Mitsubishi Galant
Nine generations, five million units, from compact to mid-size.
The Mitsubishi Galant, a nameplate derived from the French word for "chivalrous," rolled off production lines from 1969 to 2012. Over nine distinct generations, Mitsubishi sold more than five million of these cars worldwide. What started as a compact sedan gradually grew into a mid-size offering. Though manufacturing began in Japan, assembly later spread to other nations.
The first iteration, the Colt Galant, debuted in December 1969 at Mitsubishi’s new Japanese dealership chain, the Galant Shop. Its "Dynawedge" design highlighted aerodynamic influences on the body shape. Three models launched with the new Saturn engine: a 1.3-liter (AI) and two 1.5-liter versions (AII and AIII). By September 1971, 1.4- and 1.6-liter units replaced them. A larger 1.7-liter, producing 115 PS, arrived for the top GS model in January 1973. Initially a four-door sedan only, a five-door estate and a two-door hardtop (A53) joined the lineup in 1970. That hardtop marked Mitsubishi’s first production passenger car with full side windows and no side pillars. In March 1973, with just two months of production left, a cleaner "MCA-II" version of the 1.6-liter engine appeared, offering 97 PS—three horsepower less than the standard unit.
The Galant competed against the Toyota Corona, Nissan Bluebird, Honda Accord, and Mazda Capella. It became Mitsubishi’s first car sold in the United States in 1971, when Chrysler Corporation—then a new partner and stakeholder—imported it as the Dodge Colt to counter American subcompacts like the Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega, and AMC Gremlin. Chrysler Australia also built it, selling it alongside larger Valiant models as the Chrysler Valiant Galant. In South Africa, the A53 Colt Galant arrived in late 1972 as the Dodge Colt 1600 GS (AY series). Only the Hardtop GS version was sold there, capitalizing on its sporty image after the car had already been rallied in 1300 and 1600 forms. Gross power was claimed at 97 PS at 6,700 rpm, and it rode on Rostyle wheels, the same type used on locally assembled Hillman Vogues.
From 1970, a fastback coupé called the Galant GTO was developed. Inspired by American muscle cars, this hardtop offered a choice of two Saturn engines and the 2-liter Astron 80, and remained in production until 1975. The nameplate was so well regarded in Japan that Mitsubishi revived it for the 1990 GTO coupé.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Mitsubishi Motors
- Production
- 1969–2012
- Class
- Compact car (1969–1987) / Mid-size car (1983–2012)
- Layout
- Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1969–1987) / Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1983–2012) / Transverse front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1987–2006)
- Predecessor
- Mitsubishi Colt 1500
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The first generation, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969 at a new Mitsubishi Japanese dealership called Galant Shop. Its design was dubbed 'Dynawedge' by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3- or 1.5-liter configurations. The Galant was offered as a competitor to the Toyota Corona, Nissan Bluebird, Honda Accord, and Mazda Capella. It became Mitsubishi's first car sold in the United States in 1971 when Chrysler Corporation began importing it as the Dodge Colt. It was also produced by Chrysler Australia and sold as the Chrysler Valiant Galant.
The second generation, built from 1973, was more curvaceous with 'coke bottle styling' and featured larger 'Astron' engines. Transmissions were floor-mounted, including a four-speed manual, a five-speed unit for sportier models, and a three-speed automatic. The third generation, introduced in 1976, was known as the Galant Σ (Sigma). In Australia it was marketed as the Chrysler Sigma and later as the Mitsubishi Sigma. A two-door coupé variant, the Galant Λ (Lambda), was sold in the United States as the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo.
Reader's Guide
The Mitsubishi Galant holds significance as a long-running nameplate that evolved from a compact sedan into a mid-size car over nine generations. It was Mitsubishi's first car sold in the United States, imported by Chrysler as the Dodge Colt, and was also assembled in Australia and New Zealand. The model name was sufficiently regarded in Japan that it was resurrected for the 1990 Mitsubishi GTO coupé. The Galant established the Mitsubishi brand in New Zealand from 1971, and its various generations were sold under multiple marques including Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler in different markets. The car's engineering milestones include the introduction of Mitsubishi's 'Silent Shaft' balance shaft technology in the second generation and the MCA-Jet engine with 'Jet Valve' in the third generation. With cumulative sales exceeding five million units, the Galant represents a core part of Mitsubishi's automotive history.
Did You Know?
- The first generation was initially known as the Colt Galant and released in December 1969.
- The second generation introduced Mitsubishi's 'Silent Shaft' balance shaft technology.
- The third generation coupé, the Galant Lambda, was sold in the US as the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo.
More in Touring Cars 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced