1979 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Wagon review from North America

There were no major problems with this car during the 13 years members of my family drove it. Minor problems were light rust on rear quarter panels and frame, and fading of the interior when the car was older.

I was given this '79 Malibu Wagon by my parents in high school, and drove it until I bought first new car in 1992, a piece of junk Hyundai I regretted trading this Chevy in on soon after. The Malibu wagon was not considered, "cool," or a performance car, but it never failed to get me to school and work and then some without an ounce of trouble or ever stranding me. It would always start easily even in extreme cold when my friends cars would not, therefore I was always the one who drove. It was built sturdy, was comfortable and had a great ride, and gave me a secure feeling, things most of the new cars I have owned since it have not given me. It was also very simple and easy for an owner to maintain themself, with inexpensive regular maintenance parts I could get at any auto store. It was just the right size too, not a big tank yet not compact, it was easy to park and maneuver. The back of the wagon with seat down could gobble up a lot of party gear. As I recall it was never a gas hog either. I just wish America would build something with all the great attributes of this car again! I recently bought a nicely preserved one of these classic wagons to bring back fond memories of what a non-disposable car is, and will use it as a summer cruiser hopefully to the day I die.