2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base review from North America

The only problem I had with the car was that the doors made a faint creaking sound when opened or closed. I never took it into the dealer because I determined it was the rubber boot around the door control arm. It wasn't a defect, just a design oversight. I decided it wasn't anything to get myself into a fit about.

I owned a 1999 Malibu, and decided to get this car when I turned over my '99 in December. Chevy made some nice changes to the car in the past few years. The ride is smoother and much more quiet. They also worked out some of the rattle noises that was present in the '99 model.

The engine was also beefed up. The '99 Malibu had a 3.1L V6 that ran at about 125 horsepower (later '99 V6 Malibu engines were upgraded to a 150 HP model). The 2002 V6 sported about 150 horses with a good torque ratio that gave it more bang for the buck.

They also seemed to improve the ABS and overall brake system. I did not get as much premature wear on the shoes and rotors as I did with the '99 Malibu (that was fixed by adding higher quality rotors and ceramic pads).

I wish they would have redesigned the seats to offer more lumbar support, for long road-trips started to take a toll on my lower back.

I liked the RDS feature on the radio, but the volume control was not sensitive enough. I always wanted to get the volume level between clicks, instead it was either a bit too soft or a bit too loud.

I regret the fact that I had to return the vehicle this month due to losing my job, but I plan to get a new Malibu when the economy picks back up again and my finances are in order.