1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1993 Mitsubishi Galant
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1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,400
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Handling/roadholding
- Reliability
- Passenger room
Cons
- Cargo room
- Ride (VR-4, GSX)
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
Vehicle Highlights
Galant was Mitsubishi's answer to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. At its introduction, base models offered a 102-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed manual. Galants in LS trim dropped the manual for a 4-speed automatic. The sporty GS model and all-wheel-drive GSX came with a twin-cam, 135-horsepower version of the same 2.0-liter engine, electronically controlled suspension, plus 4-wheel disc brakes and available antilock brakes.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Galant LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mitsubishi Galant:
The big news for 1991 is the arrival of the high-performance Galant VR-4 model. It replaces the GSX as the Galant flagship. The GSX returns, but drops its 5-speed in favor of a 4-speed automatic. The VR-4 adds a more advanced 4WD system, similar to the one used in Mitsubishi's 3000GT, and adds a 195-horsepower turbocharged engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel steering, leather interior, and bold exterior trim. Another new model, the GSR, is also added. It features front-wheel drive, and the twin-cam 135-horsepower 4-cylinder mated to the 5-speed manual, electronic suspension, and antilock brakes. Finally, Mitsubishi added a new grille and taillamps to help provide a fresh new look.
1992 Mitsubishi Galant:
With the arrival last year of the VR-4, Mitsubishi decided to drop the 4WD GSX model for 1992. The remaining four models receive a mild freshening inside and out. The twin-cam 2.0-liter that powers both GS and GSR models now provides 144 horsepower, up from 135 last year.
1993 Mitsubishi Galant:
The 1993 Galant gives some notable changes for its fourth year in its present form. The slow-selling VR-4 is discontinued. Last year's sporty GS and GSR have been combined for 1993 into a single LS model. Last year's midlevel LS has been renamed the ES, but provides roughly the same equipment. The base Galant now is designated as the S model. All receive a revised version of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The new unit is fitted with internal balance shafts and is now a 16-valve unit with power increasing from 102 to 121 horsepower.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Roomy and comfortable, Galants also ride exceptionally well with steady and predictable handling. Even base models take curves with a minimum of drama. Acceleration from the base engine is fine with the manual transmission, but the automatic renders it rather anemic. It tends to hesitate when asked to downshift, making passing more difficult. It also jumps back and forth between gears when driving through hilly areas. A more satisfying driving experience is offered by GS models equipped with the 135-horsepower twin-cam engine. Mileage drops slightly, but the trade-off is worth it. Although rare these days, real driving enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the 4WD GSX and VR-4 models. Handling tends toward the jittery side on rough pavement, and the electronic suspension may need servicing, but the combination of luxury and performance they provide is outstanding. Although the cabin has plenty of room for four adults, forget trying three in back.
Value for the Money
We rate the early '90s Galant highly, and still consider it an exceptional value when compared with same-year Accords and Camrys.
We rate the early '90s Galant highly, and still consider it an exceptional value when compared with same-year Accords and Camrys.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Galant LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Galant includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Galant .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
To correct a delay when shifting from neutral or park into Drive or Reverse, it is necessary to replace the transmission's solenoid valve set. (1992-93)
Exhaust system:
Cars with turbo engines had an emissions recall to replace the oxygen sensor with one that could endure higher temperatures. (1991-92)
Manual transmission:
Manual transmissions in which the shifter does not move smoothly between gears need a bottle of friction modifier added to the oil through the speedometer gear opening. (1991-92)
Vehicle shake:
Vibrations in automatic-transmission models are probably due to the upper radiator-mounting posts not being centered in the mounting brackets. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $705 |
| Alternator | $310 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $875 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $765 |
| Exhaust System | $500 |
| Radiator | $550 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $425 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $290 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Galant details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| Galant | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Galant | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Galant VR-4 | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Galant | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Galant VR-4 | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Galant | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Galant include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2601 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Unlike some automakers who keep the same engine and powertrain combinations intact for years, Mitsubishi kept tinkering with ways in which the four versions of its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder could be shifted each year, choosing to designate some models manual-only and others automatic-only, then shifting the mix completely the following year. For a full rundown, simply refer to the annual summaries. To simplify, the Mitsubishi Galant powertrain starts with an 8-valve, 102-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, which shifts to a 16-valve, 121-horsepower unit in 1993. Torque is rated at 116 pound-feet at 2500 rpm, then jumps to 120 pound-feet at 4750 rpm for '93. The double-overhead-cam version of the same engine begins by providing 135 horsepower, followed by 144 horsepower in 1993. Torque figures range from 125 pound-feet at 5000 rpm to 134 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. The turbocharged unit installed in the VR-4 is the 195-horsepower turbocharged unit shared with the Eclipse. It provides torque of 203 pound-feet at 3000 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 121 | 120 | 5-speed manual: 22/30 4-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 135-144 | 125-134 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 21/26 |
5-speed manual: 22.4 4-speed automatic: 21.8 |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 102 | 116 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 21/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 23.1 |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 195 | 203 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 | 5-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Galant include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Galant |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Mitsubishi Galant directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front-seatbelt release button can break, allowing pieces to fall into buckle assembly.
1990-92 w/AWD:
Lockup of transfer case can occur, due to insufficient lubrication.
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