2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 200hp V6 from North America
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
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.
12th Jan 2007, 10:11
Rotors rusted over? That is very odd, I've never heard of that happening.