Faults:

You have to be specific with the make/model of the car. I understand it's the 3.1/6 model that has all the problems.

Everything has gone wrong, and my brother is a certified mechanic (so at least labor and parts are cheap for me - but even he is amazed by how bad this car was made). Fuel pump, fuel filter, manifold gasket, brakes, ABS, starter, cam sensor, crank sensor, wiring harness, and now the alternator and battery, anti theft system, power steering.

This car is horrible - I have had used cars all my life, and never run into a car this bad.

It has stalled while driving, nearly causing accidents (cam sensor/not started because of anti theft system/not stopped cause of brakes and not started or died while driving due to alternator /battery problems). It has also stalled when at stop signs or at low speeds (also really dangerous and seemingly a common problem).

I also had idle motor issues when the car would not stop - idle was at full, had to use emergency brakes and slam into park to stop - idle motor was stuck and needed replacing.

I would not ever recommend this car to anyone - I can't afford a new car right now (and currently can't drive this one as it won't start yet again - I had it for 6 months and have been able to drive it for 6 weeks intermittently).

I have looked all over the web, and all these problems seem inherent to the 1999 Malibu.

General Comments:

Do not buy the 3.1 6 of the 1999 Chevy Malibu - I used to believe in American made only, but this car has really changed my mind - they have no customer support, refuse to acknowledge known issues, and are no help at all.

I will buy imports from now on.

Faults:

Replaced alternator went out twice (cheapo alternator) ($140).

Replaced original waterpump / timing chain ($600).

Replaced brakes, rotors and shoes, tires, fuel filter, O2 sensors ($400).

Fuel sensor went out (part was $5 at junkyard) ($5).

Entire front wheel replaced (my fault, slid into a curb) ($1,100 insurance covered thank god!)

General Comments:

I love this Malibu. I travel about 50 miles a day between work and school. This car is outstanding!! I get a constant 24 mpg in town, and close to 30 on the highway.

I adore my car, it looks outstanding, runs like a champ, and I get some glances in it.

With the twin cam motor, this car puts out 160 HP. For a little car, it has plenty of power.

I replaced the Firestone tires that were on it when I bought it with Uniroyal Tiger Paw APW 2. What a difference!

I replaced the brake rotors and pads with ceramic pads. The car stops on a dime now.

I am surprised I haven't gotten a speeding ticket yet; I love the feeling when I gun it all the way to the floor. It's like a rocket!

Overall I love my car. Great pick up, good gas mileage, cheap insurance and a sleek body. I don't like all of the plastic on the car, but that's almost any car now!

Faults:

The only problems this car has had was the alternator went out at 95,000.

The intake gasket had to be replaced at 162,000.

Drivers door window switches needed to be replaced at 250,000 miles.

General Comments:

This Malibu has been the most reliable and long lasting vehicle I have ever owned. This car went nearly a year and 60,000 miles with little or no maintenance when my wife was ill. This car never once left us on the side of the road.

This car is very well built. It has never leaked a drop of anything. The motor is so well built that she does not use a drop of oil in the 25,000 between oil changes. The transmission has been just as reliable. As well as smooth shifting.

The body is very solid it has endured many mishaps, including a landing from being launched 7 foot in the air after swerving to miss a deer and hitting an embankment. After replacing the struts and tires, not to mention a stop at the body shop for a dented quarter panel, it was driving again.

These cars are not the most luxurious or sporty, but they got it where it counts. Thank Chevrolet for a very well built car.