1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

You name it and it has gone wrong on the car - brakes, transmission, radio, premature tire wear (had to replace all four at 20,000 km.), heater fan, gaskets, oil leaks, flaw in dash, numerous rattles, battery, and so on and so on. I have been going out of my way to talk to other Malibu owners - without a word of a lie every single owner I have spoken to has had numerous difficulties with their Malibu.

My dealer has been super (Murray Chev-Olds in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan). They have fixed the problems and have given me a loaner every time. I have been in contact with the manufacturer's head office (G.M. in Ottawa, Ontario) several times through mail and over the telephone - by now they have a huge file of complaints from me. The head office "humors me" but has done absolutely nothing to rectify the matter. In fact, they have ignored my latest complaint.

The Malibu has serious flaws. I am very happy that I bought the extended warranty. I have another 2 years left on this warranty and then will definitely get rid of this headache.

For all the errors G.M. made in developing this car it does ride quite nicely on the highway when all the mistakes are repaired.

We are never sure if the car will make it to our next destination. We worry a great deal about what will go wrong next.