Faults:

Transmission failed at 70K miles. It was replaced, but the car still doesn't run right. It hitches and bucks, and the engine is much louder than it used to be.

The 2.5 litre 4-cylinder engine has terrible acceleration and is very loud. The fuel economy is much worse than I expected from a 4-cylinder.

The seats are hard and uncomfortable.

The brakes have been replaced twice and they still vibrate and screech.

The front shocks are too bouncy and make a lot of squeaking noises.

General Comments:

The radio works very well (which is interesting compared to the reports written by other Malibu owners).

The trunk is spacious.

The cabin is spacious and comfortable.

Overall, I regret buying this vehicle.

Faults:

The front disc brake rotors warped at 20K miles.

At about 22K both tail lamp assemblies become intermittent in operation due to poor contact between assembly conductors -- Chevy knows about problem (sells redesigned assemblies), but doesn't do anything to warn owners: safety hazard = no brake / turn signals!

The front suspension developed a "clunk" when turning at 30K miles.

At 35K miles the front wheel bearings/velocity joints (?) developed a "growling" noise that dealer (S) can't seem to diagnose.

At 35K miles the a/c control module died; replacement unit operates differently -- can't shut a/c off unless fan is stopped.

The a/c vent door "broke" and stuck half on a/c half on heater! Dealer had to take whole a/c unit out (>$500 labor) to replace door assembly.

General Comments:

Very comfortable ride (due to Firestone tires?)

Very good highway mileage, >32 MPG.

Good (not muscle-car level) performance.

Decent (not Porsche level) handling.

Faults:

The car has always had a problem with the air conditioner blowing on 1 and 2. It would also shut off while on 1. The dealer fixed it and I have not had a problem in two years.

I've also had many coolant problems. First the serpantine belt and now the water pump. Luckily both have been replaced under the extended warranty. Hopefully after the water pump is fixed, I will no longer have to add coolant for awhile.

As for brakes, the dealer had to fix what Midas severely messed up. Midas insisted it was the O ring and master cylinder, however it was their poor workmanship.

General Comments:

I guess it just feels like I have the car in the shop all of the time. At least every 6-7 months. We bought a Nissan Frontier for my husband and he has had very minimal problems. (knock on wood)

All in all I've been fairly pleased. It's been a heck of a lot better than my 1995 Saturn SL1!!!

Faults:

The A/C switch went bad with in the first three months. Rear suspension started squeaking as if it were never lubed. Air leak in cabin creating a high pitch noise at highway speed. Dash lights started burning out after two years. Alternator went bad at around 62500 miles. Fuel gage went bad at the same time as the alternator. Valve started making a tapping noise around 73000 miles.

General Comments:

When we first bought this car, we were impressed with engine performance, handling, and standard features. we quickly became disappointed with how soon the problems occurred.