1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

A paycheck vacuum!

Faults:

The primary problem, of many I have experienced with this vehicle, is the front brakes. Over the 63,000 miles on the car, I have averaged serious ($200usd) repairs on the brakes every 8,000 miles. I have replaced four sets of rotors and 5 sets of pads.

Additionally, I am now replacing ABS components - a right front speed sensor ($600). It is unfortunate that the one recurring problem is on such a fundamental system. GM/Chevy has stated that they find this level of performance acceptable.

General Comments:

Please avoid the Malibu (1997 and up) at all costs. It is a frightening car to drive, and your life may be on the line with this vehicle. Chevy will not address the issue, so you are "on your own" in their eyes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th August, 2001

6th Sep 2001, 01:31

You must be working for the Japanese car companies to say such things about the Malibu... it is a fine automobile... you must be a horrible driver to go through so many brake pads... but more likely this review is not true...

My brother owns a 98 Malibu and he loves it... 60,000 miles, no major maintenance, runs like brand new.

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1 Litre from North America

Summary:

A big hunk 'o crap!

Faults:

This car is JUNK! Never buy G.M.

G-iant

M-istake.

Rear sway bar bushings at 5000kms.

Driver side mirror replaced twice.

Both front wheel hub & bearings @ 60000kms.

Water pump @ 50000kms.

Rack & pinion @ 50000kms.

In the shop as I'm writing this for an A/C blower motor switch in/op, front end noise, coolant loss, and intermittently not working rear power window!

General Comments:

I've never had or even heard of having more problems with a car in my entire life. This car manufacturer should be ASHAMED of putting such CRAP on the market. It is a disgrace to advertise these vehicles when they're nothing but problems! Please, if someone is seriously considering buying this vehicle, have your head examined!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd August, 2001

10th May 2002, 11:45

I purchased a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS and have had nothing but good times and travel. The car has 62,000 miles on it, and short of your scheduled oil changes, tune-ups and tire changes, I have had no other problems with it.

Even though they may be the same make and model, it does not say that they are all the same.

All I know is that I am very happy with this my Chevrolet Malibu LS, and I will purchase another when the time comes.

1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

High performance family sedan

Faults:

Since I have had this car the only thing that has gone wrong with it so far is that the AC control head had to be replace by the dealer. That is about the only thing that has gone wrong with it so far.

Brake pads and rotors had been replaced right before I bought this vehicle. This vehicle was well maintained considering it was an off lease vehicle, and considered a GM Certified Used Car.

General Comments:

This car has great handling, and for $10,788 I think it was well worth it. GM offered me an extended warranty from the 45K miles I had on it til it reaches 80K miles.

AC Control head was replaced by the dealer at no charge to me.

The performance of this vehicle is quite nice, considering I raced a 2001 Ford Taurus SES and came out on top... not by much but that does not matter.

This car seems to be very well maintained, and does not seem to be like the problematic 1996 Pontiac Grand AM SE that I owned. I think Chevrolet did a fantastic job with this vehicle and I would recommend it to any family looking for a nicely equipped problem free vehicle.

My Malibu (LS model... leather, CD, power window, locks, seats, alloy, and lot of other fun toys).

I truly love driving my car...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2001

27th Apr 2003, 12:48

Wait until you break 65,000 miles. As you will see from all these reviews, that's when your most expensive problems will begin.