1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America
"Nice looks, but too many problems"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The front end shakes badly, especially when braking from any speed greater than 55 mph.
Both front and back brakes were replaced at about 36,000 miles. Completely, with rotors. Just this week I noticed a bit of drag, so chances are they need to be replaced again.
The alternator was replaced at 50,100 miles after two months of troubling, randomly-occurring electrical problems. My mechanic initially told me that the alternator performed well on an electrical test, but the problems ceased once it was replaced.
The ABS brake light comes on unexpectedly even on the driest roads anytime the temperature is a little cold.
The air conditioner condenser cuts off after about 5 minutes in the summer heat, so I pretty much swelter. This happens at all settings and especially on the hottest days. The air conditioner seems to work best when its about 65 degrees outside and it's not really needed.
The bearing in the front end just recently started a high pitched whining, especially after the car has warmed up just a bit.
The factory tires were absolute junk. I ended up replacing them with Yokohamas which perform surprisingly well for a relatively inexpensive tire. The Yokohamas have handled far better this year on the snow and ice than the Firestones ever did.
General comments?
In the two years I have owned this car I have had pretty much every problem mentioned by other reviewers.
I loved everything about my Malibu when I first got it. Now, I hate to even look at the car. I have not found it to be a reliable car and I'm beginning to think that it's really not all that safe. What makes my experience even more disappointing is that other family members have been quite pleased with their Chevrolet products, a Venture van and two Sonomas. My previous car was a 1990 Pontiac Grand Am which lasted for nearly 11 years, got about 200K on the odometer, and actually performed pretty well until about the last two months of its long life. I'd buy another Pontiac in a heartbeat, but I guarantee I'll never buy another Chevrolet.
Recommended reviews
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| 1999 - Malibu Base 2.4 4 cylinder It would be a great buy if Chevrolet would address the problems they have had with the car since 97 |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 6 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 12900 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 21st February, 2003 |