2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

Great Car When It Runs Right

Faults:

Brakes - replace with Power Slot rotors and Carbon Metallic pads myself for $300.

Coolant Leak - intake manifold gasket replaced under extended warranty.

Starter - replaced under extended warranty.

Turn Signals / Hazard Flashers - circuit board replaced under warranty.

Tires - Firestone Affinity tires have no wet / snow traction yet are noisy.

Rattles and Squeaks - a 2001 automobile should not rattle like a 1915 Model T Ford, but this car does. My dad's Model T runs better than this car and has fewer reliability problems.

General Comments:

I've heard several problems with this car which keeps the resale value down. I owe more on my car than what it's worth, and will complain to my bank that I cannot afford payments if I have to spend so much money on its maintenance just to keep it on the road.

If your ABS light comes on and none of your electrical accessories work, your alternator needs replacing. The power train control module will sense a lower voltage than normal so it tries to save electrical power by turning off high-current draw accessories, like ABS and power windows. This is according to the GM Factory Service Manual for 2001 L- and N-body cars (including Malibu's).

I do not think that my next car will not be Chevrolet, I am considering a Model T as a daily driver around town. It's more reliable than any Malibu (except maybe a 1969 Malibu).

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

Review Date: 4th May, 2003

23rd May 2003, 13:10

Update - ignition switch went out, stranding me out of town. The theft system wouldn't let the car start, so had the car towed and the switch replaced under extended warranty for $150.

17th Feb 2004, 11:18

Thanks information provided, I think you hit the nail on the head about the alternator. I couldn't figure out why my dome lights wouldn't come on after I had got the car serviced for a bad Door lock cylinder that I had to replace. I just realized today that the ABS light came on. After reading many reviews I was thinking bad rotor, but luckly I caught your comment and hopefully it'll save me some money and time if it is indeed the problem. Thanks for the post, it makes a lot of sense.

2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan 3.1 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

It would be a nice car if it did not have so much wrong with it

Faults:

Our car started to make a humming noise about 200 miles after we got the car. The dealership had said that it was the hub assemably.

Then our brake light came on at about 33,000 miles and we went to the dealership for the same thing twice.

While we were there for the brake light they had to replace our upper strut on the passagers side.

Now at 40,000 miles our ABS light is on and they do not know what is wrong with it.

General Comments:

The car handles great when not in the shop.

The cabin is very roomy and seats are very comfortable.

We love having the sedan look sporty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2003

2001 Chevrolet Malibu Base V6 from North America

Summary:

A complete waste of my hard earned money

Faults:

Piston slap, cold engine tick (repaired) - There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for this.

Gas mileage down from approx. 31mpg to 22mpg - Dealership says cannot duplicate problem. Never fixed.

Oil pan leak (repaired)

AC blower fan not working on #1 & #2 (repaired) there is a TSB for this.

Smell something like antifreeze occasionally. I never figured the cause for this out.

Front tie rod had to be replaced. A bolt was left out on the assembly line when the car was built. No TSB for this. This could have caused an accident.

Brakes replaced and rotors turned prematurely.

Driver's side door lock broke. It stayed either up or down, never switched back to normal position.

General Comments:

This car is pitifully built. It had the potential of being a good family car, however I personally don't feel safe since the tie rod episode. This car was traded at 31,000 miles for a new Honda. I need something more dependable. I will never buy another Chevrolet because of this.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th March, 2003

2nd Sep 2003, 11:44

I wish I had saved my money for a Honda too! I just bought a 2002 Malibu with 29,000 miles. It was back in the shop the next week with a transmission problem. Now, it is back in the shop for a check on the brakes. I've only had the car for 3 weeks. It is really disappointing to have spent the money on a piece of junk.