Used 2002 Mitsubishi Galant Sedan Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Mine has 260,000 miles still going(4cyl)
I felt a need to post a review on this car considering how good it has been to me. I bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Galant ES new at Rice Mitsubishi. Now it has 260,000 miles and still runs strong and looks great. Everything works. The only problem I've ever had with the car is I had to replace one of the headlights. I can say with confidence that this car is just as reliable as any Honda or Toyota,as long as, you change the timing belt every 60,000 miles which is routine for all Mitsubishis.(This will run you around $600) Besides that this car had caused me NO inconveniences. My Galant with 260k can still reach 100mph and still has pretty impressive acceleration and is praised for it's handling.
Mitsubishi Power
Edmunds has helped out a lot so I decided to give back and contribute via a review. I own a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant with 121,000 miles on it. I had it since 2003. It is a very very reliable car. Any Galant 2002 and up has a very smooth steering and heavy bass sound system that comes standard, which no one really knows about. Japanese cars are the most reliable but this model has two major flaws. 1. the Galant's engine coolant system is made out of plastic, so after about 100,000 miles, it may melt and start to leak. Another is that brakes have to be changed often (about once a year). Over the last 7 years, no repairs needed! Parts are not that expensive. Other than that, enjoy Mitsubishi power
- ES SedanMSRP: $99063 mi away
Great car both mechanically and structurally.
My daughter was in a terrible accident at a very high rate of speed on the interstate. The front end was unrecognizable. My daughter walked away without a scratch. This car can sustain major front and side impacts. We truly believe this car saved our daughter's life. We bought it brand new and never had a problem with it, very reliable. We will be looking for another one as a replacement.
very satisfied
My wife found this car for my son. It had 100k miles on it. It was the first car I bought with 100k miles. My son has been traveling back and forth from college with this car and it's been a very reliable car NO PROBLEMS. We have had the car now 4 years and it's hasn't cost a penny for maintenance other than normal oil changes and such.
Best Car Yet
The Galant is the best car I've ever owned. I get great mileage on the highway (30 mpg on 360 mile round trip), and between 17 and 20 in the city. Other than brake pads, once, and oil changes, this wonderful car has required nothing. I drive a lot of miles, and this car has been perfect. It is a great car and I highly recommend it.
GTZ Owner
Yes I agree that the Camry is nice and so is the Altima, that's if you want to pay too much and lack a sense of style....but as a GTZ owner, I can't get enough compliments. So what if it's a BMW knock off, at least I paid half the cost. Since I've owned it, driving has become fun again and I always feel safe driving it. It may not have been your first choice...but it's #1 with me.
Exterior paint
I purchased my Mitsubishi in Jan. 2002, purchased it with only 8 miles on it. I purchased a Black one, I did love it at first, then after about 3 years, the paint has started disappearing. Great big chunks of paint gone. I have had it looked at, and have been told, I i just look around at other black Mitsubishi vehicles, I would find that I am not the only one with this problem. Since then I look very closely at any Black Mitsubishi, and all of the older ones have the same problem with the paint that has just disappeared. I was told that the older models have that problem.
My best car yet!
I have had my Galant for 2yrs and I love it. I have not had many problems. The only problem I faced was when the heating coil got clogged and that cost about $600 to replace. Other than that the mechanics say my car is flawless. I do my regular oil changes and get maintenance and the car does the rest.
My 2002 Galant
I love my Galant. I bought mine three years ago. I bought it used so there were some things that need to be replaced. It ran excellent the day I bought and continues to run great. I did have to take it to the shop to clean out the A/C filter. The heating coil is broken so there is no heat in the car, but where I lived that was not a major problem. I do want to get it replaced now that I have moved to a different state. But overall this is a great car.
Buy Used
Purchased the car for $5900 with only 40k miles - ran a carfax(ok) - car runs and drives great. The resale value on these cars are low so purchase it used and you can get a good deal - look around -- I checked out the car completely and it is in great shape. This is the best value in a used car.
I love /miss my galant
I bought my 02 mitsubishi galant back in 2011 and it was by far the best car i've ever owned. We got ours from Vern Eide in Sioux Falls, SD and it had about 130,000 miles on it. The only we've had to replace in the last 3 years was a radiator hose about 6 months after buying and then just in the last 2 months had to replace the cv axle on the passenger side but that may had something to do with the way my husband drove it. Up until the accident i just had in the last week in which there wasn't nearly as much damage as there should've been, the car ran perfectly even during the -50 degree weather we had this last winter. It only didn't start once! I will miss my car i certainly recommend it
Pretty Decent Car
I bought my galant in 2005 used with 56,000 miles. All in all it has been a pretty decent car, its not blazing fast but still pretty quick. I have left quite a few people at the line even with a stock engine. The outside looks nice, inside could use some improvement but its not terrible. Not too much interior space but thats not a huge issue. I have customized wit ralliart parts for more performance. Has been a pretty good car, I recommend this car as a great car for a first time driver.
LOVE IT
Its fun to drive. Has more room in it than my prior Ford wagon. Handles like a fast car. I had to make a sudden stop (a child on a bike rode out in front of my car) Its stops on a dime. Needs better drink holders. Where's the keyhole to the trunk? That's my big problem. No keyhole to the trunk. Have to open it from inside the car. Also, the emergency flashers button is placed on the front dash between the two a/c vents- accidentally turned it on a few times and couldn't figure out how to shut them off. Trunk is roomy, but the board over the spare tire is not secured to the car so it occassionally comes out of place.
POOR PAINT JOB!
I like my Mitsubishi Galant but the paint on the roof and hood rusted out after only two years. Otherwise I love the car!
My First Car, It Rocks
I bought this car like 2 weeks ago. I ahve not had any problems with it so far. It has a sporty exterior but a so so interior. I agree with the fact that there is very little room for the backseat. Its acceleration is kinda poor. I compared it with the Honda Accord that my friend has. It is in the same class and everything. Perhaps I expect too much from my Galant. Overall it's a very good USED car. The value of this car went down like crazy regardless you buy it new or used. It comes with keyless entry, etc. I love this car. I am gonna hold on to it and I'll buy another Galant later on. Mitsubishi rocks!!! Of course, I wouldn't buy a new one.
Stylish, Fun and still very practical.
This is one of the classiest looking cars on the road. I love it's look. It's very comfortable, fun and easy to drive.
Most reliable car I've ever owned
Yes I was one of "those" who bought this car brand new. Of course after two Fords and a Chevy, I'd wanted to give the foreign market a try. Honda and Toyota were too expensive and the Galant turned out to be a great commuter car. 146K miles later and I must say it's been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. No major work outside of schedule maintenance. Changed the oil every 5K. I'd rate this car just as high as any Honda or Toyota from the same year. Are there things that could be better? Yeah usually there are, but I'm very pleased with the Galant.
It OK, but nothing more
good, but not great. The dashboard rattles showing bad build quality. the wheel alignment is forever off-center. And the lack of folding side mirrors is a DISGRACE. I've knocked off two already. Once when a bicycle! brushed it. Utter disgrace. Engine is very smooth and there is good interior room. Again, it's a good car, but not great
Mitsubishi 2002 is good for daily commute
Don't expect it to be superb, but for daily commute to work or grocery it's economical.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
ES V6 Good Car for the Buck
Good Financing considering other Japanese Cars.
Extremely reliable
This car has been in my family for 5 years, it was my sisters first car with 148k miles, it never broke down on her, but she ignored routine maintenance, so when i purchased it 2 months ago with 182k miles it needed struts, strut mounts, brakes, fuel pump, camshaft position sensor, battery, and a really good cleaning, this car is really fun to drive. I drive the crap out of it, and it never lets me down, now at 186k miles, im very pleased with the way it rides, and with the way it handles. I will definately buy another mitsubishi, hopefully an Evo.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good Car!
I have had this car for almost a year now. I really like it so far! I haven't had any problems with it. My only complaint is that the back seat does not have very much leg room, as I am 6' 1", so my passengers sometimes feel cramped in the back, especially if it's a long drive. I love the features mine has (see below). It has been a very reliable car so far and seems very safe. If you're looking for a Galant, I would definitely buy an LS or LTZ, the DS and ES just seem very cheaply made in comparison to my LS. Just remember, you get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap car, then you'll have some problems. I see a lot of people mad about their Galant purchase on here, but mine is great!
2002 ES 4 cyl.
Very solid car, I've had it for 3 years now, 48K miles, and the only problems I've had are with the brakes - be sure to get only Mitsubishi brakes, otherwise your rotors will go quick, nothing major but its worth the extra $20... Other than that a great, light, economical car. My most recent check up they could not come up with anything that they could even forsee having an issue with in the next 6 months to a year, which is always nice.
Good car only have had for a day though
This car is a good car to buy used we bought it with 41k for $7500 although it has been repaired in the past. A very good amount of standard features and very fun to drive. The back seat is cramped but as long as you scoot the seats up a little its fine. Very nice looking exterior and easy to use interior.
NOT BAD, NOT BAD AT ALL
If you are looking for a reliable car with a small price tag....this is it. I put about 110 miles per day on this car. Great fuel economy and solid ride. One down fall is rear seat room, small kids are fine, but the big kids will complain. I hav ethe 4 cyl. and it acts like it, i will not be winning any races but it does the job just fine. all in all a good car for the money, I will even recomend it to anyone.
Should have purchased another car
I couldn't find a carseat to fit my sportscar after having my son. Mistubishi was offering a great deal (I thought). Appearance-wise the car is ok. Other than that I wish I had made another choice. Nothing about this car is impressive to me and now that I want to trade it in, I find that my $22,000 car is only worth a little more than $8,000, even in excellent condition and I still have tons to pay on it!!!! I'm beating myself over the head for buying this car new or used!!!
Never Again
We were so excited to be buying a brand new car. Newly married, first baby on the way, little did we know what a surprise we were in for. In the first two years alone, this vehicle was in for warrenty work at least 12 times. After having the car for 3 weeks they still never figured out what was wrong with it. While driving at highway speeds with the cruise on it would rev out as if someone slammed it into first gear. The dealer kept saying "this car is so great and best rated car" blah blah blah. I will NEVER buy a Mitsubishi product again...EVER.
Mediocre car for a decent value.
The only thing my GTZ excelled in was handling. Superb handling for a FWD. I've already avoided two serious accidents from idiots failing to yield to oncoming traffic. I literally pulled some McGuyver moves on the road with this car. However, the exterior and interior is plagued with cheap manufacturing and design. This car is an absolute embarrassment to be top dog in the American Galant lineup. Models overseas make this thing look like a POS. The premium fuel gets extremely annoying and I wish I would have purchased a Hyundai or Ford Mustang for the same price. My advise, get a used Chrysler Sebring v6 if you don't need to leg room
??????
A+ ALL THE WAY. I LOVE MY CAR TO DEATH I COULDN'T HAVE PICKED A BETTER CAR FOR MY MONEY!!!!!
Late Purchase
I purchased my 2002 Galant in 2009, with only 31K miles on the ticker. Currently, it has 80,500 and still running quite strong. My biggest complaint is the oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets that have been replaced 3 times, and the wheel alignment issues that cause vibrations in the front end at times. Otherwise, it has been a good performer, and has never left me stranded. I would definitely consider another one, should the powers that be at Mitsubish Motors consider bringing the Galant back to the market. Overall, I am a satisfied customer.
excellent
This is my 2nd Galant. I love them!
Galants Are Great
Good car for inexpensive price. Would Highly recommend.
Good choice!
This was not the first car I checked out but I have no doubt in my mind that I selected the best car for the money. It starts up every time (after changing the battery cables), runs great, keeps up on the highway without wobbling or trembling. It is actually a better ride than my mother's Taurus. All accessories work. I'm nothing but satisfied with this car. After checking out other models in its price class, I was much impressed with the materials and workmanship of the interior. I am well pleased with the driving experience this car affords me. Nothing but joy every time I start up the engine.
Do not buy any new mitsubishis
dont do what I did, buy a brand new mitsubishi with a low finance rate. afterwards i find out that the car that cost me 23k brand new is now worth 11- 13 k the following year! you lose half of what its is worth. its a big scam, dont buy new, buy used! :(
The Best
I straight up love my Galant. I got a silver Galant LS, and my cousin has the LS-V6. We love ours. The performance on my I-4 was great. Kept up with a Dodge Charger and a smoked a Ford Fusion. I love the Infinity sound and the leather and the power sunroof. I LOVE THIS CAR. Still have it for 5 years still runs good no major problems.
Silky driving with stylish machine
I really like my 2001 Galant ES. The smooth, quite but powerful engine makes me drive in comfort. The transmission also reacts quickly and follows a driver's intention to hit the road. If you are music maniac, but not heavy rocking sound guy, you will find that it has a quite nice system of car audio. The 7 speakers of Infinity brand can saturate your thirst of music. With these internal merits, Galant's modern style evokes real fun to drive. I think this is the most stylish car in a mid size sedan catagory. Just drive Galant! It's fun and happy!
Get it used, folks!
This was my first car purchase, and economic value was at the top of my list. All the comments on Edmund's went something like, ``Great car, but it loses all its value, dangit!'' I put two and two together, and decided to get it used. I'm getting 22.4 miles to the gallon on a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder, which I would expect to be closer to 6-cylinder territory. In any case, it's a bit low, given the relatively poor performance I'm getting from the car. On the up side, it handles nicely, and it looks pretty sleek. I would have preferred a manual transmission car, but nothing about this Galant is compatible with the manual transmission ``feel.''
An amazingly good car
I have owned a number of cars since 1968: a '59 Chevy Impala, a '71 Triumph TR6, a'72 Ford Mustang (4-speed), a '79 Ford Mustang (new), a 1974 Jaguar XJ6L, a Subaru Justy DL (new), a 1988 Ford Taurus (all electric package). None of them can compare with the reliability, functionality, and overall quality of the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant LS that I bought in October 2001. It's been about two years since I bought the car and it has NEVER been in the shop: for me, that's a new world record! If you buy one of these cars new, you will be impressed: all of my passengers are usually amazed.
Good Buy
I got my LS after its original lease ended and the car had 25K miles on it. Have been driving it for over 3 years now. Not a single problem with the car. What a difference from my previous Audi A4 which was breaking down every week. Like the interior - mine has leather seats, sunroof, side airbags, CD player. Back room is really for kids and not for adults. It is fun to drive and it easily goes 90-100 mph on highways - stable and solid run. Great car for the money. Not as refined as Maxima or Accord, but you'd pay much more for those.
This One's Tricky
I got a nice deal on a this car and walked out of the dealership without putting a dime down plus 2.9 percent for 6 years (that's like free money). The 0 down is misleading, b/c it's a 36 month term and the payment can be really high (unless you put a significant down payment on it).
Loved the '99, Love the '02
Excellent performance, especially acceleration from a stop and for passing. Very quiet for a car this size. Only drawback is interior room. Headroom is acceptable but could be better (I'm 6'4"), and backseat room is fine for kids only
Vet no more
I started with a corvette and traded 4 expedition, decided I wanted a smaller family car, it has been the best car I have ever owned, NO problems @ all I drive around 20,000 miles a year, so I lucked out w/ this car!
great ride for the price
v6 engine is really smooth, powerful and quiet. sound isolation is at par with class leading camry. ride is a bit stiff but with moderate body roll during spirited cornering. brakes are strong and non dramatic. front seats have adequate breathing room but rear seat is cramped. interior could use a little adrenaline. exterior styling is really nicely executed.
Good used car
We bought this vehicle used during a really snowy time. I have never seen a car easier to drive in the snow. It has enough but not too many features, which is a plus for me. Too many cars out are loaded with features that you never use but have to pay for. We bought this used, so we did not loose the many off the lot value that everyone complains about.
Reliable, poor fuel economy,poor resale
Engine is reliable but it consumes too much fuel for a 4-cylinder. Noticeable road noise and not too smooth a ride. My 94 Accord still gives me 30 miles/gal and still is a more solid ride. Don't buy this car brand new as the value goes right out the window by quite a chunk as soon as you leave the car lot( or keep it for a year and you'll see how much it's worth)
Outstanding vehicle
We rented this vehicle and took a 2000 mile drive vacation. It was an outstanding experiance. I am currently looking to purchase my own.
SHARP LOOKING CAR
THIS IS MY FIRST GALANT,THE 4CYL IS FAST,SHOULD HAVE MOVE THE CUP HOLDERS.
Thanks again
I have spent $432 average per year in maintenance for 5 years or $2159 in total and that includes the timing belt & p/s belts, brake pads & turned rotors once, 2 tires, battery, wipers, headlamps, 2 flats and LOFs of Mobil 1 at 5000 mile intervals. 24 average MPG and a boost of about 5 MPG after the new timing belt. It has been hit 6 times and has always remained road worthy mechanically. It has been 6 months after the most recent collision. I replaced the sulfated battery at the dealership it was inspected for mechanical and safety items. My 2002 Galant continues to exceeded my expectations. I look forward to owning another Mitsubishi Galant very soon.
Ride with me
Its very good on the road , speed and braking.
A Midsize car with a SubCompact interior
If your 5'7" or below, then this car might work for you. I'm over 6' and I feel extremely unsafe driving this vehicle. It is extremely uncomfortable (legroom and headroom is at a minimum), the performance is extremely poor (VERY loose steering for starters as well as NO pickup in the 4 cyl.), and as time goes on it will get more and more unreliable (has stalled on me already and has 11,000 miles). The sticker price on the LS with the leather package is approx. $23,000. My suggestion is to take that money and go buy yourself a VolksWagon Passat, or Nissan Maxima, or Toyota Camry, or any other car in the Galant's class.