1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1998 Mitsubishi Galant
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1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant ▼
- Price Range: $800 - $2,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Engine noise
- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Galant ES Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant.
Year to Year Changes
1995 Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi Galant:
No changes were made to the Galant for '98. An all-new model was waiting in the wings for 1999.
Our road test for the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Value for the Money
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Galant ES Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
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.
Dashboard lights:
The headlights and dash lights may dim during deceleration because the computer switches on the electric cooling fan. (1994-95)
Exhaust system:
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:
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:
Transaxle end-clutch oil seals could leak leading to a loss of overdrive (fourth gear). (1994)
Vehicle noise:
Defective rear shock absorbers cause knocking noises on bumpy roads. Revised parts are available. (1994-96)
Vehicle shake:
Vibrations on automatic transmission models are probably due to the upper radiator-mounting posts not being centered in the mounting brackets. (1994)
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 | $610 |
| Alternator | $335 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $865 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $560 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $725 |
| Exhaust System | $500 |
| Radiator | $595 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $460 |
| 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 |
|
|
|||
| 1998 | |||
| Galant | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Galant LS | $2,500-3,000 | $1,800-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Galant | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Galant LS | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Galant | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Galant LS | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Galant | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Galant LS | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Galant | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Galant LS, GS | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
|||
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. | 103.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2755 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 141-143 | 148 | 5-speed manual: 23/30 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.2 |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 160 | 160 | 5-speed manual: 22/28 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Galant include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1998 Galant |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| 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 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1994-95:
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:
Rubber boots on lower ball joint can become damaged, allowing dirt and water intrusion, which can cause excessive wear and possible separation.
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