1981 Chevrolet Malibu 267 ci from North America

Summary:

This is the best car I have owned and it was a used one at that

Faults:

Nothing, since I have owned it!

General Comments:

Bought it used at a garage sale in 1994 for $800.00. Put front pads and rotors on it right away. Put front pads and rotors on it in 2004. Have never seen the rear brakes! One starter, a couple of mufflers, tires, one battery and valve stem seals. rebuilt the carb once.

Handles very well, stops on a dime and rides very smoothly.

Unfortunately the front seat is literally worn right out and there are cracks in the dash. The windshield is getting foggy around the edges.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th October, 2006

1981 Chevrolet Malibu Landau Coupe 350 c.i. V8 from North America

Summary:

Original car, a beauty when polished up a little

Faults:

Gages died.

New Alternator.

Little rust on body.

Some squeaks, nothing major.

General Comments:

I have just purchased a 1981 Malibu Landau Coupe with a 350. I need to know where I can get parts.

This engine should be able to rip pretty good, does anyone know the weight of these cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2005

27th Sep 2005, 23:07

Ha-Ha no I don't. But I was just curious if anyone had an idea. How big of a difference would it make putting 3.73 gears in for my 350?

1981 Chevrolet Malibu Classic V6 from North America

Summary:

Sporty and is a terrific handling and driving car

Faults:

I bought the car from the original owner a month ago in pristine condition. The only negative is that when I start it the heater fan is noisy. I believe that is is dry or off-balance since the car has not been used much. I notice that there is not much head room for me since I am 6'4" but I love the car. I owned a 1983 Malibu in 1984 and had to replace the starter, but they are terrific cars.

General Comments:

I thought about putting a high performance engine in this car along with 18" wheels to make it a "looker" but I get so many thumbs up now, I am reconsidering. With its boxy style, I believe it may find its place in history right next to the mid 60's Novas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th December, 2004

31st Dec 2004, 13:21

Why would you bother with a performance engine and 18" wheels?

It would still be a four-door sedan. And boxy styling was hardly rare for cars in late'70s/early '80s.

Should of gotten a Monte Carlo.

25th Feb 2005, 15:10

The guy that commented on your posting does not know what he is talking about. I have a 81 two door and it looks great. I also installed a 350cid motor and trans what a nice car. I will never part with it.

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1981 Chevrolet Malibu Wagon 231 V6 3.8 Liter from North America

Summary:

Lots of parts out there, just look.

Faults:

The only thing that has not gone wrong with my Malibu is the frame, quarter panels, and doors.

General Comments:

My Father bought this car in 1983 from a used car lot.

He traded a mid 70s Toyota and gave $3,300. It has had 5 motor and transmissions. Everything from a 400 to a 229.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2004

1981 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Estate Wagon 305 from North America

Summary:

Reliable and inexpensive transportation

Faults:

Water pump was leaking.

Carburetor was causing car to run poorly, gas mileage was bad.

Camshaft lobes were worn.

Coil springs were soft.

Air conditioning compressor locked up.

Floor boards and inner wheel wells rusted out.

General Comments:

It has generally been a good car, that is easy and inexpensive to fix. Once the motor and suspension parts were replaced, it handles well and has good power. The gas mileage is still a concern. This car will last a long time with minor maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd August, 2004

25th Nov 2023, 20:55

If you want better mileage, you should be able to find a Vortec 5000 engine from a truck that'll fit, with a 4-speed automatic on it, too. It'll take some doing (the truck packaging is a little wider than the car packaging), but it would work. I'm assuming the person who wrote this review 20 years ago is done with the car, but for people who want to keep a similar car on the road, that's the option I'd choose, since that's the latest, greatest version of the engine available.