Faults:

Turn signals not working, resulting in a ticket.

It's running hot or something. When I stop the lever rises, but as long as I am driving it is fine.

The thing squeaks from everywhere. It also clicks.

The air doesn't work, but the shop keeps telling me there is nothing wrong with it. Now I have no heat.

If these are all trouble, why isn't the company doing anything? If they are knowingly selling LEMONS, isn't there a law that should be applicable here?

Just reading some of these reviews should be a clue. Wish I had read these BEFORE I bought the car.

Faults:

Brakes, brakes, brakes -- seems like every time I bring my Chevy 2001 for service, it's a brake related malfunction.

I know I have 198000 miles on it, but believe me the repairs are so numerous, I could have bought another car.

I had an ignition problem; the dealer took 1 week to fix.

My service engine light has been on for 3 years, and every time I bring it in they supposedly fix it -- that's a total of three tries.

My last visit was -- yes you guessed, brakes and two back strut kits, for a total of 1,500 --- I'm so disgusted, I wish the heap would crock once and for all. I will never buy a Chevy again.

Faults:

- ABS sensor went needing replacement.

- Decides to intermittently dump all of its coolant; probably a sticky thermostat. Has only happened twice, but expecting it to happen again.

- Loose tie rod.

-Large intake manifold leak.

General Comments:

- It's actually very fun to drive, has decent acceleration and makes a very delightful engine noise under hard acceleration.

- Very floaty ride that reminds you of a larger sedan, although not particularly good at absorbing speed bumps and pot holes; good ride otherwise.

- The car goes through some demanding situations on a daily basis (the way I drive). Despite a few problems it has never mechanically failed, and all in all it has held up admirably, considering my drive way is very long and riddled with deep potholes as I live on an acerage. I do enjoy spirited driving down that driveway of mine. Which probably explains the tie rod being loose.

Overall, considering how I have driven it, which is probably overall moderately hard, that car is a champ. It has never failed to start and has always run good, even in minus 30 weather after not being plugged in at night. It is a good winter car, and you will find yourself hard pressed to get stuck. Remember I live in a rural area with a really crap driveway, and I have never been stuck, even in a foot of snow.

The air conditioning controls do look cheap, and the interior is boring. The outside styling was probably adequate at the time, but now looks boring in contrast to newer cars. BUT the stereo is actually quite impressive; even though it only has 4 speakers, it sounds amazing. I honestly think the Malibu has a sound system that holds it own compared to better sound systems on other cars; of course not aftermarket systems, just stock.

Tires are moderately annoying to change.

Car is really not the greatest on fuel with its 3.1 V6, and somehow only manages to get 170 bhp. With gas prices going the way they are, a car like this is going to be hard to sell in a couple of years.

Faults:

Temperature Sensor needed to be replaced at 100,000

Brakes constantly need changing.

General Comments:

First of all, this car is very practical, efficient, and relatively cheap. For the amount of money, you get a lot of car. The inside cabin is generous, but very BLAND! Nothing sticks out about the car, but there are some nice features. I enjoy the fact that the ignition is not on the steering wheel, and that my cup holder is to my left. I also like the fact that the inside light stays on for 30 seconds after the car is turned of, and the fact that the radio will play for 10 minutes after the car is off.

As far as car performance, again nothing that just jumps at you. The 3.1 engine is by no means slow (as compared to my Corolla), but it isn't lightning speed either. In and around city driving, you'll constantly have to keep checking your speed as she'll take off like a rocket. However on the highway, most of that power seems to dwindle a little, though it does have sufficient passing power. Open the throttle, and you'll be rewarded or annoyed depending on how you look at it by a very throaty engine, though it isn't overbearing. The transmission needs more refinement as it doesn't downshift quick enough on steep slopes.

As far as gas mileage, coming from a Corolla, I was a bit spoiled. I actually took my car in because I thought there was a gas leak. I understand that it's a V6, but it has a thirst like a V8. Overtime, I learned how to drive the car better, and I can stretch (and keyword being stretch) to 6 days without going to the pump. Chevrolet needs to work on city mpg. Highway mileage again isn't bad. I average about 17-19 city mileage, and about 28-30 mpg.

As you can see, the car functions as bland as it looks. It isn't a high performing car, but it's functional and it works. It will take you from point A to point B with comfort, and it really is a pleasure to drive. Highway drives is CLEARLY where this car shines.