2008 Chevrolet Malibu from North America - Comments

To 10:53: I wouldn't get too upset about the Malibu just yet. First off, it is not unusual for modern GM cars to get between 1/2 and 3/4 of the way to "hot" at idle even in below freezing weather. Mine has done this from day one, and in 8 years has never had anything repaired but one headlight bulb (for a whopping $10). These cars have thermostats that keep the engine temperature up to at least mid-gauge at all times, winter or summer. The outside temperature has far less effect on the operating temperature of modern cars than it once did. As long as the hand stays below the red area, there is nothing to worry about at all. If it gets into the red, STOP IT AT ONCE. Overheating modern engines for even short periods can totally destroy the engines. NEVER, EVER drive an overheating car any further than it takes to get to a safe place to pull over and stop. My best friend ran his expensive imported sports car until it became so hot the engine seized. It was just out of warranty and the repair bill was over $7000. The problem was a small overflow tank hose that could have been purchased at Auto Zone for less than $1 and installed in 30 seconds.

The brake squeal may not be worn out pads. We go over 70,000 miles in our GM vehicles before replacing the pads. Modern brakes sometimes just squeal because of material on the pads or because of the composition of the pads. Shops will virtually ALWAYS tell you your pads are worn out just to sell you new ones. You can check the wear yourself by removing a front tire and looking at the pads edge-on to check the thickness. If they are OK, ignore the squeal, as it is not anything to worry about. If it is that big a deal, you can purchase new anti-squeal pads for about $18 a set (per axle) and they are a snap to install. I replaced them on my 2001 Pontiac at 70,000+ miles in 15 minutes during my lunch brake at a cost of $17.

As for the key fob, well, mine cracked 6 years ago and it doesn't cause any problem so I ignore it. I've never had to replace a battery in any of these things, even up to 10 years.

As a mechanic I love GM cars and highly endorse them. I also drive Fords, and find them to be of very high reliability as well. My experience with imports has been less than stellar. I was surprised to find that while just about every car in the world was dropping in sales, the new Malibu INCREASED in sales in 2008 by a whopping 51.5%. I think that says a lot about the appeal of these cars. They are extremely well-built and reliable cars.

"I think that says a lot about the appeal of these cars."

Or conversely, about the appeal of the last Malibu. :)

Seriously, though, I really like the new Malibu. What a classy ride!

The car may look good but beware. The one I had let me down. My old Nissan Sentra ended up replacing it. Also, make sure you don't lock your keys inside the car. Chevy "DID SUCH A GREAT JOB WITH THE DOOR LOCKS" that you can't use a coat hanger to open the door locks if the keys get locked inside. Little things like this just BUG ME ABOUT AMERICAN CARS.

I found comment 22:59 kind of interesting. Why would you WANT a car that is EASY TO BREAK INTO?? I really don't want my car built so that anyone with a coat hanger can get into it. Also, most all GM cars now have Onstar. Ours does, and all you have to do is simply call Onstar and they will remotely unlock your car.

"GM cars now have Onstar. Ours does, and all you have to do is simply call Onstar and they will remotely unlock your car."

You're right. The Malibu comes with Onstar. If you read back through the comments, you'll find someone who says the same thing as 22:59

... that he's back to driving his Sentra while the Malibu sits on his lawn looking silly. Trouble is, all of his other comments don't make sense either. He kept changing his story and saying things like he couldn't get his car fixed because his dealer went out of business. There's just too much suspiciously incorrect about what he says. His commentary isn't consistent with someone who is even familiar with the new car purchase process, the features of the vehicle in question, or how to get warranty service. Certainly not enough to be credible.

"Why would you WANT a car that is EASY TO BREAK INTO??"

YOU wouldn't. Because you've actually owned vehicles that were valuable enough that you wouldn't want them easily opened. Again... more evidence that he never owned a Malibu. He would have known that it had Onstar.

He also made this comment: "Little things like this just BUG ME ABOUT AMERICAN CARS."

As if a new Accord, Camry, or Altima is easily opened with a coat hanger! Oh, I think he's "bugged" about American cars all right. It's just that his story about owning one doesn't hold up to any kind of informed scrutiny.

16:42 makes some very good points, but the comments 16:42 cites don't really make a lot of sense.

I suppose there are people out there who are genuinely unaware that any dealer can perform warranty work on your car, or that all GM vehicles are available with Onstar. And YES, I DEFINITELY prefer driving a car that you CAN'T open with a COAT HANGER!! Why not just leave locks off all together if they are such a "nuisance" and "bug people out"??

There COULD be. But read his comments and you'll find that his story and attitude kept morphing. Since there is no "truth monitor" on here, the changes to his story, the unlikely nature of the car's problems (the front end falling off, for example), the things he didn't know about the purchase process, and the things he didn't know about the car he claimed to own lead a skeptic like me to say that this sounds like someone with a grudge, not an owner relating their problems. One other clarification: I'm not referring to the original review, just some subsequent commentary.

I agree. I will never buy a Chevrolet again. I have had 5 new Chevrolets and each one got a little worse in terms of quality and performance. My wife bought a Honda and there is just no comparison. It is a great trouble-free car. I will be a Honda man from now on. So long Chevrolet.

To all who think the torque converter being replaced is a lie: My Malibu has 12,000 miles on it, was leaking transmission fluid. they went to put a seal on it. Now they tell me the torque converter is bad and that is what caused the leak. They had to order the torque converter. I took it in Tues. It is now Fri. They told me it may be done by mon. They said this motor (V6) is new to the car, so they are learning. This is my first new car purchase, I am sick to think of such a problem. I never had a used car to have something that bad happen. I am thankful it is under warranty, but will not trust the car now, so will be trading it in, if I can get decent trade in. You just can't make this stuff up. The car has been very gently used, as it is my first new car.