2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

The front brake rotors had to be replaced at 10,000 miles.

The strutts were rattling and had to be replaced at 30,000 miles.

The engine is rattling and sounds like a diesel while running.

In relation to the front brake rotor problem, the rotors were very poorly made by General Motors and is not covered under warranty because it's a general wear item.

The strutts were replaced under warranty.

The engine started the diesel sound about 15,000 miles. I have had it looked at by 3 different dealerships. They tried saying it was a timing problem and reset the computer. Finally I took it back to a dealer that I had already taken it too. They said that it was engine slap. They said that all Malibu's experienced this and that General motors use to replace all the pistons, but stopped repairing it a while ago. According to the dealer, General Motors said that this did not harm the engine in the long run. Any clinking or clanging in an engine means that metal is scraping on metal or banging against metal which means something is being worn. I took it to another dealer and they said there was a loop hole in the information about the piston slap from General Motors and they will fix it under warranty. Note that I purchased an extended General Motors warranty. General Motors did not want to honor the warranty for a serious internal engine problem. This makes me question ever buying another General Motors automobile again. All other aspects of the car are fine except for family car handling. Which I guess you would expect from a family car. It has lots of body roll. But a nice smooth ride with a lot of elbow room.