Faults:

The primary problem, of many I have experienced with this vehicle, is the front brakes. Over the 63,000 miles on the car, I have averaged serious ($200usd) repairs on the brakes every 8,000 miles. I have replaced four sets of rotors and 5 sets of pads.

Additionally, I am now replacing ABS components - a right front speed sensor ($600). It is unfortunate that the one recurring problem is on such a fundamental system. GM/Chevy has stated that they find this level of performance acceptable.

General Comments:

Please avoid the Malibu (1997 and up) at all costs. It is a frightening car to drive, and your life may be on the line with this vehicle. Chevy will not address the issue, so you are "on your own" in their eyes.

Faults:

This car is JUNK! Never buy G.M.

G-iant

M-istake.

Rear sway bar bushings at 5000kms.

Driver side mirror replaced twice.

Both front wheel hub & bearings @ 60000kms.

Water pump @ 50000kms.

Rack & pinion @ 50000kms.

In the shop as I'm writing this for an A/C blower motor switch in/op, front end noise, coolant loss, and intermittently not working rear power window!

General Comments:

I've never had or even heard of having more problems with a car in my entire life. This car manufacturer should be ASHAMED of putting such CRAP on the market. It is a disgrace to advertise these vehicles when they're nothing but problems! Please, if someone is seriously considering buying this vehicle, have your head examined!

Faults:

Since I have had this car the only thing that has gone wrong with it so far is that the AC control head had to be replace by the dealer. That is about the only thing that has gone wrong with it so far.

Brake pads and rotors had been replaced right before I bought this vehicle. This vehicle was well maintained considering it was an off lease vehicle, and considered a GM Certified Used Car.

General Comments:

This car has great handling, and for $10,788 I think it was well worth it. GM offered me an extended warranty from the 45K miles I had on it til it reaches 80K miles.

AC Control head was replaced by the dealer at no charge to me.

The performance of this vehicle is quite nice, considering I raced a 2001 Ford Taurus SES and came out on top... not by much but that does not matter.

This car seems to be very well maintained, and does not seem to be like the problematic 1996 Pontiac Grand AM SE that I owned. I think Chevrolet did a fantastic job with this vehicle and I would recommend it to any family looking for a nicely equipped problem free vehicle.

My Malibu (LS model... leather, CD, power window, locks, seats, alloy, and lot of other fun toys).

I truly love driving my car...