1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

When I bought the car, I didn't realize the brakes were almost gone. The dealer did not tell me either. I ended up replacing the front brakes and rotors. Cost was $375.

The cassette player was broken when purchased, but I knew this ahead of time. I never bothered to have it fixed.

The tires that originally come with the car (Firestone brand) wear out very quickly, and they warp when they do. Replaced tires several months after purchase with another brand. After those wore out (they lasted a decently long time), I replaced all 4 with Yokohamas.

Head gasket started leaking, which can let the coolant (Dex-cool) into the engine, eventually ruining it if left alone. Dealer fixed it. Total cost around $1200, of which I paid roughly $550, the rest covered by extended warranty.

ABS light went on. Turns out wire harness broke on the front driver's side tire, disabling ABS. Dealer estimated the cost would be around $280. I have not fixed this yet.

Last year (2004), alternator stopped working. It was replaced. Cost around $200.

The heater/AC fan only works at setting 3, 4 and 5 (does not work at 1 or 2). I have yet to fix this.

Glove compartment latch broke, so it doesn't close all the way.

If you purchase this car, I suggest to replace original Chevrolet parts with aftermarket models, especially when it comes to braked and rotors. Also get the mixed-metal brakes, they last a lot longer.

In addition, consider purchasing an extended warranty, first asking the dealer what it covers and especially what it doesn't cover.

Be especially watchful about the head gasket being leaky (you will notice a rattle, like a tak-tak-tak sound in the engine), or the ABS light turning on and staying on, which could be a sign of one of the wire connections being broken.

After driving the vehicle 100,000 miles, I suggest to use synthetic oil instead of regular oil. It adds lifetime to the car, not to mention you can drive it for 5,000 miles before the next oil change, as opposed to 3,000.

Finally, I use Bosch platinum-tipped spark plugs. They seem to add power to the car, which is always cool.

Overall, aside from what I believe to be manufacturer's defects for this model year of the Malibu, it is a very nice car to drive. Very comfortable, decent power (for cruising, it is by no means a sports car) and good handling. If it was for the fact that it now has around 124,000 miles on it, I would not be afraid of using it for long trips.

For the money, I think it is still a decent buy for a V6, medium-size sedan. It does have great trunk space.