1981 Chevrolet Malibu Classic review from North America

High beam switch had to be replaced.

Tires were replaced.

This is one of the nicer iterations of the Malibu. I've been a fan of this line of cars, and this model was good. It was built like a tank, with very solid bodywork, good paint quality, and nice interior appointments. The bench seats are definitely dated, but if you find the more upscale versions (Malibu Classic, for example) sometimes they have the split seats.

Mechanically, the car was supremely rugged and reliable. The V6 motor started easily and ran effortlessly. The smooth ride made any road trip easy, and the powerful AC system kept things comfortable, even in hot desert conditions. This car represents a high point in GM engineering, before the complexity of modern fuel injection and OBD compliant computers would ruin everything.

Of course, by now, this is a very old car. Still, I see many of them soldiering on, and some have been extensively restored or customized. If you desire one, finding a clean, lightly used model can be hard, since most were driven into the ground. In my opinion, this good looking midsize sedan is destined to be a classic on the par with other American iron, such as the 57 Bel Air.