The Mitsubishi Galant has a long history in the American market, starting off as the 1971 Dodge Colt before transitioning to the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo. However, it wasn’t until 1985 that Mitsubishi Motors began selling Galants from their own showrooms in the U.S. Over the years, the Galant went through several generations, with some notable variants like the Sigma, VR-4, GS-X, and Ralliart.
One rare find in a North Carolina self-service wrecking yard is the sporty eighth-generation Galant GTZ sedan. This model showcases the evolution of the Galant, particularly in terms of design and performance.
In the United States, the hot-rod all-wheel-drive VR-4 and GS-X Galants were discontinued in 1992. By 1998, the Galant lineup featured three levels with four-cylinder engines powering the front wheels. However, it was in 1999 that a significant change occurred with the introduction of the 6G72 V6 engine under Galant hoods. This engine, with its 161 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque, was available in the ES-V6, GTZ-V6, and LS-V6 models.
While the GTZ had a sporty appearance, it wasn’t as packed with luxury features as the LS. Nevertheless, the eighth-generation Galant marked a turning point for Mitsubishi as it became more powerful, matching up against rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. These competitors had already offered V6 power for several years. The 1999 Galant featured a grille similar to its upscale Diamante big brother.
Pricing-wise, the Galant was in line with its Camry and Accord counterparts. The base 1999 Galant DE started at $16,999, which would be around $32,441 in today’s money. Comparatively, the Camry LE V6 with automatic transmission had a starting price of $22,748 (or $43,412 today), while the Accord LX V6 with automatic came in at $21,700 (or $41,412 today). Although the Galant had less horsepower than the Toyota and Honda models, it made up for it with an affordable price point.
Interestingly, the 1999 Galant DE did not offer a manual transmission option in the U.S., making it an even more attractive deal compared to the base Accords and Camrys. It even came with standard air conditioning at no extra cost.
While the GT-Z model may not be considered collectible today, it still holds an interesting place in automotive history. Its factory wing adds a touch of seriousness to its sporty appearance.
In conclusion, the 1999 Galant lineup represented a significant milestone for Mitsubishi in terms of power and size, allowing it to compete more directly with established rivals like the Camry and Accord. The Galant DE variant, in particular, offered a good deal for its price, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers.