1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

OK, where do I start. The first year we had the vehicle we had to get the ignition in the dash replaced because it would signal to the driver that the key was still in the ignition eventhough it was not.

We had to get the rotors refinished after that year due to pulsation.

We replaced the tires after 3 years.

Rotors were replaced after 4 years due to warping.

The heater/air conditioner control module causes the air conditioner to cycle on and off when it is in operation.

The fan blower switch after 3 years stopped working at low speeds and had to be replaced.

The intake manifold gasket had to be replaced after 4 years due to a coolant leak.

The big one: The connecting rod in one of the cylinders broke causing a chattering sound from the engine compartment. Engine has to be replaced. It will cost $6000 Canadian to get a new one or $2500 for a low mileage used one. GM won't help cover the cost. Same excuses as usual.

Generally the car is very comfortable and very nice to drive. The sound system is great. But that's where the good points stop.

The 3.1 V6 engines have a flaw in the design and GM is going to have to fix that problem.

I will not buy a Malibu again. But will still buy a GM product because of other GM vehicles that I have owned with satisfaction.