1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America
"Yet another GM lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gaskets replaced at 53,000.
Spark plugs replaced 53,000.
Fuel injectors very dirty and cleaned at 53,000.
Dex-Cool sludge in cooling system.
Spark pug wires all replaced 53,000.
Brakes replaced twice.
Rotors replaced with last brake job.
Driver auto window intermit. works.
Loud wind noise.
AC shuts off at random times.
Severe rust on alloy wheels.
General comments?
This car was supposed to be a nice alternative to a comparable Honda. Wrong. GM has now come out with a new add campaign admitting they made crummy cars in the 80s and 90s. This is one of them. This car is one of many that have problems with head gaskets. GM has yet to rectify the problem by issuing a recall. There are numerous class action lawsuits against GM pertaining to the head gaskets and particularly the Dex-Cool antifreeze which is nothing, but bad news. Overall a nice car until the warranty runs out and then your headaches begin.
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  | A nightmare on 4 wheels |
| The worst financial decision I have ever made, two thumbs down for the Malibu! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.1L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 11 miles |
| Most recent distance | 54000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 6th June, 2003 |