The dome light does not work.
The low coolant light comes on when it wants to no reason.
The brakes squeal.
The engine light is on all the time.
This is all normal, and I disagree that this car is so bad. You never see a Malibu stuck along side the road, its always Nissan's, or Plymouths, Fords, etc... I enjoy this car beyond nothing else.
My 1st car was a 1987 Cutlass Cierra Oldsmobile. If you want to hear bad then I will tell you.
-No Stereo
-no ash tray/lighter
-no speedometer
-bad tranny
-engine has almost 400,000 miles on it
-The catalytic converter is bad
-needs electrical work
-the gas gage is wrong
-steering sucks
-shakes violently when going 45+mph
-Front axle grinds when turning corners
-Spongy Brakes (but that is almost fixed we had to redo the brakes completely)
-The shocks no longer work
-driver side seat is broken
-gets bad gas mileage
-the glove box won't close.
I would like to happily say that this car is being retired soon. Surprisingly it still runs and it will be my back up car (if I ever need one). So whenever you think your Malibu is in bad shape, just remember my Oldsmobile.
By the way I used to race the Olds, that could be why it is in such bad shape, I'd take it mudding.
Overall I think that Malibu's are good cars you just need to learn how to maintain them. That would have to be the reason why the Olds is still alive.
Wow! You mean to say that your Oldsmobile is still running. And no it is not normal for the engine or coolant light to be on you should get that checked by a professional.
****** NOT A MALIBU OWNER ANY MORE, THANKS FOR ALL THE REVIEWS IT HELPED ME WITH MY CHOICE********
I have to say everyone that said Malibu's are crappy, were right, mine broke down the last day that I could take it back to the dealer without being charged, I am glad I got rid of it I now Drive a Buick.
Buick/Oldsmobile there about the same, I hope my Buick will last as long as my olds.
Malibu's are great cars. I have close to 200,000 km on my 97 with the 2.4L four cylinder and is running strong. No major repairs, other than regular maintenance. (water pump, and cracked rear spring... two very common problems.) This car can go for 275,000 km easily and reliably.