1998 Chevrolet Malibu LX review from North America
"The nightmare of all nightmares!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
FUEL INJECTORS malfunctioned constantly.
STARTER had to be replaced ($900)
ALTERNATOR had to be replaced ($700)
ENGINE had to be replaced ($3000)
FUEL PUMP had to be replaced ($400)
WHEEL BEARINGS on FRONT replaced.
BRAKES constantly gave us problems.
A/C keeps going on and off on its own.
When battery is disconnected, the fuel gage flips over the bar.
This car is the worst nightmare on wheels!! I purchased it at 66000 miles from a reputable dealer and I am very sorry that I ever did! Every month since I've had it (mind you its only been 8 months) a major component had to be replaced not to mention the $7000 sticker tag price I am still paying on. The car shakes, rattles and rolls itself into a junkyard (I can only hope).
I think it is a serious safety issue with the constant brake and wheel bearing issues. I must say its probably one of the best looking cars on the road, but it is a real money pit. All the options in the world can't account for the emptiness of the pockets at the end of the day! I never had a problem with any of my previous cars (Dodge and Jeep) and this was surely an eye opener to how bad Chevys really are. The technicians were constantly mystified by the crazy problems of a car with its own mind! And to think, the car isn't even worth $1500 at its best, it's sad to say. Chevy nickles and dimes everyone saying that this car has all electric parts - each one costing upwards of $400. Eight months with my pile of junk has cost me well over the price that I am paying for it to begin with.
General comments?
Do not buy it!
No matter how nice it looks- the malibu is trash!
Recommended reviews
| The Malibu is a very fun car, its just not built very well |
| MONEY PIT |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.1 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 66000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 86000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Stratus |
| Date of Entry | 19th August, 2008 |