1998 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1L V6 from North America
Summary:
Not worth the repair money
Faults:
Brakes, Brakes Brakes and more Brakes. Rotors, calipers and front brake pads are replaced approximately every 3000-5000 miles. The intake manifold gasket leaks, but don't worry. It's a cold leak. It will only leak in the winter time. The car has a cold lifter tap, but don't worry, it will only happen when the car is cold and this is a normal tap. Now that's a joke. The AC button has a mind of it's own and the fan only works on settings 3, 4, and 5. The fan has a horrible rumble and shakes the whole car.
General Comments:
Do not buy a Chevy Malibu unless you are rich and you can afford the huge repairs.
You mechanic will love you if you do buy this car. This car will kep the mechanic employed for a long time.
My Malibu is not worth what I owe, so I can't get rid of it.
I wish someone would steel it, but even the crooks know that this car is a hunk of junk.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th July, 2002
15th Oct 2002, 12:54
My girlfriend has a 1999 Malibu, 3.1 Liter, V6, Auto. She has experienced the same problem with the brakes, replaced the rotors once in 50K miles. The AC controls failed within the first year, replaced under warranty and have now failed again (out of warranty of course). The alternator failed just after the factory warranty expired... $500 out of pocket. Have just discovered the intake manifold gasket leak and was quoted $500 for a local shop to fix. That amounts to about $100 in parts and $400 in labor. This says a lot about "Made in the USA".
6th Sep 2002, 12:08
I own a 1998 Malibu, and have experienced the exact same problems with mine. Apparently these problems are endemic to this vehicle.