Faults:

Brake rotors warp every 8000-10000 miles.

Power sunroof motor periodically stops while opening. I just have to hit the switch again to finish opening it.

ABS light comes on periodically, and ABS is disabled while the light is on. Turning the car off and re-starting it will reset the ABS.

Blower motor resistor went bad, but I replaced it myself for about $25. Don't try it yourself if you have fat fingers, and you will need 1/4" drive sockets, extension, and u-joint.

In cold weather (less than 10 degrees), there is a slight knocking sound in the engine with moderate-hard acceleration, but it completely goes away when it's not so cold.

General Comments:

Other than the few items listed above, this has been a good car for daily commuting and family use. There have been NO mechanical failures that have left the car inoperable. Only "nuisance" issues.

The Malibu is large enough and solid enough to feel safe in, yet small enough to be reasonably economical.

The interior is roomy, as is the trunk.

The heater is a bit weak for MN winters, but it's tolerable.

This car is quite smooth and comfortable on the road, and pretty quiet.

Faults:

I have only had this car for 2 months. It was perfect when I got it. This past Friday, I went out for dinner. When I got back in the car and put the key in the ignition, it wouldn't turn. We tried everything and it still didn't work. Had it towed to the dealership that sold it to me. When I got there, they claimed that the ignition cylinder needed to be cleaned as somehow dirt had caused the key to not click so it would turn. $200.00 already and I have only had it 2 months. Anyone else had this problem? In my previous 4 cars, this has never ever happened. Why now. Why this one. What is so screwed up about the 2003 Malibu that this happens. It was beyond embarrasing to have to call a friend to pick me up so I could have my car towed to the dealership. All things considered...

General Comments:

- dirt somehow gets into the ignition cylinder. How?

Faults:

Power windows stick on occasion, but just hit the switch again and it's fine.

Sunroof rumbled when opening, but just needed greasing.

The temperature gauge always ran a little higher right after idling, but always went back down and never got hot.

The driver seat bolster on the outside of the seat was "dislocated" to the left and on the side of the seat.

The rear speaker sounded scratchy sometimes, but I like my bass.

General Comments:

I only had the car 2 weeks before I totaled it. I went off of a gravel road and hit a tree doing 45 mph which threw the car on the driver side. The seatbelts locked immediately and the airbags deployed just as they were suppose to. The car is totaled and I sure am glad that I didn't have a passenger because I had hit on the passenger side. I honestly believe the passenger may have been seriously injured, although I did hit the tree at a "different" angle. People aren't quite sure how I hit the tree, so the car is actually completely totaled; the passenger front floorboard, including the rear passenger floorboard are completely bent. I had bent the frame from the front to the back wheels. I felt very safe in it though. My car had basically everything in it so mine was very enjoyable while it lasted. I am actually looking for another Malibu!