Undecided
Check engine light on, and my car is surging forward at stops.
Just bought it. It's been great so far!
My cousin told me after two days of borrowing the car that it started to jerk while at a stop on her way to bring it back to me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 12th March, 2009
Okay, first off let me start by saying this has been a great car. I started off with 86,000 miles and now I'm at 140,000. Nothing has majorly EVER gone wrong with this car. Except changing the brakes every now and again, but hey I'd rather not run into a tree because my brakes go out. And plus, please name me a car that you don't have to get the brakes changed.
The only thing that has happened is my battery cables got corroded. And recently my check engine light came on, but only because of an O2 sensor.
If you treat your car well, it will treat you well!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th February, 2009
Do not buy it, ever; it's dangerous and problematic
This car always has one problem after the next.
First it was shutting down, and the wheel would lock up when I was driving; it's so dangerous having it do this, especially on the freeway.
I had to restart it as it was going.
The alternator has had to be replaced, the radiator has a leak, my air conditioner only works on 5.
And right now I have a massive oil leak, it's coming from everywhere.
If you want a car that's going to give you problem after problem, then this is most definitely the car for you, otherwise I would not buy one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th January, 2009
A little more than mediocre
Have to change the brakes too often.
Door chime no longer works (speaker on that side may be out).
Slight engine surge going up hills.
Back seat feels weak (but gets lots of compliments on it).
Being a senior in high school, I asked my parents for a car. I wanted a car that was cheap (as I knew they would have to pay for college), four dour, V6 (I dislike the sound of the inline 4), decent looking and I have a preference towards GM. Based on all of that my parents bought me the Chevrolet Malibu.
At first glance the car looks pretty boring and unexciting but not dull. My friends have walked past the car many times when I was the driver. With its unexciting looks and with so many of them out there, it's easy for it to get lost.
The inside looks as if it were confused between quality and price cutting. Lots of plastic. I like the fact that the vents are on the A pillars of the car, and that the ignition is beside the steering wheel and not on it. The left side cup holder takes some getting used to, but that isn't a bad idea either. The dash is nice and flat and the controls are within reach while driving and simple to use. That being said, the gear shift lever and the dash board are UGLY! The tach looks tacky and there is no excuse for the gearshift lever. It looks as if someone just jammed a twig and added a button on it. Another plus side however is that the rear is very spacious and my friends can sit back there comfortably.
The car feels solid overall while driving, but has some kinks to be worked out. One of the first questions I asked my parents was "are you SURE this is a V6?" This car is by no means a slouch. Off the line get up and go is rewarding, and almost thrilling. However once you get at highway speed and the power greatly diminishes. The car would benefit from a much better transmission as I feel this is the source of the problem. The car dislikes downshifting, even when it is appropriate. Bottom line: the car has enough power, but you must floor it to get it. The Japanese do it faster, and they do it better. I noticed going up hill during the summer months the car surges slightly. Not been a huge problem but it is somewhat annoying.
Gas mileage isn't awful, but again the Japanese do it better. If it had an increase of 2 mpg city and about 3 mpg highway, this car would be much much better. I average about 18-19 city 21 mixed and about 26-27 highway. It isn't a bad engine overall, however it lacks refinement that the Honda and Toyota's capitalize on.
Overall this car is OK. Nothing wonderful about it, nothing terrible about it. I've never been concerned with reliability. I've faith when I turn the car on it will start. I still have the car and travel a lot with it. I will probably get another Chevrolet Malibu as the new ones look stunning, if the refinement is there.
Overall this is a good first car for teenagers and young adults, but for those who've been driving for awhile, either look at GM's newer line up or buy a different 01 car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th December, 2008