1981 Chevrolet Malibu review from North America
"Other cars did it better, but at a very higher price"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Since I've owned the car the only things that have broken down would be brakes, exhaust system{my fault lol} and a leak in the fuel tank.
Befor I bought the car. the rear frame behind the wheel well had to be replaced (common problem in eastern CANADA.) the body to frame mounts rot and the frame flexes... voila a stressed and cracked frame.
The engine was not up to par, so a target master 350 was instaled the year befor I bought it.
Since I thought the interer could be better I changed out the seats out for power buckets and floor shift from a Grand Prix SJ. rear seats are from a Regal GS.
A few other add ons includ... belive it or not lol a hood scoop from a '71 duster, a rear wing from a '79 AMC Spirit.
But for an '81 and many many many young and stupid drivers... she is still going strong.
General comments?
This is the second malibu of this generation I have owned. the first was a'79
i find the cars roomy, and they handle very well for the year
other cars could do it better, but for most bang for your buck this one was your choice to have fun with, and still be able to take your girl out.
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| Reliable and rugged |
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| 1980 - Malibu Classic 3.8 (229) V6 Good in its day |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1981 |
| Year of manufacture | 1981 |
| First year of ownership | 1991 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 267 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 65000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 87487 kilometres |
| Previous car | AMC Rebel |
| Date of Entry | 10th July, 2006 |