2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.5L V6

Summary:

A cheaper alternative to the Japanese and just as good

Faults:

Had ititial problems with power steering. I understand this was an issue for some of the early '04 models, and was all repaired under warranty.

Front struts and brakes replaced at 85000 miles.

Cruise control switch replaced at 90000 miles, but I'm a very heavy user, so this is probably unusual.

General Comments:

This has been a great car. I got it as a replacement company car for my '02 Malibu that I drove for 70000 miles. The '04 new body style is leaps and bounds ahead of the old one. I took a new job at the company that did not come with a car, so I bought this one late last year.

I have changed the oil every 5000 miles and done the other routine service. Other than the above mentioned items, there have been no issues at all. This car is quiet and comfortable, with good visibility. Even with the V6 engine, if I hold my speed to 60 mph I can get 35-37 mpg on the freeway (depending upon if I have to use the A/C).

The interior has held up perfectly and everything still works just like new (power windows & locks, remote lock/unlock, radio, CD, etc). I plan on keeping this car for another 3-4 yrs at least, maybe longer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2007

24th Oct 2009, 16:26

My car now has 140,000 miles on it and still works perfectly, no issues at all. If you do the maintenance and don't drive it like a maniac, new cars will go forever these days, it seems. I've been religious about changing the oil and also did the radiator, transmission and brake fluid at 100k. Had to replace the half shafts on the front axles at 130k and 135k. Car still gets 38 mpg on the freeway at 60 mph with the air running, and there are no leaks or drips underneath when I pull out of the garage.

24th Oct 2009, 22:05

16:26 sounds a lot like me. Keeping up the maintenance and following the owner's manual makes all the difference. I'm also glad to see that you didn't do unnecessary maintenance. My GM owner's manual states "under normal driving conditions the automatic transmission fluid never needs changing". Lot of dealers and shops try to con people into doing it way too early, which can actually HURT your transmission.

I'm also sure that people may take issue with the 38mpg claim. I certainly won't. My brother's big Impala gets 33 at 70 on the interstate with the air on, and my Ford Fusion gets 38 on the interstate with the cruise set on 60. Modern domestics are the best cars in the world.

25th Oct 2009, 07:33

"Modern domestics are the best cars in the world."

Yeah right...

If they are so brilliant, how come the domestic manufacturers are in such dire financial situation? No way I'm going to give my money to car manufacturers that had to be bailed out, domestic manufacturers can f*** right off.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS V6

Summary:

It sucks

Faults:

Here is my review of the "Clown Car":

1. Trunk wouldn't open. Had to crawl through the back seat to open trunk. Dealer could not fix.

2. Trunk continues to leak water severely - 2-3 inches in trunk every time it rains. Dealer cannot fix.

3. Alarm periodically goes off on its own. Dealer cannot fix.

4. Trunk opens on its own (even if you can't open it). Dealer has no idea.

5. Various "warnings" on the computer - gas cap open (it is securely on).

6. Gas cap wore out eventually and caused computer to fail. Even with the new gas cap still getting gas cap error!!

7. Suspension needed repair at 45000 miles.

8. Brakes replaced twice in the past year. Total six times since owning car.

9. The radio sets the bass to HIGH for all stations every time you turn the radio on.

10. Emissons check - because of the replacement gas cap, the car has to go through FORTY drive cycles (turn on, warm up) before the computer will reset which poses a problem in NH for your yearly car inspection.

General Comments:

This is why American cars are considered junk. Not only are they faulty when you get them, but they cannot be repaired by the dealer.

Last American car we will own. We have had Chevy's along with Nissan's in the past. The Chevy's have been falling apart.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd April, 2007

24th Apr 2007, 06:59

I am sure that the dealership could fix those things, if you paid them enough money via labor time. Brakes are pretty normal to be replaced twice a year on normal pads. I replaced both calipers this year and pads maybe once a year once I got some things fixed. Once the malibu's have all the problems fixed, they are nice cars.

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