1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

Junk

Faults:

The tires wore out prematurely. The air conditioning has been repaired four times. The brakes have been replaced twice. The alternator has been replaced twice. The car is now on it's third battery. The main transmission belt frayed and flew off while driving on the highway. The car idles erraticaly and stalls out at red lights.

General Comments:

The only reason I have kept this car is because I didn't want yet another car dealership to royally cheat me out of more money. This car will be paid off in a few months. At that time I will get rid of this piece of garbage and go back to a well-made car, namely a Toyota or a Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th April, 2003

1998 Chevrolet Malibu V6

Summary:

Too much trouble

Faults:

Alternator at 30,000, fuel pump, water pump, battery, drive belt, fuel pump noise, cuts off for no reason at all, and can't let the gas get past a quarter tank or it will cut off.

General Comments:

I was always told, buy a Chevrolet car, you will not have any problems out of it, but I see that was a lie.

I have had too many problems over the last past years. I have had so many problems out of this car, and the dealer that services my car says nothing is wrong; I know it is.

I have this loud humming noise that they say it just a noisy fuel pump. I should not have to drive the car like this. I purchased an extended warranty from the dealer, and they don't even deal with the company any more. I want a solution to these problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th April, 2003

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LX V6

Summary:

Not a good bargain

Faults:

I've had to change the brake lights several times. I've had to change the brakes and rotors several time. I've had problems with the AC button on the control panel it doesn't want to stay on. I have to change windshield wipers often.

General Comments:

This car is not worth the headache. I've own a Nissan before this car and my Nissan never ever gave me problems. I'm going back to Nissan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS V6

Summary:

A great mid-size, mid-budget, car

Faults:

Replaced brakes twice in 12,000 miles.

Serpentine belt pulley jammed, causing belt to fall off. New pully fixed the problem.

A/C kicks off at will. Common problem with 1998 Malibu, but no big deal.

Needed new front bushings to get rid of constant squeak in front end.

Dealer fixed vibration in transmission before purchasing car. At 45mph, car would have subtle vibration. Rebuilt transmission has fixed this problem.

General Comments:

Despite what looks like a large list of problems, this has been one of my favorite cars to drive!

Great acceleration on big hills where I live.

Plenty of cargo and passenger room.

Great CD/stereo system--love that bass!

In the two years I've owned it, it's only spent a total of three days in the shop for the various small problems. Perhaps that's because I made the dealer fix the transmission problem before I bought it, otherwise, I would have more to complain about.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2003

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LX V6

Summary:

Buy it only if a family member is a mechanic

Faults:

The first month we got the car the oxygen sensor went bad and we had not even made the first payment. After that we knew the car would be a problem and it was. We had the alternator replaced. The ABS light goes on and off occasionally. The AC cooling system is weak. The car had to go back twice for coolant leaks through the gasket. It constantly gives as problem with the engine light on and rough engine running. We have been to the dealer 5 times for that. The dealer said we use bad gas. We contacted the major company where we purchased the gas from and complained. They said they had similar complaints with certain GM vehicles. They said their investigation in the Midwest showed that the problem appears with certain types of fuel injectors used in these vehicles. The Chevy dealer did not accept this, but called GM which finally paid for the cost of cleaning the fuel injectors. The dealer however said we had to clean the tank and that cost is ours. When contacted General Motors Assistance, they did not accept there is a problem with their fuel injectors. It is a shame the Malibu's have so many problems. We are now looking to buy a Honda or Nissan or Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th March, 2003