1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

Lemon with cheap GM parts, but excellent with Lifetime Parts

Faults:

Water Pump replaced at 47000 miles.

Intake Manifold Gasket replaced at 53000 miles.

Coolant Thermostat started leaking soon after the Manifold Gasket problem. Just tightened and problem solved. Dealer was trying to pull a fast one on me there.

Alternator replaced at 63000 miles.

Driver Seat stopped reclining.

Had to drill holes in taillights for water to drain out.

Changed brake pads numerous times.

General Comments:

This car is a good car overall. After looking at other reader's reviews, I was able to learn and purchase all lifetime parts. After the Alternator replacement, I have had no problems with the car up until now. When going on long trips on cruise control, after coming off of cruise, the transmission gets stuck in first gear. The RPM needle is at 2 which makes the brakes work harder since I have to put more effort into stopping. When it shifts into park or neutral, it revs up to 4000 RPM. The only way to reset it is to completely turn the car off and it goes back under 1000 RPM. I would like to keep this car, but if the transmission is starting to act like this, I will get rid of it now.

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

Review Date: 24th February, 2006

26th Apr 2006, 16:15

The revving problem sounds engine rather than transmission related.

28th Jul 2006, 09:09

A revving sound can be because the transmission cannot switch from low gear. I'd recommend changing the transmission fluid.

13th Jun 2007, 16:06

It was actually the Idle Air Control Valve that needed changing. Thanks for the help guys. Now I am at 110000 miles and the ABS light is on now. From listening to the car, it sounds like the driver side wheel sensor gone bad. I am replacing both sensors which should be costing me $600 but thanks to Ebay, its only $180 for both.

1999 Chevrolet Malibu from North America

Summary:

If you own one, cut your losses and sell, especially if you are at 50000 plus miles

Faults:

At 66000 miles car had a leaky manifold gasket. I fixed it twice, temporily, with radiator leak sealer. Third time I tried plastic formula which worked for about three months.

At 72000 miles water pump went with spray and large fluid leaks. I've not tried repair yet, car is sitting.

Rear taillamp went out around 69000 miles.

Alternator went out at 62000 miles.

I also replaced serpentine belt at 65000 miles.

Car has been well maintained.

General Comments:

I would not recommend anyone purchase a used Malibu or for that matter a new model until Chevrolet fixes problems. I feel terrible for GM employees and this great American company and its struggles to stay alive. The future of the City of Detroit (where I pay taxes) depends on the ability of this company to build better cars and stand with pride behind what it builds.

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

Review Date: 22nd November, 2005

4th Mar 2006, 20:03

I'm afraid that the problems you mention are no worse than expected for normal wear and tear. Serpentine belt, alternator, and water pump, all common things expected to fail prior to 100,000 miles on most cars. The leaky manifold gasket is another issue, and I would agree with the first poster---Barr's Stop Leak or Justice Brothers JB Weld is not the way to fix a manifold gasket, unless it's an old beater that you paid 500 bucks for, and you're prepared to abandon it in the nearest ditch when it becomes convenient. That one, you have to take in to get fixed. The way I see it, everybody is entitled to one unexplained screw up, whether that be people or machines.

1999 Chevrolet Malibu SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

A comfortable and reliable car, and the engine is quiet after the first 10 minutes

Faults:

The first coil has gone out twice.

Carbon disposites in the oil after using Ethanol for two months.

Ticking noise in the engine, especially at first start. Goes away after about 10 minutes. Dealership has no idea what is wrong with it.

Dealership put a spark plug wire end on the PVC valve.

Only have one speaker working after 7 months. When got the car, didn't know that driver-side speakers didn't work.

One line of the defroster is out.

Gas gauge first is full, then quickly falls to empty; especially around corners. Says it's empty even if just filled up on gas.

General Comments:

I like the sound system though, and the CD, cassette, and radio combo is nice.

The seats are comfortable front and back.

The steering is great, and car hugs the corners excellently.

Okay on gas mileage.

I have had the car for about 7 months, haven't yet change brakes, still no squeaking.

Came with a new alternator and muffler.

Has yet to break down completely on me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2005