2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

- ABS sensor went needing replacement.

- Decides to intermittently dump all of its coolant; probably a sticky thermostat. Has only happened twice, but expecting it to happen again.

- Loose tie rod.

-Large intake manifold leak.

- It's actually very fun to drive, has decent acceleration and makes a very delightful engine noise under hard acceleration.

- Very floaty ride that reminds you of a larger sedan, although not particularly good at absorbing speed bumps and pot holes; good ride otherwise.

- The car goes through some demanding situations on a daily basis (the way I drive). Despite a few problems it has never mechanically failed, and all in all it has held up admirably, considering my drive way is very long and riddled with deep potholes as I live on an acerage. I do enjoy spirited driving down that driveway of mine. Which probably explains the tie rod being loose.

Overall, considering how I have driven it, which is probably overall moderately hard, that car is a champ. It has never failed to start and has always run good, even in minus 30 weather after not being plugged in at night. It is a good winter car, and you will find yourself hard pressed to get stuck. Remember I live in a rural area with a really crap driveway, and I have never been stuck, even in a foot of snow.

The air conditioning controls do look cheap, and the interior is boring. The outside styling was probably adequate at the time, but now looks boring in contrast to newer cars. BUT the stereo is actually quite impressive; even though it only has 4 speakers, it sounds amazing. I honestly think the Malibu has a sound system that holds it own compared to better sound systems on other cars; of course not aftermarket systems, just stock.

Tires are moderately annoying to change.

Car is really not the greatest on fuel with its 3.1 V6, and somehow only manages to get 170 bhp. With gas prices going the way they are, a car like this is going to be hard to sell in a couple of years.