3
0
Midsize car; Built in USA
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,800 – $4,800*


2000 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ


1999 Mitsubishi Galant ES V6


1999 Mitsubishi Galant interior

Pros:
  • Ride
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Rear-seat entry/exit

Though not quite a standout, the Galant is a pleasant, agreeably competent family 4 door that should be on the tentative shopping list of anyone considering an Accord or Camry. Packed with features for the money, the Galant mimics much of the driving satisfaction, if not the top-notch engineering, of Honda and Toyota models.

Overview

Not only did Mitsubishi redesign its most popular sedan as an early 1999 model, but a V6 engine was available for the first time. Wheelbase and exterior dimensions of the front-drive compact sedan changed little, but the interior was slightly more spacious. Rivals included the Mazda 626, Nissan Altima, and Oldsmobile Alero. Base DE and step-up ES models used the familiar 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, but a new 3.0-liter V6 went into V6 editions of the ES, LS, and sporty GTZ sedan. Mitsubishi initially announced that manual shift might come later, but all Galants had a 4-speed automatic transmission. Seat-mounted side airbags were standard in the LS and GTZ, and an option for the ES. Antilock braking was standard on V6 models and optional for the 4-cylinder ES. A body-color grille, spoiler, and white-faced gauges helped the GTZ stand apart from the Galant pack. Mitsubishi considered the 4-cylinder ES sedan to be the volume leader.

Yearly Updates

2000 Galant
Traction control was newly standard for the LS and GTZ, but not available on other models. All Galants gained center rear 3-point safety belts. All except the DE got a standard antitheft system and driver’s-seat lumbar adjustment. An in-dash 6-disc CD changer joined the options list.
2001 Galant
Rear child-seat anchors were new for 2001, and traction control became available on the ES sedan, packaged with heated mirrors and alloy wheels. All Galants now were certified as 50-state Low Emissions Vehicles. The 4-cylinder engine got ultra LEV status in states that adopted California emissions standards.
2002 Galant
Galant got revised front and rear styling and expanded availability of its 4-cyl engine for 2002. Also new were an emergency inside trunklid release, new-look LS V6 and GTZ wheels, and altered interior trim. Added midyear was a Sun and Sound Package for ES models that included power sunroof, upgraded audio system, and alloy wheels.
2003 Galant
No changes for Mitsubishi’s compact car. A new and larger model would appear in ’04.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

DE and ES models had a 145-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine; the ES V6, LS, and GTZ got a 195-hp 3.0-liter V6. Both engines were offered only with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In 2002, the 4-cyl engine was newly standard on LS models.

ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/143
Engine HP 145
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 155
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 21/28

 24.0
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/181
Engine HP 195
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 205
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 20/27

 22.2

Road Test

Surprisingly entertaining on the road, especially with V6 power, the Galant delivers solid driving feel. Both engines are smooth performers. The 4 cylinder delivers brisk takeoffs and cruises without strain at highway speeds, becoming vocal only at higher rpm. As expected, the V6 is somewhat smoother, quieter, and punchier, but commands premium fuel. A 4-cylinder model accelerated to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds, while a GTZ V6 did it 2 seconds quicker. The V6 works well with the transmission to deliver throttle response as good as any in its class. Wind rush is muted, but tire roar is noticeable on coarse pavement. Handling is front-drive balanced and predictable, while the Galant’s ride is calm, controlled, and absorbent–apart from minor tail hop over sharp lateral ridges. The GTZ model telegraphs small bumps more clearly than less-sporty Galants, but exhibits more precise steering and slightly less body lean in tight corners. Steering feel on lesser models is a bit numb. Simulated “panic” stops are short, true, and level, even without antilock braking. Interior space is sufficient, but with only average room for four adults on a longer ride. Adults in back lack leg space to avoid knees-up riding. Rear-seat entry/exit could be better, but front seats are long-haul supportive. Gauges and controls are well-positioned and obvious. Visibility is hindered only to the rear by the Galant’s high-tail styling. With a flat floor and low liftover, the trunk is spacious enough but its lid feels flimsy. All models except the base DE have split folding rear seatbacks. On the whole, interior decor is pleasant but on the bland side.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Mitsubishi Galant ES 4-cylinder

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 - 3
30%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 3
30%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 44

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
103.7 187.8 68.5 55.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
14.0 16.3 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.9 37.7 43.5 36.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 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 - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

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

Collision 136
Injury 160
Theft 153

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: The automatic transmission may shudder, surge, or vibrate due to thermal breakdown of the original transmission fluid (SPII). The system must be flushed and refilled with revised fluid (SPIII). (1999-2001)
Audio system
Description: A short causes popping noises from the speakers when the power seat is operated. A jumper harness with a filter has been released for installation under the seat. (1999-2001)
Vehicle noise
Description: Banging, creaking, and popping noises from the front end are usually due to dry stabilizer-bar bushings. Revised bushings are available as replacements. (1999-2000)
Vehicle noise
Description: Popping and creaking noises from front end of vehicle are caused by worn front stabilizer bar bushings. (1999-2000)
Electrical problem
Description: Heat from the exhaust manifold, could damage the battery cable harness and blow main fuse. (2000)

Recall History

1998-03
Description: Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
1999-00
Description: Steering-column multifunction switch levers can become loose or break over time; loosening or cracking can cause directional lamps that do not self-cancel or operate, headlamps that do not turn off, windshield washers that operate continuously, and/or windshield wipers that do not operate.
1999-00 w/V6
Description: On certain cars, battery-cable wiring harness can become heat-damaged by front exhaust manifold, which could cause grounded circuits. This failure could cause any of the following to occur: (1) engine will not start because main fuse will blow if power lead is grounded; (2) low oil-pressure warning lamp will illuminate if signal wire is grounded; (3) air conditioner will become inoperative if lead to magnetic clutch is grounded; and (4) turn signal/hazard lamps will become inoperative if voltage-monitor lead is grounded.
2000
Description: Power-steering pipe could wear through, allowing fluid leakage. Can result in a fire and continued loss of fluid will result in a loss of power assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
2001
Description: Bulge in fuel tank on small number of vehicles resulted in thinning of material, increasing risk of fuel leakage.
2001
Description: Harness for crankshaft position sensor could contact new protective shield, causing grounded circuit; prolonged contact could cause wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out, causing engine to die.
2001
Description: Some incorrect driver’s seat mounting bolts were installed.
2002
Description: Front harness may be routed so that it comes into contact with a rough edge, possibly causing grounded circuits, loss of stop- or turn-signal lamp operation and/or engine hesitation.
2003
Description: Excessive fuel pressure could lead to fuel leak and fire.

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.
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