13th Oct 2008, 02:48
DISCLAIMER: I don't own a Malibu. However, I just rented one for the weekend and was very pleasantly surprised.
Though I've owned imports almost exclusively, I found the Malibu extremely impressive. The Ecotec 4 cylinder engine is no V8, but provided adequate motivation. More importantly, it was extremely well mannered... dead silent at idle. Ride, handling, and braking felt fairly sporty, for a family sedan.
Exterior panels fit very well, and interior quality was very good too. The driver's seat was plenty comfy, and ergonomics were well sorted out.
Gripes? Rear visibility is compromised by the rear headrests and center brake light. And... well, that's about it.
13th Oct 2008, 08:44
"Rear visibility is compromised by the rear headrests and center brake light."
Until see through rear head rests and center bake lights are developed, I do not think there is anything that can be done about this.
13th Oct 2008, 14:45
Well, they could have mounted the center brake light in the trunk lid, and perhaps allowed the headrests to fold down when not in use.
However, the rear visibility gripe was minor. In general, I thought this was a great car. Especially considering it was a stripped-down rental.
5th Jan 2009, 10:53
We purchased a used but still under factory warranty 2008 Malibu. I have noticed lately that the temperature gauge is now going between 1/2 and 3/4 at idle and the outside temp was only 44 this morning. Also the brakes have started to squeak and the handheld remote has broken inside by the battery.
The dealer says the brakes are not covered either is the handheld. The temp gauge will do that untill the fan kicks on...
The temp thing scares me because we live in Phoenix where it gets to 115 driving home in rush hour stop and go!!!
Whats the truth???
6th Jan 2009, 17:18
To 10:53: I wouldn't get too upset about the Malibu just yet. First off, it is not unusual for modern GM cars to get between 1/2 and 3/4 of the way to "hot" at idle even in below freezing weather. Mine has done this from day one, and in 8 years has never had anything repaired but one headlight bulb (for a whopping $10). These cars have thermostats that keep the engine temperature up to at least mid-gauge at all times, winter or summer. The outside temperature has far less effect on the operating temperature of modern cars than it once did. As long as the hand stays below the red area, there is nothing to worry about at all. If it gets into the red, STOP IT AT ONCE. Overheating modern engines for even short periods can totally destroy the engines. NEVER, EVER drive an overheating car any further than it takes to get to a safe place to pull over and stop. My best friend ran his expensive imported sports car until it became so hot the engine seized. It was just out of warranty and the repair bill was over $7000. The problem was a small overflow tank hose that could have been purchased at Auto Zone for less than $1 and installed in 30 seconds.
The brake squeal may not be worn out pads. We go over 70,000 miles in our GM vehicles before replacing the pads. Modern brakes sometimes just squeal because of material on the pads or because of the composition of the pads. Shops will virtually ALWAYS tell you your pads are worn out just to sell you new ones. You can check the wear yourself by removing a front tire and looking at the pads edge-on to check the thickness. If they are OK, ignore the squeal, as it is not anything to worry about. If it is that big a deal, you can purchase new anti-squeal pads for about $18 a set (per axle) and they are a snap to install. I replaced them on my 2001 Pontiac at 70,000+ miles in 15 minutes during my lunch brake at a cost of $17.
As for the key fob, well, mine cracked 6 years ago and it doesn't cause any problem so I ignore it. I've never had to replace a battery in any of these things, even up to 10 years.
As a mechanic I love GM cars and highly endorse them. I also drive Fords, and find them to be of very high reliability as well. My experience with imports has been less than stellar. I was surprised to find that while just about every car in the world was dropping in sales, the new Malibu INCREASED in sales in 2008 by a whopping 51.5%. I think that says a lot about the appeal of these cars. They are extremely well-built and reliable cars.
4th Feb 2009, 20:51
"I think that says a lot about the appeal of these cars."
Or conversely, about the appeal of the last Malibu. :)
Seriously, though, I really like the new Malibu. What a classy ride!
19th Feb 2009, 20:51
I found comment 22:59 kind of interesting. Why would you WANT a car that is EASY TO BREAK INTO?? I really don't want my car built so that anyone with a coat hanger can get into it. Also, most all GM cars now have Onstar. Ours does, and all you have to do is simply call Onstar and they will remotely unlock your car.
28th Feb 2009, 16:42
You're right. The Malibu comes with Onstar. If you read back through the comments, you'll find someone who says the same thing as 22:59
... that he's back to driving his Sentra while the Malibu sits on his lawn looking silly. Trouble is, all of his other comments don't make sense either. He kept changing his story and saying things like he couldn't get his car fixed because his dealer went out of business. There's just too much suspiciously incorrect about what he says. His commentary isn't consistent with someone who is even familiar with the new car purchase process, the features of the vehicle in question, or how to get warranty service. Certainly not enough to be credible.
"Why would you WANT a car that is EASY TO BREAK INTO??"
YOU wouldn't. Because you've actually owned vehicles that were valuable enough that you wouldn't want them easily opened. Again... more evidence that he never owned a Malibu. He would have known that it had Onstar.
He also made this comment: "Little things like this just BUG ME ABOUT AMERICAN CARS."
As if a new Accord, Camry, or Altima is easily opened with a coat hanger! Oh, I think he's "bugged" about American cars all right. It's just that his story about owning one doesn't hold up to any kind of informed scrutiny.
17th Aug 2008, 12:21
To 18:08: I wrote 12:49, and I totally agree with everything you have said about this review. I am definitely not trying to defend the review, as quite frankly, I personally think it written by an import fan to discredit domestics. I am just trying not to be so blunt about it.
You are also right about no GM car using oil in the first few months regardless of the way it is treated. My family's 1977 Buick with 270,000+ miles on it still does not use oil, nor did one of my Dodges that was sold in perfect running condition at 240,000+ miles. I'm a mechanic and car enthusiast and I meticulously maintain all my cars and use only full synthetic oil changed promptly on schedule. That goes a very long way toward preserving the life of any car.