High maintenance and low quality
The brakes on this car are very poor quality. I had to spend $100 to get the rotors and calipers repaired.
The windshield wiper switch went out, and for that little part, it is $52! I can't believe this.
The car rides good, and is comfortable to drive, but the little stuff is gonna break me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 19th May, 2003
Go for something more reliable. Please..
Well the first thing that went wrong with the Malibu that I still own, is the banging noise that comes from what sounds like the trunk... Turns out it's the shock mounts, which the dealership tells me is a common problem with the Malibus... after I bought the car...
Then there was squeaking coming from the brake pads... 2 months after having the car...
Then the power steering let go, and the car seized right up on the highway... Nice job eh? Turns out there was loose wiring underneath.
Then there was a humming coming from the driver's side wheel.. Turns out it's the wheel bearing... which I also find out is a known problem with the Malibu.
The car does handle good on the road. That's about the only good thing I can say about the car... and its appearance is a plus as well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 11th May, 2003
A deal... kind of
- Multiple tail lights.
- Frequent replacement of brakes and rotors.
- Alternator (under 40000).
- Battery (with alternator).
- Air conditioner going on and off randomly since purchase.
- Water pump.
- Head gasket leaking coolant.
- Driver's side door hinge.
- Paint chipping in front.
- Seat belt on driver's side.
- Ignition switch going out since 60000.
- Power window motor out on driver's side.
- Key entry from outside on passenger side broke out.
- Glove box door broken since just after purchase.
Just hitting 90000 miles, all of these repairs have been covered by my extended warranty except the glove box door. If you purchase one of these cars, do not skimp on the warranty. You will need every penny of it.
It does have good power and acceleration and is very comfortable. It gets good gas mileage. I get my oil changed, etc and it is pretty reliable, but these major mechanical problems seems to be standard, all under 100,000 miles. I do like the acceleration and feel of it, and the handling.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th May, 2003
This car isn't worth $1
What HASN'T gone wrong with it? Air conditioner problems from day 1. Brakes and rotors replaced at 40,000miles. Front windshield seal on passenger side had to be re-sealed. Battery replaced at 50,000miles. Gas mileage is HORRIBLE...22 city about 24 hwy. With the air conditioner on or if you drive over 55 mph, the gas mileage gets worse. Now I have both signals going out.
Chevrolet should be ashamed to have manufactured such a car. I pay over $20,000 for a car and it spends more time in the shop than on the road.
The car looks pretty sharp, but the performance in unacceptable.
This is the second Chevrolet mid-size car I've owned. The other being a beretta. I will NEVER buy another Chevrolet product.
I have talked with other Malibu owners. No one has complimented the car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 25th April, 2003
OK for its price
At about 30000, the steering wheel started jerking and vibrating.
At about 30000, the steering wheel started jerking and vibrating when I make turns. I took the car to dealership and they told me some power steering tube got air in it. That cost me 150 Cdn.
Right now at around 50000 Km, I start to hear squeaking sounds coming from my passenger sides. I read some of the reviews here and it sounds like struts are going.
I used to have a Toyota Pickup. Despite how people want to say GM has improved, the way I see it. they are still far behind the Japanese.
This is a good car for the price you paid for, but next time I rather pay a little bit more to get a worry free Honda or Toyota.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd April, 2003