The Mitsubishi Galant was introduced as a compact sedan in 1969. The Galant was manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors and was initially a compact sedan and later the larger mid size car was introduced. The name used, 'Galant' is derived from the French word meaning "chivalrous". Initially the Mitsubishi Galant was produced only in Japan after 1994 the American market used vehicles assembled at the former Diamond Star Motors (DSM) facility in Normal, Illinois. The Mitsubishi was well received in different parts of the World and with more than five million cars sold this model is currently in the ninth generation of production.
The first generation of the Galant was called the Colt Galant and was introduced December 1969. The initial Mitsubishi Galant used the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 (AI model) or 1.5 L (AII and AIII) configurations. The Mitsubishi Galant also used the 1.6 Litre engine. The Galant was known for the new design that it used and is considered as one of the few passenger cars with full side windows and no side pillars. The Galant was the first Mitsubishi car to be sold in parts of the United States. The current ninth generation is expected to be the last generation of the Galant.