2001 Chevrolet Malibu Base review from North America
"A complete waste of my hard earned money"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Piston slap, cold engine tick (repaired) - There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for this.
Gas mileage down from approx. 31mpg to 22mpg - Dealership says cannot duplicate problem. Never fixed.
Oil pan leak (repaired)
AC blower fan not working on #1 & #2 (repaired) there is a TSB for this.
Smell something like antifreeze occasionally. I never figured the cause for this out.
Front tie rod had to be replaced. A bolt was left out on the assembly line when the car was built. No TSB for this. This could have caused an accident.
Brakes replaced and rotors turned prematurely.
Driver's side door lock broke. It stayed either up or down, never switched back to normal position.
General comments?
This car is pitifully built. It had the potential of being a good family car, however I personally don't feel safe since the tie rod episode. This car was traded at 31,000 miles for a new Honda. I need something more dependable. I will never buy another Chevrolet because of this.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Great Car When It Runs Right |
| Great car if you have a mechanic riding shotgun |
All 2001 Chevrolet Malibu reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 4000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 31000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 20th March, 2003 |