2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu

wpbharry · August 2003

Agree with John; my dealer offers GM Goodwrench Plus, which covers parts and labor. However, in my case, with the GM extended warranty, it doesn't apply until I actually pay for a repair. That's fair, but it's also why I intend to sell my car before the GMPP runs out next summer.

As far as the Grand Am, I still say it and the Alero have poor crash test results (the Bu doesn't). For proof, see the links below:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ratings.htm

I'm very surprised that the silver Bu sold so quickly. Used cars are a dime a dozen around here and sitting unsold "forever".

dindak · August 2003

The Grand Am you are looking at is an first year model so be careful. My parents had a first year (99) Alero and it was fine, but you never know with first year cars. Grand Am and Alero are a lot more fun than the Malibu to drive.

dindak · August 2003

Anyone out there pre-order an 04?

rwisem · August 2003

I posted last month that I have ordered an '04 LT. This will actually be my wife's car. She has had three Malibus and loves them. I tried to talk her into something else just for a change, but she thought the re-design would be like a different car. I know- a little crazy what with not even having a chance to sit in one.

Dealer says should be in toward the end of Sept and he will deliver as soon as it is in. I'll do a full review with comparisons to the old model as soon as possible so interested people can have a "regular guy" opinion as soon as they are for sale.

dindak · August 2003

Were you able to get much off the MSRP?

dindak · August 2003

Looks much different than the Bu

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6328

ceo513 · August 2003

Hey, does anyone know where I can view actual 'production model' photos? I've seen the autoshow pics and a few "press-release" GM photos, but I was hoping to see some personal pics someone may have took.

thnx in advance

breetai52 · August 2003

SWEEEEET

I hope they can pull it off.

wpbharry · August 2003

(note to Jeremy: Don't get discouraged. You love cars as much as the rest of us, but a college degree is incomparably important. If you have to buy a new Kia Rio (no joke) go for it. It'll get you through school, and then, I'll bet you'll end up with a brand new Bu. I need you to run the "magazine run" one more time, kindly).

This was also posted over in the Malibu Maxx forum:

Well, here we go again with the end-of-the-month routine. Last month, Motor Trend beat them all with a "First Drive" piece on the new Malibu that was, well, mostly positive. Automobile had a short blurb in their "New Cars '04" section that was, well, mostly positive. Car&Driver and Road&Track had zilch.

Since I'm in FL, I tend to get the mags late (only subscribe to MT and C&D). Has anyone rec'd their 10/03 C&D or R&T? They are both (as well as MT) the annual "New Car Issues" and might well be late because of that. AND, I'll bet there's the first ad for the new Bu in all of them.. Can't wait to see how Chevy advertises it.

Harry

davidww80 · August 2003

I am thinking about purchasing a 2002 malibu with 32000 miles on it. I has been kept in really good condition and routine oil changes and everything. I was a rental car for 1 year. I am trying to find out how the malibus are mechanically before I buy. I have been screwed every time I buy a car and I am determined to make this buying experience better then the others. I need to know If the malibu is worth it. Does it break down alot, does it fall apart. You know simple stuff like that. I can't seem to find another web site that can help. HOpefully someone out there will be able to help me decide. Thanks Dave

wpbharry · August 2003

I rec'd the 10/03 C&D today, with the new Malibu on the cover. Not encouraging, unfortunately. Here's that post:

Finished devouring the 10/03 C&D issue. Lutz claims "world-class quality", yeah right. Have heard it before. You all need to read this article; too funny to be beleived. And on the road, it's UGLY. Poor thing. And the Maxx ain't in no beauty pageant either. In some pix, it's even uglier than the sedan.

300,000 per year? In my dreams.

Harry

bcmalibu99ls · August 2003

should be very sound mechanically. But I don't like (and who does?) ex-rentals, as people tend to abuse them. It's your call, really, but I would look for a used Bu from a private party

wpbharry · August 2003

Get with the program ((;). That was days ago.

tamu2002 · August 2003

Hi there,

We have a 2002 LS with a little over 10K miles. We bought it last July, and so far not a single problem. Last winter was very long and rough and our Malibu handled that quite all right. The heater worked really fast in cold weather. We were coming from Texas and my other car really got beaten up by the change to cold climate with stripped paint, stuck-open thermo, bad engine oil. But not a thing on the Malibu. It's extremely easy and comfortable to drive, has good pick-up and good mpg. We get 21mpg around town and 29-30 highway with occasional "spirited" driving. And the widely-hated firestone tires have been fine in my opinion. They did a fine job handling the snow and ton of slush.

Bottom line is the Malibu is a functional, comfortable and dependable car. That's what the car was designed to be.

Since I'm already writing, I might as well rant a little bit. I'm really getting tired of those pretentious auto reviewers who don't review a car for what it is meant to be and can't stop complaining about pathetic little stuff and trashing decent cars that everyday folks can actually afford, especially those made by domestic auto makers. Is a 2-second 0-60 (tested, not real life) difference (which you have to rev those OHC engines to redline to get) and the location of the radio knob really worth the $7000 difference in price? Or for that matter, would a more "high tech" engine and fancier styling be worth it? Sure if I earn $80K. But for now with a family to feed and ends to meet, a big no. Give me a break!! Different cars are made for different needs and people with different incomes. Honestly the camcords and the like ARE better cars, and heck for the prices they'd better be. I won't buy a Malibu if I have an $80K salary, but I won't trash it. It's a decent car for who it's designed for. That said, if you put an ordinary person behind the wheels of similar cars can he or she honestly feel that high tech vtti engine, 10% difference in braking, handling, "comfort", etc?

I have seen too many people who buy cars based on what they are told what's good and what they should like. Pathetic.

One last thing, I saw an article the other day on USATODAY.com's car page titled "rebates are not so great". I was curious to check out his theory and found the following comment--A domestic model with rebates generally costs $1000 more to own in 5 years than an import without rebates based on the Edmunds' "True Cost to own"....We all know that so called "true cost to own" is largely based on resale value. So say I lose $1000 virtual value on my car after 5 years, so what! HALLO, I paid $3000 less when I bought it! And I'm just talking about the rebates and not the real difference in out of pocket prices! If I keep it for another few more years, will the resale value even matter? Let me tell you what my "true cost to own" for our Malibu in last year is: under $40!! (I did the oil changes myself) Come on people, where is our common sense?

Sorry for the long post. I'm a little cranky lately...

venus537 · August 2003

where in the heck are you getting a $7k price difference? are you comparing similarly equipped vehicles and actual selling prices? are they giving away malibus these days?

the $3K less when the car was brought was taken into account. so the "true cost to own" your malibu was only $40. i guess your car doesn't run on gas and it hasn't depreciated at all.

credman41 · August 2003

Just FYI...I bot my "demo"'02 "Bu" just a year ago, had 6K miles on it. My decision was based on my prev. owned 92 Lumina, which I gave away with 192K after 10 years. I loved my Lumie... and it's the same car, w/a newer skin. Same 3.1 mill, same tranny... normal oil change every 3.5K, usual probs w/alternator, but NO major probs until over 150K...rebuilt tranny...that's IT !!
As far as the Firestones are concerned...use them 'til they need replacement, then get something else. I've had no probs w my "Bu in a year, now have 23K, oil chges every 3.5k prox. I still love the car. Hope to get another 150K out of it....end of discussion. Go for it...

badboy3510 · August 2003

I bought my 2003 Malibu about 3 months ago with 22,300km on it. It now has 31,000km on it. Recently I noticed problems with the odometer/trip odometer. For every one km that the odometer rolls over, the trip odometer shows a distance travelled of 0.7 km. Sometimes I will travel a distance of 3 km before the odometer rolls over by 1 km. Also, there are problems with the blower. When I turn on the heat or the A/C, the fan won't blow unless I set the speed to either 4 or 5. Has anyone had these problems as well?

Keith

tamu2002 · August 2003

Your points are well taken. We are keeping our car for over 5 years which is how long our loan is, so the resale/depreciation isn't an issue for us. We're much more concerned about the immediate "true cost to own". $40 (app) was how much we spent on our Malibu in the 1st year of course excluding universal stuff like gas.

Some examples of the $7000 price difference:
2003 Toyota Camry
XLE V6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
TMV: $22,882

We got our 2002 Malibu (different year but...) for $16300 (with $2500 rebates), had we waited one more day we'd have gotten another $500 off. So that makes it $15800 for a V6 LS, granted the Camry has more HP. The difference is $7082.
This figure would be a lot higher if compared to a VW.

A while ago Cavaliers had about $4000 rebates on them to make them below $10K . Corolas were and are still selling for what, $16000? Even though we are talking about different carshere and these figures are not entirely scientific, they do make the point, don't they?

Freshly out of graduate school we were looking for the cheapest midsize sedan. I had my eyes on the Hyundai Sonota (a very good car) but ran into the Malibu and was stunned by its value. Testdrove it, liked it, bought it and have been happy so far. It's like an old plain faithful servant that doesn't get noticed but gets the job done

I'll start complaining when we have problems with it...

rwisem · August 2003

Good for you! I agree with your comments.

Edmunds has the best auto discussions on the net with lots of knowlegable and erudite folks, but there is a bit of elitism that casts disparaging comments on moderately priced (usually domestic) vehicles. Our Malibu is not the equal of a new Accord or Camry, but it offers the same funtionality in a lower priced package - and I, too have a problem with those cost to own figures. My domestics have generally been less trouble-free and cheaper to maintain than the imports I have owned.

A Malibu may not be the equal of a new Accord and Accord is not the equal of a Maxima and a Maxima is not the equal of a Cad CST, which is not the equal of...you get the point.

There are good and valid reasons for buying a Malibu or an Impala just as there are good reasons for buying a Camcord or a BMW. Price is a major consideration and I don't like to have my choice dumped on by an owner of a more expensive depreciating asset.

badboy3510 · August 2003

I agree completely.

My 2003 Malibu is my first GM vehicle. Other than the blower and odometer problems I mentioned in my previous post, I am quite satisfied with the performance of the vehicle overall.

I definitely agree about the price. One reason I chose the Malibu was the value for money. For $14,000 Canadian I got a 2003 Malibu with CD Player, A/C, Power Windows and locks, Remote Keyless entry and much more.

Personally, I don't really like what Toyota or Honda has to offer. I tried Chrysler (my previous car was a Plymouth Breeze) and didn't like it. In my opinion, GM vehicles are the best value.

dtownfb · August 2003

Yes the Malibu does carry a good price tag but not sure it is such a great value. Of course value means different things to different people. Remember it's a reason why you were able to buy a Malibu LS for around $16k and not the $20k it was listed.

The reason most people are disappointed with the Malibu is everybody remembers the ad campaign and the slogan "the car you knew America could build". And the car was plagued with numerous problems such as bad seals, electrical problems, warped rotors, A/c unit, alternators, cheap interior, intake manifold gasket, etc. That was 1997 and may of these problems still exist in 2003. Also remember that this car was suppose to be in direct competition with the Accord an Camry. The sales numbers reflect the dissatisfaction with the current Malibu. The numbers have dropped from a high of 250k to 182k last year with higher percentage going to rental and fleet sales. Not sure how the numbers are doing this year but considering that GM car sales are dropping even with $3000 and $4000 rebates it can't be too good. BTW, the Camry and Accord numbers have increased in that same period.

Some believe the 2004 Malibu shows promise (I'm not one of them). I don't think GM went far enough with this re-design. And I use the example when Ford re-designed the Escort and made the Focus. There mission was to make the best small car in America nad knock the Civic off its perch. And they did this the first year. But the recalls have killed that car. If they had a successful launch minus the recalls, the Focus would be the best selling small car in America by along shot. But the goal was ambitous and they built a car to match that goal and priced it competitively. I give them credit for their vision. Unfortunatley, thy didn't communicate with their suppliers and it cost them. But this car is still recognized by a number of experts as the best small car even after 4 model years.

I understand that GM has limitations because they have so many divisions. Chevrolet is the "value" division and Buick is the "luxury" division, Pontiac the "sporty" division, etc. By building a good Malibu, they actually takes sales away from the Century, Impala, Grand Am, L Series, etc. not from the imports. Time will tell.

Enjoy your Malibu. I enjoyed mine the first year. The sophmore year has been a little rough. Not looking forward to the Junior year when my warranty runs out.

pluto5 · August 2003

I don't think the Lumina ever had as many problems as the Bu judging from these boards, and the Imp doesn't cost that much more than the Bu so I would stick to the GM brands made in Oshawa, Ontario. This plant gets the best reviews from J.D. Powers and their quality seems to be backed up by CR and other reviewers. But I would not rush to buy any new GM model.

dindak · August 2003

Why do you not think the 04 redesign has gone far enough? It's a completely new car from the ground up not to mention it's larger.

wpbharry · August 2003

Well, they do seem to have a pretty good track record lately. HOWEVER, the only car I've owned ('96 Monte Carlo) that was a lemon was built there.

Guess all plants have their good days and bad days.

dindak · August 2003

GM didn't have too many good cars in 96.

It's really only in the last 4 years that quality has really come up.

wpbharry · August 2003

Sorry buddy, but I need to call you on this one. The new '04 BU is actually SMALLER (sedan vs. sedan) than the current one.

Agree about the quality issue. Interesting question: Oshawa now has 2 plants. Back in '96 it was only one. Impala and M/C come down #1, while the Century, Regal and (now) '04 Grand Prix come down #2. Wonder if there's a quality difference??

wpbharry · August 2003

Had 2 neighbors that bought them, and they were EXCELLENT cars. And they both laughed at me in my "mid-life crisis" with the M/C Z34. Guess who got the last laugh? Sure wasn't me.

rwisem · August 2003

Actually, dindak and wpharry you are both right. The new Malibu is marginally smaller in exterior dimensions, but it has a larger EPA passenger capacity (but a smaller trunk)

dindak · August 2003

Well, I've seen the new Bu and it wider and certainly looks bigger though it may be a touch shorter. Interior space is larger though, very close to Camcords.

wpbharry · August 2003

You've seen the new Bu?? In person???

mhgjr98 · August 2003

Hello to all...I have a 98 LS with 65,000 miles. I have had the car for over a year and I really do like the Malibu. Aside from having a new motor put in the first month I had the car, It had the famous piston slap syndrome, so GM replaced it. It has also had a few other minor problems, like the turn signal flasher going bad, and the alternator. Those Firestone tires had to go. I have Yokahomas on it now.

When I was at the local Chevy dealership buying that new turn signal flasher, there on the showroom, sat a nice shiny navy blue 04 Malibu LS. I really like the way it looks, I even picked up litarature for the car. As I was reading through the book, I noticed Chevy has changed a few things. First of all, there are 5 models now, Malibu,Malibu LS,Malibu LT, Malibu Maxx LS and Malibu Maxx LT. The Malibu LT has almost everything the old LS had, but you can only have leather interior, no cloth. Of course, the LT has in dash 6 disc cd changer, auto climate control, remote start, tilt/telescoping steering column, steering wheel radio controls, heated front seats. This list goes on. You can't have fog lights on the LS anymore, but I guess the new traction control makes up for the loss, and OnStar is an option on the LS. I do think Chevy did a great job in redesigning the Malibu.

dindak · August 2003

Ya, saw it in February at the Toronto Auto Show. Also saw the new Equinox.

dindak · August 2003

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/L- ayout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&am- p;cid=1062065846099

venus537 · August 2003

two points about the article.

point 1: because a car has more problems does not mean it's of better quality.

point 2: the jd powers survey was based on the current malibu where it has had a long long time to work out the bugs on this aging platform. The camry and accord are just off of new designs.

dindak · August 2003

Very true, the JD Power study is based on the old model. That said, GM's recent car launches have gone extremely well which boads well for the new Malibu.

mhgjr98 · August 2003

Well, after reading the article that dindak had a link to, I will agree to most of it. But of course all new models go through a share of bugs that need to be worked out, just like the 97 Malibus had to. The part in the article that said the old Malibu was nobody's idea of a fabulous driving machine. I dont' think Chevy designed the 97-03 Malibus to be one. It serves it's purpose just fine, lots of room, plenty of power, and looks good. I will agree with dindak about the camrys and accords being off of new models redesign. I work at a Toyota dealership and the 03 camrys had their share of problems. Mostly just rattles and squeaks and moldings flying off of the roof. We will have to see how the 04 Malibus hold up during the first model year.

pluto5 · August 2003

Can anyone give examples of recent GM car launches that have gone well? I don't think the Trailblazer is a good example; any other examples? IMO best to wait 2-3 years til GM gets the bugs out of new product. BTW, I prefer GM products.

dindak · August 2003

The CTS, ION and Grand Prix launches have all gone extremely well. I know the TB had lots of issues though, but it was a truck. I was just talking about the cars.

johnclineii · August 2003

Cadillac CTS. No problems of note compared even to the Japanese makes. But that is somewhat a different price range.

The Japanese USED to introduce new models in Japan first, improve them over the course of a year, and then and only then bring them to America (while they were still produced back home in the Japanese plants). They no longer do that. To some extent, it shows.

While I was busy posting, I see dindak snuck in. I am not sure it is enough time to say how the Grand Prix launched yet.

corvette · August 2003

After reading the October Car and Driver's review, here's what I like about the new Malibu:
- Great fuel economy
- Fold-down front passenger's seat
- Euro styling cues

What I don't like:
- Black plastic mirrors
- Rear drum brakes, no standard ABS
- Ugly grille
- Appears to have red rear signal lamps instead of the correct amber color

If the above dislikes aren't examples of "dumbing it down" for the American market, I don't know what is.

maxx4me · August 2003

I dunno; I think fog lights are for looks only. I have them on my Vibe and don't think they do a darn thing in the fog.

dindak · August 2003

Rear disc are standard on the LT / Maxx models and ABS is standard on all but base 04 Malibus.

bcmalibu99ls · August 2003

Can anyone tell if these fog lights make any difference in the fog? Do they really shine further?

corvette · September 2003

"I just have to say that blocking the availability of fog lights as an option for cheaper models ought to be illegal."

Making them available to motorists who leave them on all the time and/or use them as a substitute for headlights ought to be illegal.

maxx4me · September 2003

well, my dealer did not have a Malibu. Said it should be in next week. They are getting an LT, which means I can scope out the 6 cylinder engine. They said they also want to keep the car for a few days before selling it. I'll give my full report next week.

jtrujillo86 · September 2003

Well I'm still trying to dump the old hag. Just kidding. Well I'm kidding about the old hag part at least. Everywhere I go to trade it in either won't take a salvage vehicle as a trade or will only give like $100.00. I've decided that I'll just sell it on my own. I'm REALLY looking into getting a Jetta. That was the car I wanted first, but was unable to afford one. Judging by the prices of a used one, I'd rather put out the $$ for a new one. I thought about this hard and this is the decision I've came to:

   1. I'm going to college in a year and I can't have somebody elses problems on my hands. I'd also be getting a 50K warranty.

   2. If I'm gonna pay 15K for a 1 year old Jetta with 20K on the odo, I should just pay 16.5K for a new one. Then I know that it's been well taken care of and never abused.

   3. VWoA (Volkswagen of America) is advertising great APR deals right now, though the end of September: 1.9 percent for 48 or 60 months (I can't remember).

Jeremy

johnclineii · September 2003

Well, first of all this is the Malibu forum.

Second, you've been warned about VW reliability. I would trust a three year old Malibu of unknown origin over a new VW anyday.

But that's just me.

And I am no GM apologist. In fact, my next car may well be a Mazda.

Last of all, I can't imagine college expenses AND a new car to pay for. Again, just me!

maxx4me · September 2003

john: you're as crazy as 86. I think you are both in for trouble with your car selections. I'll stick with the Maxx.

dindak · September 2003

VWs are attractive but near bottom in reliability. My wife's friend's 01 Jetta is in the shop more than often. My buddy's 97 Jetta has been a disaster from day 1.

I think I'd buy a Hyundia before I bought a VW right now.

corvette · September 2003

The following design problems have been addressed in 2003 Golf/Jetta/Beetle models that affected earlier models:
Window regulators
Coilpacks (1.8 Turbo engine)
Oil consumption (2.0L engine)
Premature rear brake wear
Premature tire wear

If you're going to college, you'll probably run up the 4 year warranty limit before you rack up 50,000 miles.

2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu

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