2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 200hp V6

Summary:

A very underrated, American car that competes very well with japanese mid-size makes

Faults:

--The only major thing that has gone wrong with the Malibu was how the brake rotors rusted over during tire service at 40,000mi and had to be replaced, along with new pads. This ran up to around 300-400 dollars in service fees. However, most American cars seem to have this problem with brakes (it happened to our '03 Ford Escape too.)

Some (very) Minor Things:

--The car on occasion will not turn over immediately when starting the car. No side effects have occurred though.

--Occasionally a seat warmer will turn on automatically. No Biggie, you can just switch it off.

--I'm a teenager driving an "old mans" car. I get insulted from time to time, but overall I'm attached to this car.

General Comments:

--The gas mileage on this car is outstanding. Highway: 26-29 MPG and 24-25 city. Extremely efficent for a mid-size sedan.

--Acceleration is great and RPM levels are low, making the engine perform well (2,225 RPM at 80 MPH!)

--The computer is extremely helpful and lets me know about gas mileage, oil level, trip mileage, and any hazards (gas caps, door ajar, etc.)

--Onstar is cool, but unnecessary. XM is nice.

--Heated Seats + remote Starter = Top Shelf.

--The leather seats have held up extremely well, and I keep the interior clean.

--Big Trunk

--Decent Sunroof

--Side Curtain Airbags are a great additive to safety.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2006

12th Jan 2007, 10:11

Rotors rusted over? That is very odd, I've never heard of that happening.

27th Dec 2008, 18:41

Brake rotors rusting is a common complaint I've seen in "rust belt" areas where salt is used on roads in winter. It seems to affect most cars in those areas.

5th Dec 2012, 22:04

My 2004 Malibu LS was bought for Christmas in 2003. Brake rotors were badly rusted. From I was told, it was lot rot from sitting on the lot before my children bought it for me.

I've also had to have the headlight replaced twice, since they get milky streaks on the inside. I bought a headlight repair kit to fix the outer lens, which was looking awful also. No garage for it to sit it. The kit worked fairly well on the outside, but not much can be done with the inside of the lens, except replacing them again, which can be very expensive. Haven't seen many comments from others about this particular problem. Not good material used I'm afraid.

I saw Olds has the same shape headlight on eBay, but looks like it would be a better material.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu MAXX LT 3.5

Summary:

Getting Better

Faults:

Steering column

Warped front brake rotors.

Bad rattle in sun roof (Dealer had the car for a month and tried to give the car back with broken interior panels and they scratched the paint, interior was filthy with grease and dirt)

Fails to start sometimes.

Vanity Mirror lid broke.

Driving light indicator light quit.

General Comments:

PROS:

Good engine power.

Excellent gas mileage.

Room.

Long list of options.

CONS:

Cheap interior.

DEALER SERVICE!!!

Trans howls at low speed and has indecisive shifts.

DEALER SERVICE!!

Steering wanders and is tiring on a long trip (from constant corrections)

DEALER SERVICE!!

Headlights jiggle going over even small bumps in the road (looks cheap)

DEALER SERVICE!!

Front suspension rattles over bumps (I can hear it and feel it in the steering and floor)

DEALER SERVICE!!

Interior startng to rattle (sounds cheap)

DEALER SERVICE!!

Engine starting to idle rough.

DEALER SERVICE!!

I have been buying GM vehicles for over 40 years. Late 70's thru early 90's they were terrible. (as most American vehicles were) This one is better, but has a long way to go. I have bought several Japanese cars and they have been better all around. I want to buy American, but I will not support inferior products for the sake of patriotism...

Dealers are arrogant inept, and condescending!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th June, 2006

23rd Jun 2006, 13:17

"I have been buying GM vehicles for over 40 years. Late 70's thru early 90's they were terrible. (as most American vehicles were) This one is better, but has a long way to go. I have bought several Japanese cars and they have been better all around. I want to buy American, but I will not support inferior products for the sake of patriotism..."

I gave up on that! I buy what I think it best, it's my money.

"Dealers are arrogant inept, and condescending!!!"

Yeah, just like Dodge. That's why I'm going Japanese.