2000 Chevrolet Malibu GLS review from North America
"Good performance, main components are reliable, original brakes are bad, some accessories unreliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The HVAC blower stopped working in settings 1 and 2 after 3 years (approximately 60,000 km). Just replaced the blower resistor myself after 5 years (110,000 km). Resistor cost $30 (all costs in CAD). Labour would have cost $45, but I spent 3-4 hours doing it myself. Yes, I'm a bit slow, but removing the damaged resistor was difficult without a swiveling socket screwdriver. The airbag disconnect wires were also a bit difficult to remove, and replacing the panel for the HVAC resistor was also difficult getting back into place. HVAC blower now works fine in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Drive is getting noisy when turning left around 40-80 km/hr (110,000 km). A mechanic told me it was the bearing in the right front hub assembly. Since the bearing and hub is an integrated assembly, I'm told that I need to replace the entire assembly for a parts cost of $422, and a labour cost of $106. I'm going to see if I can get the part cheaper, and if I can replace the part myself.
The first set of brakes needed service at 53,000 km (pulsating braking). The rotors were machined ($85), the front brake pads were replaced ($56), calipers were serviced ($42), rear brakes were cleaned and adjusted ($34). New rotors were needed at 74,000 km ($108). I need new front brake pads at 112,000 km ($106 parts, $99 labour), but the rotors seem to be fine.
Air conditioning light and the air conditioning was on and off unpredictably after about 3 years (60,000 km). The problem doesn't seem to be mechanical, because the air conditioning is quite good when it's actually on. It could be the control head ($200 part, $100 labour) also known as the heater/air conditioning control assembly. I'm told that it has the computer which could have been damaged by moisture, etc. I'm considering buying the control head and installing it myself.
Had serpentine/accessories belt replaced at 105,000 km ($55 part, $79 labour).
Sometimes doesn't start on the first try, but always starts on the second try.
Hazard warning switch was recalled and replaced by dealer.
General comments?
The basic function of this car has been reliable.
The gas control is very smooth allowing for a wide range of accelerations.
Handling is pretty good.
Got leather, but cloth is probably better for maintaining good posture.
Has more power than I need.
Roomy interior.
Average gas consumption.
Recommended reviews
| The Malibu is a bargain only because the vehicle is assembled with cheap materials!! |
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| Was not worth the money spent, but considering buying a non-USA car is not an option |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.1 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 110000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Delta 88 |
| Date of Entry | 28th February, 2005 |