22nd Aug 2007, 12:05

I brought a 2002 Malibu new and it has been pretty good service. In 2006 the check engine would come on and go off. One day I took the car for the usual 3000 mile oil change and was told water was in my oil. After checking into several other things I was told I had an intake problem. $698.00 later it was taken care of. I have had for years now a problem with the air conditioner not working on certain levels. The air conditioner button goes off at will and the car will then not be cool, but appear to work on air circulation only. If you wait long enough it will come back on. After having the front brakes replaced recently I am getting a funny noise from the front end. Sometimes I think the front end is going to fall out. It only happens after I have driven the car for a while. I have about 74,000 miles on it now. Other than that, I can say the car has services me well. Who knows, anything could happen at any time.

10th Mar 2008, 05:54

I have a 2002 silver Malibu LS. Have had problems with the AC not working on certain levels (number 2 to be specific), did not work even after a trip to the dealer.

The brakes have to be changed very frequently.

The engine is not responsive and can be very sluggish.

Had a problem with oil burning on the manifold and smoke forming.. mpg is OK though.

Seats are comfortable and the sound system on mine is top notch at the time.

The trunk is roomy.

I had problems with moisture getting in one of the headlights twice, and I'm having to get new ones..

On occasion the ABS or check engine light will go on, then disappear the next time I start the car. The starter always makes a loud screeching sound right before the engine turns over, and I never know if today will be the day the starter dies.

Basically it is a lemon... before this I owned a 94 Geo Prism with an upgraded Toyota engine; high power to weight ratio, was very powerful... lasted forever... no problems.

14th Oct 2008, 22:33

On the leaking intake manifold gasket, mine started at 40,000 miles. My borther in law managed a fleet of the 2002 Malibu, and said every one of them had the same problem at about 40,000 miles. I called Chevrolet and they agreed to pay for 1/2 of the repair so I only had to pay about $240. I get 30 mpg on the highway. The doors do squeak and I have had to replace the ignition switch and turn signal console. Other than that, the car runs well.