1999 Chevrolet Malibu Base from North America - Comments

The only problems I have ever had out of this car is changing the alternator and battery. These things are expected with over 150,000 miles.

I've changed out the taillight bulbs.

I've put gas in it.

I've changed the oil quite frequently.

I've never really had any problems, great car.

As far as everyone else's problems, a few things I did right to avoid them:

If you do not use the orange Dex-Cool, you will blow your gaskets in no time. A friend of mine made the same mistake in a car with similar engine. Coolant turned to gel.

If you do not change the brake pads at first sign of squeaking, you will grind/warp the rotors. This might also throw your front end out of alignment from hard vibrations during braking.

Properly balanced wheel and alignments. I have never had to re-align my front end. I frequently drive my car faster than 80 - 90 mph and do not have any vibrations whatsoever. My tires always wear perfect.

I have 162,000 miles on my car. I personally know the previous owner and neither of us have ever had any major problems. I believe it is a good car.

I have great performance under the hood. No problems accelerating on highways or off the line at all.

Nearly zero noise at high speeds on highways.

No Problems. Love the car.

The many problems associated with the 1997 (and other close year) Malibu vehicles are quite evident. Your commentary leads me to believe that you're defending the vehicle as being quite the opposite in terms of quality. Is this in an effort to place the blame on the owners for negligence of maintenance or service or to prevent the possibility of a recall? In particular, it took a good wrench over $900 to replace the lower intake manifold gasket after it had spotted my driveway. I've run nothing, but Dex-Cool. Dex-Cool Extended Life Engine Coolant has a crystallization (sludge) problem. I've kept my receipt for the repairs performed at the GM dealer, in hopes that I can use the refund someday for a nice down payment on a Ford or Dodge vehicle.

I have a 1999 Malibu and it's a beautiful car...BUT. I had intake gaskets replaced then 45 days later my head gasket blew. I am having the engine rebuilt and radiator is being flushed. Hope I get at least a full years service after the expense. If not Chevrolet has lost a lifetime customer.