2000 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1 6 cylinder
Summary:
The reason American cars have a bad reputation is the 2000 Chevy Malibu
Faults:
Front wheel bearing/speed sensor ~ requires replacement of entire wheel hub. Right front failed three times under warranty, dealer gave hard time about repair, tried to claim I wore it out. Left front went once under warranty. Right front went 2 more times, once 15 miles over warranty coverage, an other at 60,000 miles. Just replaced left one again at 120,000.
Warped rotors on left front & right front, several times under warranty; average life of rotor before warping: 10,000 - 12,000 miles. brake pads at least once a year.
Right front caliper went under warranty (slide bars?) likely due to rotor warp. Consequently have replaced three on right, two on left.
Manifold gasket at approximately 30,000.
Coolant leaked into transmission, from bad manifold gasket, @ 30,000 miles gumming it up necessitating cleaning. Transmission not good since. Hard shifting and slippage between 2,200 rpm and 3,000 rpm, seems to miss a gear.
At about 60,000 "theft Deterrent" light comes on and no gas gets to engine, does not start. Wait ten minutes still does not start. Happened several days in a row once a year. Now happens once a month (120,000 miles) and stops while driving. Throws a code about interrupted serial communications.
General Comments:
First time Chevy buyer (and last).
Inconsistent starting, therefore unreliable. Left walking or taking public transportation many times.
Poor manufacturer communications, even with dealerships.
Dealers and Chevy do not admit to recurring problems, although mechanics do "off the record".
I do like the engine and performs well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 11th November, 2007
28th Sep 2007, 12:49
I can appreciate how you thanked God for things you mentioned in your review, that's good. To keep that car running 5 more years, you are going to need God. Trust me, see my review on my 2000 Malibu!!