooling fan. (1994-95)
Exhaust system
Description: A revised Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label was mailed to all owners who were to place it over the old one that contained incorrect information. (1994)
Steering problems
Description: Cars that drift or pull to the right may be cured by replacing the lower control arm with one having rear bushing with a built-in offset. (1994-95)
Transaxle leak
Description: Transaxle end-clutch oil seals could leak leading to a loss of overdrive (fourth gear). (1994)
Vehicle noise
Description: Defective rear shock absorbers cause knocking noises on bumpy roads. Revised parts are available. (1994-96)
Vehicle shake
Description: Vibrations on automatic transmission models are probably due to the upper radiator-mounting posts not being centered in the mounting brackets. (1994)

Recall History

1994-95
Description: Grease was inadvertently applied to contact of stoplamp switch, causing it to heat up and allowing internal elements to melt; switch will stick on or off, causing ABS warning to disappear.
1995-98
Description: Rubber boots on lower ball joint can become damaged, allowing dirt and water intrusion, which can cause excessive wear and possible separation.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 22, 2014.
Share this:
, , , , , , ,