2005 Chevrolet Malibu LT V6 from North America

Summary:

Okay car with a GREAT engine

Faults:

At 76,800 miles the gas gauge started malfunctioning. When you would fill the tank, the check engine light would come on and the alarm would chime, the dashboard flashed low fuel. The problem was never able to be solved. Still dealing with this problem today. Check engine light stays on for 70-80 miles after fill up. I have lost fuel economy.

Air bags did not deploy in any of the accidents the car has been in. One was head on at 50 MPH. The car was strong though. I only had a dislocated shoulder, and the car only needed a new hood, bumper, and headlamps.

General Comments:

Reliable and nice features.

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

Review Date: 30th May, 2015

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Base 2.2L from North America

Summary:

Awful and not dependable, even brand new

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong is more like it.

Poor quality plastic materials at 12,932 miles, 15,578 miles and 18,761 miles

The poor quality plastic is due to three broken visor mirror lids that had to be replaced. The back seat of the passenger car seat also broke and had to be replaced.

Brakes squeal at 70,000 miles.

Steering shaft worn at 49,761 miles.

Starter run on causes difficulty, starting at 9,631 miles, 49,761 miles and 55,279 miles.

My car wouldn't start at random times. I was late for work so many times because of this. I had several dealerships look at it and try and figure it out. These are just a small fraction of times. I have documents and proof of when I took it in and it didn't work.

Check engine light on at 55,279 miles.

Timing chain failure at 80,000 miles. Cost me around $1200 to replace in Feb of 2012. Couldn't get worse until yesterday when the timing chain broke again and blew my motor. My car now needs a whole new motor. Words can't describe how annoyed I am.

Signal light went out at 24,659 miles, 34,039 miles, 45,023 miles, 48,263 miles, 49,761 miles, 50,000 miles, 55,279 miles and 66,115 miles

I know the list of how many times my lights have blown out is crazy. I am a great driver and I treat my car right. Once again, this is just the number of times I have documented. My lights have blown at least twice that amount.

Popping from steering when turning at 28,323 miles.

Bad front right hub at 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

Never buy Chevy cars. Bad quality and poor mechanics.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st August, 2012

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car, great ride, economical to own

Faults:

All brake pads & rotors replaced at about 62,000 miles.

EVAP system purge solenoid defective at 71,459 miles.

Right lower ball joint worn & in need of replacement.

General Comments:

I find my 2005 Malibu to be very reliable and economical to own. Outside of regular maintenance, very little has gone wrong with it. It's very comfortable on long trips, and I'm getting 29 MPG on the HWY and 24 in the city, AVG 26.5.

It is roomy with plenty of trunk space, and it's a stylish looking car. It's quick and smooth when passing.

Chevrolet hit a home run with this car.

My advice is to perform the scheduled maintenance to keep the car running smooth, and don't be afraid to take it for a good run once in a while.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2011

2005 Chevrolet Malibu 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Typical GM junk

Faults:

Gas gauge not working.

Power locks not working.

Major exhaust leak.

Seats feel like concrete.

General Comments:

Mercifully I don't own this car, it is a taxi car that I had to drive tonight as my usual car was in for repairs. This car was just put on the road as a taxi 3 days ago.

Tonight I noticed the gas gauge not working, signal/brake light not working, exhaust leak (sounds like manifold), power locks not working.

The seats feel like you are sitting on pavement.

I can't imagine anyone tall owning this car. I am only 5'10" and I had to slouch down in the seat to drink from a sports bottle, so it didn't hit the sun visor.

The interior looks and feels so cheap, it's unreal.

My regular taxi is an Impala, and that's not much better. No wonder so many taxi brokers are switching to Corollas and Camrys - they burn half the gas, and are so much more reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd November, 2010

8th May 2017, 14:37

WHAT? A well used high mileage TAXI cab Malibu that you were forced to drive is the vehicle you're reviewing? Hmm, what's wrong with this picture.