1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

We (my wife and I) purchased out 1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS new in December of 1998.

1. Approximately one month after the purchase, the car blew the lower radiator hose (repairs were covered by the Manufacturer's warranty).

2. One year later, the hydraulic engine mounts begin to leak, and cause a vibration (this was also covered by the Man. warranty).

3. Later we experienced problems with the brake lights, back-up lights, and one of the rear signal lights (all covered by the Man. warranty).

4. Most recently we have experienced a mystery problem with the electric sun-roof. The local dealership here in Texas initially refused to repair the malfunctioning sun-roof, due to the fact that the Manufacturer's warranty had elaped, and "un-beknownst" to me, but the extended warranty is not the same as a Manufacturer's warranty. Even though the extended warranty was bought through the same Chevrolet dealership as the car, and endorsed by the General Motors Corp. For over three months the maintenance department at the local Chevrolet dealership, could not get the car to repeat the problem in their presence. Eventually the Extended Warranty elapsed, and the sun-roof opened and remained open. After having dropped the car off at the dealership and signing a waiver (stating I would pay for the work, if the extended warranty would not) the maintenance department diagnosed the problem as a malfunctioning motor module (in the sun-roof). After much begging and pleading with the GM PP warranty department, the cost of the repairs were covered by them (GM PP) due to the fact that I had documentations showing I'd taken the car in before (during the life of it extended warranty) for the same problem.

5. More recently, the car is in the local Mechanics shop for a leaking manifold gasket. The mechanic says blown head gaskets, manifold gasket, and leaking antifreeze is a common occurrence with late model GM cars. The likely culprit is General Motor's new Dex Cool anti-freeze.

Other than the problems listed above, the car handles fairly well. But, it makes a god-awful noise and also has excessive brake dust on the front wheels. Prior to my purchase of the Malibu, I was a die-hard Chevrolet/GM enthusiast/fanatic.

I have 6 sisters and I am an only son, all of my sisters, with the exception of one have purchased Japanese cars.

My next car will be either a Toyota, or a Honda.