2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS from North America

Summary:

It is a adequate performing car

Faults:

I have had this car less than a year. The two main concerns that I have and cannot get fixed is the accelerator sticks and sometimes accelerates on its own and the brakes "thump" like the rotor is warped. The brakes are also weak without much pressure.

General Comments:

Overall, it is not a bad car; however, it is not an Impala. I miss my Impala and wish I had not purchased the Malibu.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2004

2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1 SFI from North America

Summary:

The number one mid-size sedan!

Faults:

The front brakes are going at only 15,000 miles.

General Comments:

Besides the front brakes I love this car.

It has a lot of "Get up and go." The 170 horsepower engine with the 4-speed transmission really moves the suprisingly light weight body.

It has a great roomy interior. Simple, but stylish is what I like to call it. It's very original and comfortable. The trunk space is also amazing.

It's a great buy; power windows, locks, mirrors and trunk with cruise, keyless entry and a V-6 all for $19,500 brand new!

No wonder it out sells the Camry and the Accord year after year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2004

19th Aug 2004, 14:48

2003 Malibu LS. Has been in the shop numerous times. Brakes checked continuously due to shaking and noise even before 10,000 miles. Brakes, rotors and calipers all changed twice within one year.

10th Jan 2005, 16:42

The Camry is the number one selling car in America.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu V6 from North America

Summary:

So Far, So Good. Will Provide Updates

Faults:

So far, little has gone wrong with the car. The brakes were initially grumbling, but seem to have smoothed out. There is some sort of whistling noise near the gas and brake pedals, typically in colder weather. We have taken it to the dealer, but as is often the case, they cannot replicate the problem.

I have seen that many people are dissatisfied with their Malibu. I can say that so far I am not dissatisfied, although I have only owned the vehicle for 9 months. I have taken it on long trips and while I am not rough with the vehicle, I expect it to perform, which it has.

I will add updates as my ownership progresses. Hopefully GM has corrected their problems with the 2003 and future models. They have redesigned the 2004 models in appearance.

General Comments:

For the cost of the vehicle, there are a lot of features that are typically only offered in more expensive vehicles. There is a lot of power in the V6 engine and it is a quiet, smooth ride. It looks attractive and has a comfortable interior design.

My older vehicle is a Pontiac 6000 with 320,000km and very little maintenance over its lifetime. I hope that my 2003 Malibu will age as well.

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

Review Date: 21st November, 2003

21st Sep 2006, 15:35

Since my last post, details have come to light regarding problems with the lower intake manifold gasket. Getting the gasket changed outside of warranty, despite seemingly obvious indications of a poorly designed, defective part, is exceedingly difficult. The cost of having the gasket replaced is close to $1000CAD. There are several class-action lawsuits in progress, including one across Canada.

Due to my experience with the dealer regarding this issue, I will never buy another GM product. It's one thing to have a defective part - overall, the car has performed well in the past 3 and a half years - but it's another to attempt to avoid responsibility. In fact, in my opinion, the dealer was very deceptive and intentionally unhelpful.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu SD 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Good

Faults:

None, runs great!

General Comments:

I read a lot of comments.

I am an auto repairman, by trade and I took notice that all problems with the Chevy Malibu's LS has front brake problems this is due to the anti lock brake system. This is also commin in S10 Blazer's front brakes and any other anti lock brake system. The anti lock as we know has pulsating rear brakes.

And the front brakes take all of the cars foward motion slack witch is 75% of the braking power.

High speed driving causes front brakes to wear faster.

This is only for the LS Models due to the anti lock brakes system.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2003