1997 Chevrolet Malibu Base review from North America
"I'll never buy a Chevy again"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Malibu's are maintenance nightmares.
I've had to replace brakes, rotors early. Fuel pumps, alternator, coils, water pumps, power steering pump. Power window motors.
The inside driver door panel is falling off. The radio has lights which no longer work. The trunk leaks. Fuel injectors clog up frequently. The front end is junk and needs rebuilt.
All on a car driven gently for 80,000 mostly freeway miles. Squeaks, rattles are everywhere. Make believe lug nuts on hubcaps are broken. The headlights get water inside.
General comments?
This car is poorly designed and built and needs constant maintenance.
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  | I love my car; it is comfortable, reliable, easy to handle, and small |
| Reliable and rugged |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 2/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 3 miles |
| Most recent distance | 80000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Taurus |
| Date of Entry | 30th August, 2005 |