Mitsubishi
Galant
Nissan
Altima
Mitsubishi Galant vs Nissan Altima: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mitsubishi Galant comes out ahead of the Nissan Altima on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Galant
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The Galant is widely recognized as a budget-friendly, functional, and generally reliable sedan, particularly in its naturally aspirated four-cylinder and V6 configurations. Long-term owner reports praise the vehicles for their durability, with examples cited reaching 548,000 km (340,000 miles) and 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance.
Best version to buy
Manual transmission, naturally aspirated models. For the 8th generation (circa 2003-2006), the 2.4L 4-cylinder (4G64) with a manual gearbox is cited as the most reliable and practical choice.
Known issues
- ⚠Persistent overheating: Recurrent clogging of thermostats due to internal engine corrosion, coolant leaks from undetermined sources, failed components (thermostat, radiator). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Automatic transmission failures: Delayed shifting, harsh engagement, loss of all gears, violent shaking, torque converter clutch (TCL) errors. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠VR-4 model unreliability: Chronic mechanical issues including multiple clutch failures, idle problems, engine rebuilds, cracked exhaust manifolds, fuel pump failures, leading to an untrustworthy vehicle. Frequency: recurrent.
Altima
Overall
Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is described as a fundamental design flaw leading to premature failure, often between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, with replacement costs cited around $4,000. This issue is so pervasive it has spawned multiple class-action lawsuits, particularly for models from the 2010-2020 period.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" model year or trim. Isolated positive anecdotes reference older models (e.g., 2002 Maxima, pre-2010 Altimas) with traditional automatic transmissions, but no specific Altima generation or trim receives repeated endorsement.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission failure: Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 80,000-150,000 miles; symptoms include jerking, shuddering, loss of acceleration, lurching at low speeds, and inability to rev beyond a certain RPM.
- ⚠CVT-related problems (general): Whining noise, rubber band effect, laggy throttle response, and general concerns about long-term durability. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine issues (various): For 2019-2021 models with the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, a manufacturing defect in engine bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, loss of power, and potential fire, as detailed in a NHTSA reca…
The verdict
The Mitsubishi Galant is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Nissan Altima, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Nissan Altima is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mitsubishi Galant or the Nissan Altima?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Mitsubishi Galant and the Nissan Altima. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Mitsubishi Galant or the Nissan Altima?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mitsubishi Galant or the Nissan Altima?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mitsubishi Galant or the Nissan Altima?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mitsubishi Galant than the Nissan Altima. See the known issues comparison above.