1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

First off I have to say that I beat the snot out of this car and also do lots of traveling both short and long distance and I am very impressed with what it can handle!

I bought the car in July of 2003 with 72,000 miles on it and everything was great about it except for the gauges. The gas gauge did not work, but the dealership replaced that for free.

An hour after I brought the car home from the dealership, the alternator died. OK, they don't really have a way to test them so understandable, they die after periods of time. I got a loaner car and my car was back the next day.

In October of 2003, I was leaving work and my theft system light came on and stopped me from leaving for about 15 minutes. This continued every once in a while for about 2 or 3 months, and now the light is stuck on, but have not had the problem since. I'm assuming it is a bad sensor.

Also around that time is when my serpentine belt tensioner started squealing, which it still is.

Within the summer of 2004 the ball bearing on the driver side went (which doesn't surprise me because of how much I beat the car).

I had to change my spark plugs and the wires (also the same thing).

My water pump was leaking slowly, but surly so that was replaced.

The control on the air conditioning modulator isn't working I can't put it on floor and defrost at the same time, but all other positions work.

Last, but not least, my driver side door lock does not work unless you manually lock it (not using the electrical lock inside or on the remote).

Winter of 2005 I replaced a battery (one of the cells went bad).

My shift knob broke (once again from beating the car and shifting hard).

I replaced the coil pack sensor which is about an $85.00 part and very easy to install.

This car for a 3.1 liter is quite fast for that size of a motor and handles great!

It isn't the greatest on gas even when the car is not being beaten.

It is very spacious and comfortable for traveling or just a short ride to school or workplace.

If you are looking to do anything aftermarket with the car, most items will not be cheap at all.

When it is raining or if you use the winshield wash and the driver side window is open even just a crack, water will leak in and get on the electrical window switches.

Like I said I beat this car and drive it short and long distance and for the money I have put into it to fix it and what I paid in the beginning for it, it is definitely worth it.