The Good
The 2008 Galant provides a comfortable ride, especially appealing for daily commutes. The Ralliart trim offers slightly improved performance and sporty styling, catering to emotional buyers. Its affordability and simple mechanicals make it a practical choice, while its decent fuel efficiency in the 4-cylinder models contributes to its value proposition and saves money.
The Bad
The 2008 Galant suffers from interior plastics that feel cheap. Some owners report issues with the automatic transmission, particularly in earlier model years of this generation. Rust can also be a concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. The base engine can feel underpowered, and the car generally lacks refinement compared to some of its competitors.
2008 Mitsubishi Galant: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Available on DE, ES, and Sport Edition trims.
- 3.8L V6: Exclusive to the Ralliart trim.
- Horsepower:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Approximately 160 hp.
- 3.8L V6: Approximately 230 hp.
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- 2.4L Inline-4: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
- 3.8L V6: 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
- 0-60 Times (estimated):
- 2.4L Inline-4: Around 9.5 seconds.
- 3.8L V6: Around 7.0 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or officially rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- DE: Base model; typically includes power windows and locks, basic audio system.
- ES: Adds features like alloy wheels, upgraded audio, and keyless entry.
- Sport Edition: Offers sporty styling elements, upgraded interior trim.
- Ralliart: Top-of-the-line; includes V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded interior, and unique exterior styling.
2008 Mitsubishi Galant Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2008 |
| Make | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Galant |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.8L V6 |
| Engine Size | 3.8L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Have?
Engine issues, while less common, have been reported, including oil leaks and sensor failures. Some owners have also noted electrical problems, such as malfunctioning power windows or issues with the car's computer system.
Recalls for the 2008 Galant have addressed concerns like faulty airbag inflators (Takata recall), which could potentially explode and cause injury. Long-term reliability can be affected by these issues, and regular maintenance is crucial. Checking for rust, transmission fluid condition, and any signs of electrical problems during a pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended. Early signs of these problems should be addressed promptly to prevent more significant and costly repairs.
How long will the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant last?
Weaknesses over time include potential rust issues, transmission problems (especially in older models), and the degradation of interior components. Vehicles in regions with harsh climates or poor road conditions may experience faster wear and tear. Careful owners who address these concerns proactively can extend the lifespan of their Galant significantly.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Entertainment: The base audio system was fairly simple. Optional upgrades included a multi-disc CD changer and a slightly better speaker system. There were no advanced infotainment features like navigation or smartphone integration available at the time.
Driver-Assistance: Driver-assistance features were limited. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and traction control were available, but advanced features like lane departure warning or blind-spot monitoring were not offered.
Safety Features: Standard safety features included front airbags and side airbags. Some models also included side curtain airbags.
Crash Test Ratings: The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant's crash-test ratings varied depending on the agency. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave it decent scores in frontal and side-impact crash tests. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) ratings also showed generally good performance in their tests. It's crucial to check specific ratings for each test performed by both agencies for a comprehensive understanding of its safety performance.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2008 Mitsubishi Galant Prices and Market Value
The Galant depreciated significantly over time, a common trend for Mitsubishi vehicles. Factors affecting resale value include overall condition, mileage, service history, and trim level (Ralliart models usually command a higher price). Lack of advanced features and a somewhat tarnished reputation contribute to the lower resale values.
2008 Mitsubishi Galant Cost of Ownership
2008 Mitsubishi Galant Fuel Efficiency
2008 Mitsubishi Galant Safety Rating
NHTSA
2008 Mitsubishi Galant Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Compare to Other Sedan?
In terms of price, the Galant was often more affordable than these competitors when new and continues to be cheaper on the used market. However, this comes at the cost of some of the qualities mentioned above. Performance-wise, the Ralliart trim provided a decent punch but still didn't match the driving dynamics of some sportier competitors.
Alternatives to consider include the Toyota Camry (known for its reliability), Honda Accord (well-rounded), or Mazda6 (sportier handling). If budget is a primary concern, the Galant can be a viable option, but it's essential to thoroughly inspect it for potential issues before purchasing. For a similar driving experience but potentially better reliability, consider a used Nissan Altima.
Ranks #1842 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1842 | 2008 Mitsubishi Galant | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant a Good Sedan?
Avoid models with extensive rust or signs of transmission problems. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential. If reliability and features are paramount, consider alternatives like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, but be prepared to pay more. For someone needing basic transportation on a tight budget, the Galant can be a reasonable choice with careful consideration.
KernsArt55 on January 29, 2021
13 Years Later...I bought the car new,and in 13 years the only problem was the air conditioning compressor went out. With proper care and maintenance, I expect another 100k miles. Both roomy and comfortable inside, with a sporty exterior. The 4 cylinder engine will surprise.Powerful acceleration and above average handling, will make you glad you own it.
Mpietro1069 on March 16, 2020
First used car I bought and Cars.com made it easy.This car runs great and it’s very roomy. At first I thought it would be too small because I’m used to SUV that are much larger but we fit perfectly.
MisterChrisPanna on November 25, 2019
Most Reliable I’ve seen in my lifeThat car is in perfect condition, it is very beautiful, it can be handled very comfortably and the most important thing about this car is the simplicity.
RollTideRoll on June 26, 2018
BEST CAR I'VE OWNEDI got my Galant when it had 170,000 miles and now I am at 276,000. Only thing pricey that I had done was the alternator. I love my Galant.
islandprincess on August 31, 2017
dependable carRuns and runs. Have done only usual maintenance: oil changes every 5,ooo miles and new tires about every 3-4 years. No other problems. Very dependable
Tony3185 on July 17, 2017
Most reliability car i hadThis car was the best car i had, it was good on gas and the styling was great and it fits very comfort.
Quincy The Dog on November 17, 2011
Worth the drive to dealerFound our Galant on cars.com site, and called the dealer immedidately. Actually worked w/the dealer on the phone throughout the day from work, and went to look at it that evening. Came home w/it that night! Just the color and price range we were looking for. Dealer was approx 1 hr. drive, but well worthh it. Great online tool, and saved us lots of driving around to visit sale lots. We probably would've settled for a color we really didn't want, and here we found exactly what we were looking for. Great experience, and great dealer. Best and easiest car buying experience we've ever had!
2008 Mitsubishi Galant ES on September 30, 2009
Best Car I Ever OwnedI've owned the Galant ES for 1 year and i love it. It currently has over 26,000 miles and has had no problems with it. I would recommend this car to any one.
PLH on August 20, 2009
Good ValueHad this car for almost 2 yrs. and like it very much overall. Test drove Camry and Accord but chose Galant. Galant was better value than Camry and handled better than Accord. Mechanically it has been sound and trouble free. Did have a paint issue on front bumper caused by failure of factory to properly prepare undercoating but that was resolved. Car is comfortable but does have more road noise than Camry and Accord. Interior is not inspiring but is functional. Excellent sound system. Would definitely buy another.
Car Girl on May 29, 2008
The Galant is the best kept secret.I love my Mitsubishi Galant. It has a lot of kick for a four cylinder. I also like the sportronic feature where I can drive it as an automatic or choose my shift points like a manual without a clutch. I have never had any problems with it and would highly reccomend this vehicle to anyone.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.