30th Oct 2003, 07:36
To the person making the first comment: take a look at the resale value for a Malibu vs. a Honda Accord, if you think that Hondas are only "marketed better." That's because mechanics, dealers, loan institutions, and consumers all know that the Malibu is junk after a couple years and a few thousand miles.
And Honda owners can laugh at all the saps who buy extended warranties. It boggles the mind how people can buy inferior cars, and on top of that pay in advance for insurance to keep the heaps running. The allegiance to better cars is definitely not "blind."
11th Mar 2004, 11:03
The original review was informative and did a good job explaining the blower switch (position 1 & 2 don't work) and a more cost effective way to fix it. Thank you. My 2001 Malibu LS had that problem, and it was covered under warranty. Next time I'll have to do it myself.
The 2nd comment provider had much better luck getting the dealer to cover the front brake repair. My dealer (Service Mgr.) absolutely refused to pay anything toward the repair of the rotors and pads even though the vehicle had only 26k miles on it. He said he has gone there in the past and GM will no longer cover the dealership for brakes. He charged me $50 for the brake inspection that he was willing to apply toward a $250 front brake job. I declined to have the dealer do the complete job, but I did get the Service Mgr to agree to install new pads and rotors that I provided for only $90 instead (install only cost). The parts I provided cost me $110 and have a lifetime (parts only) warranty.
My '01 Mali-boo has also had the following repairs in it's 37k miles; Check Engine - EGR solenoid, Front fascia paint peeling, moisture in both tail lights and spoiler brake light, both rear window seals folding under window top edge instead of over the top as designed (causes wind noise and replaced under warranty).
The latest is the factory sunroof drains through the fuse box, over the kick panel and pools on the passenger side floor. The water needs to be manually removed from there.
Any thoughts on the Sunroof leak, please email me at rowing29@hotmail.com.
Thanks, - Duane.
16th Aug 2004, 03:56
2000 Malibu. I have nothing, but recurring front brake problems. Replaced rotors several times. Installed recommended gm dealer pads ($100.00). They also went bad. If we get enough people together can we class action lawsuit? e-mail migtoo@sbcglobal.net. Bad brakes can be a dangerous situation. My daughter drives the car. There is definitely a problem.
30th Aug 2010, 20:15
Hello, I have a 2000 Malibu LS that I bought 5 years ago with 55k miles on it. To date, I can count on 1 hand how many times my car has been to the shop. It currently has 105k miles on it and is still running strong. Is it a fluke? Who knows.
I have changed the rear brakes once since I have had the car, and will be changing the front brakes here shortly for the first time. I did have the same problem with the A/C blower motor a couple years ago. I also do need the entire A/C replacing now.
I was just at a dealership to see about upgrading to a newer car, I drove countless vehicles ('03 Mazda 6, '04 Chrysler Sebring, and a Honda Prelude). None of them convinced me that I should give up my Mali. This car hands down is the one of the smoothest shifting transmissions I have ever driven.
I love this car, I have since I bought it. It's not a fancy, head turning ride, but it gets me where I need to go and I'll keep it until it dies.
C. Martins
Vero Beach, FL.
3rd Oct 2003, 11:44
I own a 2000 Malibu LS. I have brought it in to the dealer three times for front brake rotor work all under factory warranty. In all cases, the symptom was a pulsating brake pedal. The first time, at 11,902 miles, the dealer replaced the front rotors and pads. The second time, at 21,564 miles, the dealer machined both rotors. The third time, at 31,474 miles, the dealer again machined both rotors. The car now has about 42,000 miles on it and the brakes have been pulsating for about the last 4,000 miles. I plan to replace the front rotors, but have not decided whether or not to get cross-drilled/slotted ones or stick with the standard design. From my experience, other Malibu drivers' experience whom I personally know, and Internet posts on the same subject, I believe that GM has a design flaw in the front brake/rotor design and should recall the fleet to replace them with an improved design.