2001 Chevrolet Malibu review from North America

MY HUSBAND AND I BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE STARTING CAR, WHICH RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS:

Ignition module-$300.

Airbags unplugged (was told a faulty sensor made the car not start and would be cheaper to unplug than replace) -$90.

Electronic ignition starter-$300.

AFTER THESE "REPAIRS" THE CAR ONLY GOT WORSE, AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, THE DOORS WOULD UNLOCK THEMSELVES, WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE IGNITION TO SHUT OFF. RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING "REPAIR", WHICH DID NOT FIX ANYTHING:

Pass-lock security system sensor replaced- $330.

WE NOTICED THAT THE ROTORS WERE SHAKING BADLY. I WAS TOLD AT THE BRAKE SHOP THAT THE BRAKES HAD TO HAVE NEW CALIPERS AND BE TOTALLY REDONE, SINCE MALIBU BRAKE PADS WEAR UNEVENLY AND WOULD SOON NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN:

Brakes-$380.

WINDSHIELD LINING ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME LOOSE, WHICH ALLOWED WATER TO LEAK INTO FLOORBOARD.

IN THE MIDST OF ALL THIS, THE BATTERY WENT OUT:

Battery-$60.

I love the looks, power, and feel of the Chevrolet Malibu.

I like that it's American-made.

However, I feel that Chevrolet has let down the American car industry by creating a very poor SECURITY and ELECTRICAL system. I have read of numerous situations where the ignition locks up because it thinks you're trying to steal your own car. We have had to reset our Pass-lock security system a countless number of times. Also, you cannot modify the stereo system and put in a new CD player unless you leave the original one hooked up somewhere in the car.

After all of the listed repairs that we have had, our car is still doing the same thing, and Chevrolet says they cannot figure out what the problem could be. Although I love my car, we will be trading it in for something that will hopefully be more reliable... like a Camry.