1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mitsubishi Galant. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mitsubishi Galant.

1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Review

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.

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.

1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Rear visibility

Passenger and cargo room	Engine noise

Ride	Fuel economy

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Reliability

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

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.

1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1994
Galant	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200
Galant LS, GS	$1,600-2,000	$1,100-1,300	$200-300

1995
Galant	$1,500-1,900	$1,000-1,200	$200
Galant LS	$1,700-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$300

1996
Galant	$1,600-2,000	$1,100-1,300	$200-300
Galant LS	$2,000-2,400	$1,400-1,700	$300-400

1997
Galant	$1,800-2,300	$1,200-1,600	$300
Galant LS	$2,300-2,800	$1,700-2,000	$400-500

1998
Galant	$2,100-2,600	$1,500-1,800	$400-500
Galant LS	$2,700-3,200	$2,000-2,400	$600-700

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.

1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

< 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Photos

1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Local Listings >

Also in the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Review:

Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi Galant Road Test

Mitsubishi Galant Reliability

Mitsubishi Galant Prices

Mitsubishi Galant Specs & Safety

Mitsubishi Galant Photos

Mitsubishi Galant Full Review