1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

I had bought the car used from a dealer November 2004. I did all the minor work myself (ex: alternator replacement, taillight fixes, etc.).

January 2005 I spent $1,300 replacing all 4 tires, replacing the front rotors and brakes, adjusting the rear brakes, 3 year alignment, and replacing the front driver's side ABS wiring harness or cylinder (can't remember what it was exactly).

Be careful when buying used. Make sure that all four of your tires are the same size (215/60R15) for I had 3 different sized tires after buying the car used and having the dealer reassured me they where new tires (I didn't check the sizes). This caused me to alignment problems.

Check engine light went on December 2004, and had it checked in January, but it just came back on again.

Had to replace the alternator in May 2005 with the car having 95,000 miles. cost $140.

Got a transmission fluid and filter change June 2005 after transmission started to act like it was beginning to slip. This resolved that problem, for now. Cost about $120.

Around December 2004 the car started stalling after filling it up with gas. Shops don't know what could be wrong. Doesn't do this unless you run it almost empty and then fill it all the way.

My head gasket appears to have just started leaking in June 2005.

Rear taillights stopped working in June 2005. Checked them out and found water had been leaking into them causing the passenger side circuit board and wiring harness to corrode and burn out. I salvaged the Driver's side by cleaning out the wire harness and scrapping the rust off the board. Cost $55 for the wiring harness and $50 for the board from the Dealership for the passenger side. Had to also replace all 8 rear lights for about $15.

This overall is a disappointing car because of all the maintenance/repairs needed.

It accelerates rather well. I have had no problem with a lack of power, even with the car fully loaded, and I am a 19 year old lead foot driver.

The interior is well laid out and simple. The seats are comfortable providing plenty of support. The middle arm rest and the glove box are both flimsy and cheap, neither sealing all the way nor looking good.

Has A Lot of trunk space.

Very good handling for a 4-Door sedan. Very minimal roll during corners and the tires are a good size providing performance and ride comfort.