1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

AIR-CONDITIONER

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There is something intermittent about the Air-Conditioner. Sometimes it just does not work, other times it's OK. I have had it checked out twice by two separate dealers. They both put a temperature probe into the dashboard vents and say that it is within specification.

I am working on a theory that it is related to how I turn it on. I have noticed that if you have the car running and then turn on the air-conditioner, it sometimes does not work. However, if you leave it on and then turn off the ignition and restart the car, it remembers to keep the air-conditioner turned on, and hey presto: Cold air!

FRONT DISC BRAKES

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It seems that I am not alone in experiencing rotor warp. Symptom is a vibration/shaking as you brake. The dealer did resurface the rotors about 4 times even though they did not initially admit Chevrolet has a problem with rotor warp. However, when they wanted to charge me for resurfacing and I complained, they then replaced both rotors with a new and improved variety which I think is better, but still I have started to notice a small vibration.

I have purchased 3rd party cross-drilled rotors and carbon fibre brake pads from KVR Performance 1-800-636-0854 (Located in Ottawa, Canada). I will be installing them as soon as I have worn out the existing ones.

RATTLES

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This car seems to have quite a few rattles. Sounds mostly like plastic-on-plastic

Top speed seems to be governed at 105MPH (somebody told me)

LIKES

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Left hand cup holder - only because I am a south-paw!

Nice handling (LS model). I once rented a sedan 2.4 litre and being used to my LS, I just about drove it into a ditch when I attempted a sharp curve at high speed - The sedan handles much worse than the LS.

Spacey and comfortable to drive. Good sound insulation - except for internal rattles!