1998 Chevrolet Malibu Base 2.4 four cylinder engine from North America

Summary:

It is worth the money! It's a reliable car!

Faults:

The belt tore! Replaced the belt.

The battery had to be replaced.

The car overheated, but that got fixed with a new thermostat.

General Comments:

This car is quick on acceleration. The seats are very comfortable. This car gave us a few major problems, but other than that, it is reliable. The car is very well maintained with oil changes done on time, and parts replaces when they need to be replaced.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1 liter from North America

Summary:

Waste of time and a deep money pit!!

Faults:

The biggest problem I have had is with the break system. I have to replace the brakes every 6 months (give or take a month).

I have also had to replace the thermostat for the cooling system. The thermostat was on the right side of the engine. It was mounted sideways on the side of the engine. It was very hard to get to the thermostat. Most other cars have the thermostat mounted on the top of the engine and are very simple to mount. It took most of the day to replace.

The interior of the car has worn very badly.

I have also had to change the serpentine belt. The bad thing is that on my car the motor mount on the left side had the be removed to get the belt on. Talk about a fun repair job. NOT!

General Comments:

I would not buy another car like this again.

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

Review Date: 28th August, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LX V 6 from North America

Summary:

Not favorable at all

Faults:

Had blown head gasket at 90,000 miles.

Steering wheel lock mechanism disabled ignition swith...Twice, VERY expensive repair.

Electrical problems, "Check engine" light come on if you maintain highway speed of 80mph.

Problems with electrical charging system.

ABS Light won't go out.

General Comments:

Although, comfortable, owning this car has been a nightmare. I will NEVER buy another Chevy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th August, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Piece of junk

Faults:

Engine 65000

Front Hubs both sides 12000

Alternator 11500

Windshield squeals

Front brakes every 2 years

Rear struts

Paint falls off as if it were possessed.

General Comments:

This vehicle was our prime vehicle required every day. at 65000km the engine seized. When brought to the dealer they said my oil hadn't been changed. I am a mechanic and I changed it myself. They said they could fix it for about $2000. Disgusted I did it myself, it turns out one of the connecting rod nuts had backed off. I brought the bent rod and nut to the dealer and of course they said I could have done this afterward. They told my wife that the clunking in the back was nothing and it would go away if you hit a bump. They are never going to see my money again. I drove nothing, but Chevy's all my driving years, but I bought an import because I needed a reliable vehicle for a change. To the Chevrolet Canada I'm sure the Import dealers love your commitment to your customers, its going to make them rich.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd August, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LX 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

The most high-maintenance vehicle I have ever owned

Faults:

Lower Control Arm replaced at 6900 K, under warranty.

Spare tire well fills with water when it rains. Dealer unable to fix, I finally removed the rubber plug from the bottom of the well.

Headlights fill with water, at 28,000 K. Dealer charged over $50.00 to repair, they are still full of water.

Front and rear brakes replaced at 39,000 K.

Intake Gasket replaced at 39,000 K. Very costly.

Alternator replaced at 47,000 K. Very costly. Heater fan repaired at same time.

The Radio has ceased to function, and has not yet been repaired.

Battery replaced at 48,000 K. It was nearly 5 years old, so this was not a major complaint.

Pinion bearing replaced (under recall) at 56,000 K.

Ignition cylinder replaced at 59,000 K, $ 450.00 including tow charge.

General Comments:

I have owned G.M. vehicles for 45 years, but this Malibu has been a major disappointment to me.

We spent weeks researching models before ordering this one. So much for Motor Trend's recomendation! Another product I no longer purchase.

The next new vehicle purchased will be the one with the best warranty, probably not from G.M.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th July, 2004

2nd Aug 2004, 10:37

Hey, I have the same problem with the leaking trunk. The spare tire compartment just fills up with water when it rains. How did you fix yours?

Thanks.

2nd Sep 2005, 23:47

I agree with you on the repairs. I have put almost as much into the car as I bought it for. I still have a noise when I turn clear to the left and right that sounds as if the left front tire is going to fall off, however, it has been in the shop numerous times, and none of them can figure it out either. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that sees these cars as a piece of junk.