1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1

Summary:

Costly to Maintain

Faults:

Overall, my car's been really reliable. I had one problem in 2000, when my throttle body sensor went out while I was driving from SF to LA; and recently, 1 through 4 on my A/C unit doesn't work. So to get air flow through the car, I can either roll down my windows or have the air on 5.

I have noticed, also, that the front windshield tends to leak in the rain from the top center portion. I've taken my car to the dealer many times while it was still under warranty, and everything was fixed really well.

I had early electrical problems - brake lights kept blowing out - but they fixed that in 1999, and I haven't had to replace them since.

General Comments:

My car has been really reliable for the past few years. It wasn't until I hit 60,000 miles that I began to experience more problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th May, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1

Summary:

Next time buy Toyota

Faults:

The first two positions of the ventilation fan do not function.

The brakes constantly need service. Rotors and pads replaced three times.

Have water leaking into the oil supply. Possibly a blown or damaged head gasket.

Car rattles continuously. Front dash, front end, and back end.

Water in rear end brake lights. Poor gasket seals. Had to replace.

Ignition switch had to be replaced at 55,000 miles.

Ceiling padding collapsed. Had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car was bought with 19000 miles and ran trouble free for about 15000 additional miles. Since then it has been a nightmare of one repair after another. I would never recomend this vehicle to anyone. I also will not sell it because I could never live with passing a lemon like this to another soul. This vehicle is a black mark on Made In America.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th April, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

Malibu: Pricey to own

Faults:

Repeatedly replaced front brakes.

Battery went dead at the blink of an eye; had to be replaced.

ABS light blinks on when making sharp turns.

Coolant leaking.

Start-up sounds bad; possible starter problems.

Water pump replaced at 80,000 miles.

Tires worn after 15,000 miles.

Brakes wear after 10,000 miles.

General Comments:

The Malibu is fun to drive; that is when it is working properly.

The interior is comfortable and spacious.

The car handles well in heavy traffic or bad weather.

This is a wonderful family sedan when working properly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th April, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

A piece of Junk

Faults:

Brakes and rotors have been replaced 4 times in 3 years.

The car shaked violently when trying to stop.

The recall on the rack and pinion, has left my front end loose and I had it repaired.

Anti-theft system engages, leaving me stranded, even after I replaced it 2 times.

Horn will go off when parked when it is cold out.

Door locks and window locks do not work half of the time.

Radio went out for 3 months.

Coolant leaks.

Fan motor does not work on the 1, 2 settings.

Heat does not work well.

I know that there are more things wrong with it, but cannot think of them at this time.

General Comments:

I never knew that there were so many people out there that had the SAME problems as I am having.

When I bought the car, no one informed me that there were defects such as this, and I checked out the car thoroughly before purchasing it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2004

13th Apr 2004, 11:15

Brakes have been replaced a dozen times, power windows don't work half of the time, power locks don't work, fan in AC doesn't work on setting 1 or 2, over all this car sucks... I will never buy another Chevy after owning this car.

1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

This car has excellent performance and the speed is great

Faults:

The only problem I've had with the car was the manifold gasket was leaking antifreeze. I took it back to the car dealer and it was fixed immediately for no charge (which would have been a 400.00 job).

General Comments:

I love my car and it rides smoother than any car I've ever been in. It is very much comparable to a Cadillac.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2004