2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America

The ball bearings wore out at 28K miles

The front tires wore out at 22K, prior to rotation

The drivers power seat broke and the seat will tilt to the center of the vehilce if not placed on its lowest (close to floor) setting. This happend at 30 K miles

The first key fob stopped working after about 1 and a half years. The second is showing signs of wear as well after using it for about 1 and a half years.

The trunk sticks a lot and the button (either on key fob or in driver side door) must be pressed several times in order to open.

Sometimes I have to press the gas (even in warm conditions) to get the car to start. This happens randomly, and probably has happend 5 times in the past 6 months.

Other than those optional features malfucntions, the car runs smoothly. Only one engine problem that is questionable is the starting up problem. I can't really put my finger on that, because it happens even after just parking the car for 1 hour.

The car's performance is awesome for a family sedan. My wife gets on my case from time to time when I start to drive it like I do my Mark VIII (luxury sports coupe). It responds quickly and quietly. I am glad I got the v6 model.

We have taken the car on long trips that range from 100 miles to 600 miles one way. After about 4 hours of sitting in the chair, it get uncomfortable.

The car feels like a big car, while getting excellent MPG (average 23). The entry to the car is pretty exquisit as well. The door handles are comfortable and the shutting function sounds and feels smooth.

I test drove the Milan 07' (the 4v model) and definately did not get the same feel while driving that I get from the Malibu. Chevy put a lot into this car, all it needs to do is work on the reliability of its nice "optional" features.