Faults:

EGR flow problems.

Front headlight problems.

Steering thumps and noises.

Power steering problem.

Multiple plastic trim parts have broken off.

4 brake jobs.

Suspension overhaul @ 170K.

Driver's seat foam worn out.

Various recalls from Chevrolet.

Exterior paint began oxidizing @ 150K.

Center brake light out at @ 180K.

Horn problems.

General Comments:

This is the first vehicle I bought at a dealership. From the beginning there were problems with steering column noises and "clunks", and problems with the headlights. All were fixed and my car was never out of service. Power steering and other problems were fixed by recalls, which was almost heaven sent. Thank you Chevrolet. EGR flow problems come back every 2 years or so. Design flaw, probably, but it's gotten to the point where I can fix it in about an hour tops. Horn problems were fixed when I found the horn unit would accumulate water as it was pointing upwards.

All of the previously listed things aren't enough for me to say this is a bad car; on the contrary it's been a very good car and continues to run like a champ to this very day. What really does irk me is the fact that many plastic trim parts and divets have either broken or got worn out and it affects the aesthetics. I've managed to replace all those plastic bits at my local junkyard, but it really does make me hate Chevrolet for not putting in more quality plastic in their vehicles. I believe regular maintenance has helped my car's engine stand the test of time.

Faults:

Not a heck of a lot...

Had to replace the oil pan gasket at slightly under 288,000 miles, and the stock exhaust system at about 29,000.

Took it back for three recalls over the years.

One of the best autos I have ever owned.

General Comments:

Plenty of value for the dollar spent. The car doesn't owe me a cent at this point.

The engine is solid, burns about a cup of oil every month (I use 20-40 high mileage oil). Solid transmission, virtually no problems noted. I do drive highway miles, and stop and go is minimal.

I have it serviced at the local Chevrolet dealership, and the mechanics tell me that my '04 has not been the only one still running at the top of its game, but I have the most mileage of any of them.

Looking forward to 300,000 miles, and will probably purchase another one if it has less than 140,000 miles on it.

One problem noted, the fuel gauge stopped working, but I use the trip meter as a guide to fill ups.

The auto drive works fine, all the electric windows work smoothly, transmission excellent. All I do is follow the guide book on maintenance.

Would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

Faults:

Brakes.

2 front rotors (rusted from sitting).

Wiper blades.

2 front tires.

Shifter set screw came loose; needed re-tightening.

Front Chevy emblem had water damage and was replaced.

General Comments:

I just bought this car a few months ago for $5500, including all the work needed. Having a good/honest and fair priced dealership, and a local mechanic, helps too.

It's my first car, and other than needing the usual stuff, so far it's been good to me.

It has a few issues (all older cars do) : surging transmission shifts while feathering the throttle (maybe time for a trans fluid change?), the steering column "creak" at low speed turns/bumps, soft suspension (car picks up every bump or dip in the road, making the ride slightly harsh on old pavement/roads) and the signal light not clicking off all the time.

I get 32.7 mpg in 50/50 driving, which is pretty good for a 6 year old car.

Malibu's get a bad rap from the previous gen model (friend of mine has a 2002), 2004-up are actually stylish, well built and fairly dependable cars.

I get comments from people who think the car is brand new.

I plan to keep mine for a long time. Like my father before me, I'm a loyal GM man for life...