2000 Chevrolet Malibu from North America

Summary:

The Malibu is a bargain only because the vehicle is assembled with cheap materials!!

Faults:

I have similar problems as with most Malibu owners. Here is my shopping list of problems:

1. Hazard lights/turn signals shorted out. Recalled and fixed.

2. Excessive play on the right tie rod end. Repaired under manuf. warr.

3. Blower vent doors automatically switch from open to the close position and vice versa. Repaired under manuf. warr.

4. The control for blower fan speed 1 and 2 shorted due to a bad resistor. Repaired.

5. "Piston slap" at cold starts (although many say this is common in Malibus, that doesn't make it normal!)

6. Replaced left strut mount and seat as a result of suspension noises over bumps.

7. Everyone's favorite, warped rotors.

Rotors and pads replaced.

8. The right side strut mount is now worn out. Same symptoms as the left strut mount. Needs to repaired.

9. Engine surging at 65-75 mph highway. Verdict still out on this one.

My concern is with #9. Has any Malibu owners with '97-'03 model years experienced any engine surges while driving? To describe it in more detail, when this does occur, there is a series of surges (maybe 1-4 times) that takes the RPM up 300-400 RPM suddenly (without the driver voluntarily applying more gas) and goes back to about 2000-2300 RPM afterward (normal RPM for 65-75 mph speeds). But most of all this occurs intermittently. When it surges, it surges in series and you'll know it!! If not, you wouldn't notice it for a week or a few weeks. I drive about 500 miles a week, so one can certainly understand my concern.

On this problem I have my suspicions on what the problem could be. It could be the result of faulty oxygen sensor or temperature sensor causing data feedback problems, engine management (computer) issues, water pump seals are going bad, or torque converter. I've checked and eliminated most if not all of the obvious problem areas such as oil levels, dirty injectors, dirty air filter, water vapors in the gas tank. If anyone has any answer for this I'd definitely like to hear what you have to say.

If you don't mind all this crap, the car is PERFECT.

General Comments:

The acceleration is good off the line and in merging situations.

It feels safe inside and is very roomy.

Trunk space is more than adequate.

Gas mileage is not too bad for a V6 at 27-28 MPG combined.

A/C is a little weak, but decent when on settings 3 and up.

Luckily I've been fortunate to not experience gasket leaks, coolant leaks, coolant sludge, engine stalls, transmission failures, "red hot" (literally) CD players as with some people.

The level of quality on this vehicle just completely overshadows its positive points. A true shame... what could have been for this car had there been a more concerted effort to focus on reliability and durability.

My suggestion... go with the Camry, Accord, or Altima. For me... I personally prefer the Honda.

Thanks for reading.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th July, 2004

24th Oct 2004, 18:51

Hello, I own a 99' Malibu and just recently noticed the surging at highway speeds. However I have ruled out any problems with the engine, and I believe that it is either the fluid pump in the transmission or possibly the torque converter. You can duplicate the surge sitting still with your foot on the brake and the car in gear (any gear).

This car gave me outstanding reliability until this year. Now I'm noticing the problems every one else is having. My problem is trying to figure out why they just now started with no warning???.

2000 Chevrolet Malibu LS 6 CYLINDER from North America

Summary:

Never to be replaced in my lifetime-I hate the thought of costly brake repairs

Faults:

Brakes repaired 28,000K (after 2 years) courtesy GM (secret warranty), Repaired 43,000K (1 more year). Repaired 54,00K (1 more year) where I am now at 4 years.

At 57,000 pistons rattling like tin cans, on cold start ups, but then settles down after operating 15 minutes.

Will buy a Honda next time.

General Comments:

Poor brakes, safe, but costly to keep them that way.

Engine noisy when a cold start up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd July, 2004

15th Nov 2004, 19:52

Owned an Accord what a rust bucket had rust in the first year.ball joints went 35,000 miles. Alternator went then the battery. Godd car for the first couple of years then rust everywhere. when are the Japenese going to pull their head out of you know where and rust proof there over priced cars.

19th Nov 2005, 21:44

When you say brake repairs, could you be a little more specific? New pads and rotors being turned, or something more substantial?

Frequently replacing front brake pads is a common occurrence for FWD cars. And, judging from most people I know, perhaps GM cars more than most (I replace the pads in my Beretta almost yearly).

It's why it's a good idea to learn to do those basic repairs yourself, so they can be done for free (or at least cheaply) later on.