1999 Chevrolet Malibu Standard review from North America

Brake pads replaced 3 times under warranty. Rotors replaced twice under warranty. Continued having problems after warranty ran out, so I had non- GM pads installed, rotors professionally turned. Simple fix.

Stereo takes CD's and likes to keep them. Replaced twice. Still does it. You have to have the car off till everything cools down, then MAYBE you can get your CD back.

Fuel regulator valve broke, spraying engine with gas. NOT GOOD!

Factory battery quit at 40k miles, no warning or reason, car could not even be jumped off, had to be towed.

Alternator quit at 50,000 miles. Never replaced an alternator before this car, and I bought this car new. Only the 2nd car I've ever bought new. Dealer wanted $475.00 to replace it. Plus a diagnostic fee. Got someone else to put one on for $200, have never been back to the dealer since. And won't. Ever.

Washer fluid reservoir drains it contents within 2 days for the past three years. Can't stand the thought of going to the dealer to ask why.

Sun Visor in this car is clipped in, or at least it used to be. It is now riding in the trunk, my wife does not have a visor. The clips that hold it are plastic, and the visor is heavy, so guess what, it breaks and it cost about $80 to replace it. You have to have a special tool to install the new one. These can be found at your dealer/mafia headquarters.

Tires that came on this car were ruined by 13,000 miles. Not GM's fault, but they would not fix it either, had to go to the tire store (Firestone) and argue with them. They only agreed to replace two. We did not go with Firestone tires for the next set. This brand is over priced and not worth the money. Just ask a Ford Explorer owner.

Tilt control/Steering lock froze up, could not move steering wheel. Stayed that way for about 6 months, then started working again.

My overall experience with this car during the first 3 years was very bad, worst car I've ever owned. After getting some of the problems like tires, brakes, battery alternator behind me, the past two years have been trouble free. The car is a good size for a family car and the price is good, but there are way too many quality issues with this car. If you ever thought about getting one, get it as cheap as you can, USED, with tires that aren't Firestones, and NON GM brakes. Then and only then, when the price is cheap, maybe you will feel like you got a good car for the money. However, it must be cheap.

Oh, the motor is buzzy, but has performed flawlessly for almost 100,000 miles. It is the 2.4 16valve 4 Cyl. engine. Gets from 25-30 mpg.

Cruise control on this car is dead accurate. Almost spooky.