1999 Chevrolet Malibu LX 3.1

Summary:

Be prepare to spend money

Faults:

One of the first things I noticed was that the car overheated. I took the car the the repair shop and was told that GM built these cars to run hot to keep emissions down. At the shop we noticed that there was a leak coming from the water pump. I have replaced the following since May: Water pump, Radiator flushed, battery, brake rotors, oil pump, (sensors went while cleaning the fuel injectors- this one paid by the repair shop owner) the heater fan stopped working in 1 & 2 speed had to replace expensive fuse. Intake manifold leak very expensive to repair. Now the engine has an antifreeze smell.. not leaking yet??

General Comments:

I still like this car is very responsive on the road and handles pretty good. I wanted to buy American to help out the economy.. I guess I'm doing a great job.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st March, 2004

1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS V6

Summary:

Nice looking, major features... major problems

Faults:

When I first got the car I replaced parts of the manifold, the brakes are HORRIBLE. I have replaced them 3 times since I have had the car. ABS Light malfunctions. Problems with this and other Malibu's are: Replacing brakes often, AC problems (turns off whenever it feels like it) lack of power on hills, a "blah" interior, rust, rust, rust on the alloy wheels (major pain) I also have DEXcool problems.

General Comments:

Over all the cars features WAY OUTWAY the Camery and Accord offering things such as standard CD/Tape combo and auto lights, more power and keyless entry with some sharp alloys. Only problem Camry and Accord will be driving laps around this car. It is very poorly built.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st March, 2004

1999 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1

Summary:

A descent car for someone on a budget

Faults:

I have had to change the brakes 3 times since I've had the car.

The coolant is leaking into the intake manifold. Gasket needed to be changed.

Weak struts are causing chopping of my tires.

Thermostat has gone out.

General Comments:

The car runs great. I have had few problems under warranty, however I have added some aftermarket parts. I believe that these additions kept the car running the way it should. May i suggest that people who have problems with wearing breaks, get slotted rotors and ceramic brakes. Drop an aftermarket air filter in the air box and keep up on preventative maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2004

1999 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1L

Summary:

Steer away from the Chevy Malibu

Faults:

Where should I start? I bought the car in 2000 with 30,000 miles. The brake pads and rotors needed replaced at about 40,000. At about 60,000 the brakes needed replaced again. Also at 60,000 miles the head gasket blew. The upper and lower intake also needed replaced. The car has a lot of interesting noises that you'll get used to. The driver's side wheel barring needs replaced. The car pulls to the left... not just slightly either.

General Comments:

It would be a nice car if it didn't have so many problems. Exterior and interior are nice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st February, 2004

15th Mar 2004, 04:06

Maybe I lucked out just a little (yeah, right). my heads started leaking at 62,000mi. and didn't actually crap out on me until 88,000 or so. I bought it with 62,000 on it and the dealer as well as the idiot I brought along with me assured me that all the antifreeze I was smelling was in my mind. It wasn't until the warranty was up and I took it to my mechanic that I even found out that they used regular anti freeze, and not Dex cool! So maybe it was more of a dealer experience, either way I HATED my Malibu and am currently fighting to get out of the finance agreement on it. And of course, I didn't check car survey before purchasing, or I would have known that my observations on both the brakes as well as all the weird noises were anything, but unfounded!