2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu

wpbharry · September 2003

(just pulled a "reg"; you don't hit "enter", d'oh)

...to see what percentage of manuals are sold in the Accord. The Altima and 6 really mainly appeal to an audience that wouldn't consider a Malibu, no matter what, so that point is mostly irrelevant (except possibly for any cross-shopping 'tween the 6 wagon/hatch and the Maxx). I'd guess it's pretty low.

Speaking of the 6, I've never sat in one since it just missed being at the Miami Auto Show (early Nov.) last year. But I WILL be checking it out for sure this year to settle these "tiffs" about its legroom. My impression is that it has a bit more in front than my car, but is about on par with my old '92 Accord in the back (which is to say not much). We'll see. The reigning front legroom kings are the Altima and Sonata, and I doubt that'll change.

dindak · September 2003

Demand for manuals is low, there is no doubt but I think Chevrolet should offer one on the base 4 cyl car. The people who have to have one won't consider a Malibu unless they do though I don't know how many people that is. I know at least one person who has a used 5-speed Accord who bought only because it was cheaper.

aveman · September 2003

I think some of the resistance to offering a manual comes from sales and marketing people who don't really like to drvie.Too conservative. I thought this was supposed to be a drivers car.The idea of increasing market share, make the car better to drive and get more people in it.Not just for the car as an appliance crowd anymore.That sounds like offering a manual to me. Someone forgot that they aren't marketing the old Malibu, or did they?I have had much fun driving small cars with small engines and manual trans. I would like to think that I could move up in size and have my fun too.

wpbharry · September 2003

is to wait and see what the new Cobalt turns out to be. Chevy claims its moving upmarket (the Aveo takes over for much of the current Cavalier), and we might be surprised. I'm SURE the Cobalt will have manual trans. offered.

I'm one of those people that hates shifting in stop n go traffic, but I'm interested in the V6 anyway.

infinia1 · September 2003

has anyone seen the foldout malibu brochure yet? i recently got one at my dealer, but they don't have the car yet. i am interested in this car but will wait for year 2.

dindak · September 2003

Base sedan C$22160 (about U$16000)
LS $24695
LT $29220

Not bad at all. Could probably get an LT for about $26K, pretty decent for a V6 sedan with leather. Car will definitely be a value leader.

gmalltheway · September 2003

a stick is offered in the 4 cylinder Grand AM, but only the 4 cylinder, the V-6 comes standard with the auto. And i totally agree with what you are saying wpbharry.

johnclineii · September 2003

Me too. I, also, am a boomer, in my case almost smack dab betwixt the youngest and oldest boomers. We also see 4 cylinder cars as those we can and do afford to avoid. A gas crisis could change that real quick, though.

infinia1 · September 2003

i saw an 04 ls at the local dealer here in wyoming today! it is a sharp car, very modern looking! it was a light green. it did have the checkerboard pattern seats and i couldn't see the +/- on the console area near the shifter. it isn't shown in my brochure either. i want one but will wait for another year.

dtownfb · September 2003

While I do agree with you wpbharry, I think you may have stumbled onto GM problem. Too many pieces to their puzzle. Chevorlet = value; Pontiac = young and sporty; Buick = old (BTW, I was born in 1967, so depending on who you talk to, I am either a late Baby boomer or early Gen X) They are operating like they are in the 60's and 70's when it was mainly GM, Ford and Chrysler in the market and buying an import was exotic. Unfortunately for GM to regain their market share, they will have to consolidate their lines. The Saturn line has completely lost its vision and should be combined with Chevy. The Buick lineup needs to be streamlined (what's the difference between the LeSabre and the Regal?) And Pontiac needs a complete overhaul which I thought was suppose to start with the 2004 Grand prix (Have you read the reviews lately?)

I like the idea of the manual in the 4 cylinder to give a low cost option. But I bet it would bump the new Cobalt. Just like if the Malibu was slightly larger, it would bump the Impala. Again too many cars, too much overlap. They end up stealing buyers away for the other division rather then the imports. With the 2004 Malibu, neither Honda nor Toyota is shaking in their pants. Why? the 2004 Malibu even with its re-design is still considered a hair below the Camry and Accord. it's good but it should be better. And it will need incentives to move it, which GM has already announced.

At first I didn't agree with wpbharry about the importance of upgrading their engines from pushrod to OHC, but now I'm starting to swing in that direction.

But we wil see how things shape up. BTW, how many Malibus are they looking to sell each year? I thought it was 200k. But I read in Automobile that the number was 110k, which is more realistic.

wpbharry · September 2003

Wow, a lot to digest.

1) What's the problem with the Grand Prix? Have heard nothing but positives.

2) You have me mistaken with someone else. I've got no problem with OHV engines.

3) Saturn is supposed to pick up the slack that Olds vacates. Saturn needs more of its own identity, not a combo with Chevy. I'm happy with GM's lineup and line differentiation now that Olds is nearly gone, but Saturn is a problem.

4) Your question about sales volume raises an important question. Camry includes the Solara in its figures, and I'll expect Chevy will include the Maxx in its. And they should to play fair. I've heard that they are hoping for 250-350K units from the plant per year, which I assume includes the Maxx, which might well be the star of the show and the volume leader. For more, see the posts lately in the Maxx forum.

Thanks, dtown, as always, for the insightful comments.

wpbharry · September 2003

Lucky you! Guess the ramp up is finally speeding up a bit. Not expecting to see one in these parts (South FL) for weeks. Better they go slow, though, than screw things up.

Can't explain the lack of +/-. Hmmm. My brochures don't have it either.

You COULD help us out by posting your impressions of the fabric pattern (assuming it was gray; we all know about the beige fiasco) here AND in the Maxx forum.

Thanks!

gmalltheway · September 2003

Chevy/GM is not the only manufacture with to many cars (i dont think so) but if you do look at Toyota just as many IMO.

wpbharry · September 2003

Anyone who's interested in the cloth seat fiasco in the new Malibu might want to check out the Pontiac Grand Prix main forum beginning with post #3003 or so.

Seems that the fabric which had been used on the cloth seats in the GP at launch (they switched the GP to basic color cloth 6 months into production!!!) is now being used in the new Malibu and there wasn't enough left to go around for the GP. I never saw the Uglycloth (the GP folks have nearly trademarked that name) in the GP, but I assume it's the same as that in the Malibu right now.

One can only hope. More ammunition to wait a while on the new Malibu if you want cloth.

picklesorvie · September 2003

I agree with post 1982. The pulling of the
headlights back toward the windshield, plus
the pulling of the taillights toward the
windshield, does not do much for me. Maybe they
are gradually moving to wraparound lights.
OC

johnclineii · September 2003

wpbharry: The Malibu cloth is FARRRR more subdued than was the Uglycloth (TM ack) in the Grand Prix. Thank God and Greyhound that's gone! Looked like something from the psychedlic 60's or that the dog threw up, IMHO!

snaab · September 2003

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snaab · September 2003

GRAND PRIX GT1
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/amulay2003/vwp?.dir=/more+pics&a- mp;.dnm=DSC00059.jpg&.view=t

MALIBU LS V6
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/amulay2003/vwp?.dir=/2004+Malibu- &.dnm=111-1125_IMG.jpg&.view=t

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/amulay2003/vwp?.dir=/2004+Malibu- &.dnm=111-1126_IMG.jpg&.view=t

Anyone want me to take any particular pics of our Malibu let me know. Ill be more than happy to take some more pictures of the car.

infinia1 · September 2003

i didn't think the seat pattern was bad, but then again, i'm not that picky. it was fine for me. the color was very nice, a light green. i didn't sit inside, i just looked from the outside. it was parked out in front of the dealer and locked. the styling seemed more angular in person than the pics i've seen. it was nice. i am surprised they received one so soon, us being in wyoming always seem to get everything last. i'll be at the dealer next week for service so i'll see if it's still there to show off or if it's sold. if it's there, i will check it out better and give impressions.

wpbharry · September 2003

snaab: THANKS for holding our (my) hand. Your pix are the best. Let you know if we need more. Thanx for staying in touch. Please keep us updated with your driving impressions.

infinia: The light green is one of my top choices, and am interested in the interior color. I'd assume it was grey, but possibly not. Let us know if it's still there and your impressions. Might not be there. The reason why you have one and we don't is that the plant is near Kansas City, KS. You're much closer to it than I am.

snaab · September 2003

hey i was wondering what everyone means about GM switching cloth on the GP. its different than the ones in my pictures now? how so?

the malibu hit 2000 miles today. quality wise everything is awesome.

bcmalibu99ls · September 2003

This combination of a checkered middle and "plain" sides is simply disgusting. Looks like a toilet seat! Are they trying to emulate Jaguar's "toilet seat" grill design?

bcmalibu99ls · September 2003

of the images kindly provided by Snaab:

1. The two-tone plastic on the inside of the doors is very unpleasant to look at due to the shape of the plastic and the colors themselves.

2. The steering wheel, which I did not like at all from the very first time I saw it, looks even worse now, especially compared to the classic Bu's very appealing steering wheel

3. The radio and HVAC buttons look very small

4. The headlights, which I didn't like from the very beginning also, could have easily been designed to look AWESOME, if GM would not have extended the lights toward the windshield. Would've looked almost like a bimmer, now it looks like a toad. Have you driven a toad lately?

The bottom line: I don't care if this thing drives like a Ferrari, the design is atrocious and I won't be buying this Bu no matter what.

A matter of personal taste, of course :-)

wpbharry · September 2003

We both have late '90's LS'. It's not that bad.

I DO agree with the seat fabric design. Have leather in mine, which, I admit, under a TSB, has has the driver's seat bolsters replaced 2 times, due to poor (read "cheap") quality.

My car is white with beige and I will not go for beige this time. Hoping that the grey looks better (and then you don't get the passe wood tone trim, but the aluminum). Whether it'll be an LS (cloth) or the LT (suede) is an unknown for the moment. You NEED to read the recent posts in the Maxx forum. Sorry about that; until the Maxx is introed in January "ish" the rooms will be split, and we need to keep on top of both. Better that way, for now.

wpbharry · September 2003

Yes, I do believe that the GM honchos heard the cries and did away with the patterned fabric on the GPs seats. Won't see one until the Miami Int'l Auto Show (early Nov.), but assume the pattern went away fairly recently, replaced by a solid color.

johnclineii · September 2003

I think there is more than a little chance that one reason the Uglycloth (TM ack) went away is the Edmund's forums. The car companies DO read these forums. They would be absolute fools not to.

wpbharry · September 2003

Wholeheartedly agree. See the latest in the Maxx forum.

dindak · September 2003

I saw the Malibu before I had seen many pictures of the car in February. My first impression of the car was surprise as to how good it was. I don't think it's as good as some other cars out there, but the new Bu is more attractive than the Camcords that seem to rule the road these days IMO.

wpbharry · September 2003

Glad you've calmed down. Like it or not, we are classic potentials for the new Malibu (in my case, possibly yours, a chance for the Maxx).

Yes, our cars are more handome than the new one, but think of all those new gadgets to explore.

Recommend we wait until next summer to dive in, however. Hope you agree.

dindak · September 2003

Looks like the G6 will share the OHV 3.5L initially anyway which is a bit disappointing. That said, if the 3.5L is as good as the reviews say, I could live with it.

http://info.detnews.com/autosinsider/sneakpeek/index.cfm

sda · September 2003

There is a good review on the new Malibu in USA Today 9/13. Sounds like GM did a nice job with the new Malibu. Look forward to seeing them arrive on the dealer's lots.

wpbharry · September 2003

I knew the 3.5 had to find a home somewhere in addition to the Malibu. Guess the Malibu SS (if it ever materializes) will get the supercharged version for $3-5K more.

Styling isn't so good this go 'round. Looks like the same old, same old. Comparing the '03 'Bu with the '03 Grand Am, it's that all over again. Not impressed.

dindak · September 2003

Really?

I think the new G6 looks really nice in that picture, certainly more exciting than the Bu. I see the supercharged version having around 250hp, but I wouldn't likely get it.

maxx4me · September 2003

harry :I think the G6 looks like a GP! But as for my last post on the Maxx page, anything you can do to influence the look of my next car would be greatly appreciated. Cloth seat redesign first, rear wiper last. Thanks for the plug on the credit card. I have only one, and will never get a second; especially for a GM car. As for waiting, that is up to the fine quality Ford put into my car. I don't pin much hopes on that. I'll have a Malibu in my driveway sooner than later. If it comes with a nice charcoal grey interior inspired by Harry, I'll be all the more pleased.

wpbharry · September 2003

(Being sincere)

Don't come knocking on my door when the $1000 GMPP bill is added to the transaction total and the payments go way up....

As far as the G6, yes, it is FAR more handome than the Malibu. Did we expect anything less? It's no where near as attractive as the G6 show car. But, maxx hits the nail on the head once again. It's a mini-GP (as is the current Grand Am). Can't wait that long for a new car; if the Pontiac itch strikes, I'll go for the GP. My car is 6 model years old for cripes sake!!! I've never, ever had one car this long. Guess that's a good word for GM.

bcmalibu99ls · September 2003

the usual Pontiak "beak" looks kinda cheesy. Oh, well ;-)

dindak · September 2003

Actually, I would probably go for a GP also as I need all the space I can get these days. That said, if we have an SUV, space will be less of an issue for our car.

dindak · September 2003

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2003-09-11-mal- ibu_x.htm

wpbharry · September 2003

You're really on top of this stuff. Thanks once again for the great link.

Have a hunch; uh oh, the crystal ball is back in operation. A Maxx IS in your future. Wish somebody had one to tell me what's in mine.

After the Maxx, dindak, the new GP (your car) will be sitting in the driveway, too.

2 car payments. Better you than I. Start playin those lottery numbers.

maxx4me · September 2003

that's OK dindak; since you are part of my "extended family" now, you can come down here and I'll get you your Malibu for $150 over dealer cost.

wpbharry · September 2003

Still tryin to steer this darn thing.

Right now, if she hits, we won't have a maxx.

Speaking of which, if you need to, load up the Vibe (please, not the 626) and head on down to sunny FLA. Our weather forecast has us gorgeous for the next week.. Pool time! And yes, I have one.

maxx4me · September 2003

hmmmm, drive down with 626, and conveniently lose car in Isabel!! he, he, he
I'll stop by my dealers again today and see if they have scared up a Malibu yet.

wpbharry · September 2003

Me thinks that's why you've been in a "not so great" mood lately. Screw the dealer, you're a candidate. Fog up those windows all you want.

Here's to good luck. We all might be shocked.

maxx4me · September 2003

any chance I can take your place on the GM review team???

darnac · September 2003

Hi all. I just sat in 2004 BU LT this morning here in San Diego. Overall I am quite impressed. The center console was a little cheap and the glove box tiny but for the most part the quality is very respectable. I have a 2002 M-Benz C240 just so you know. The sales guy did not start it and I did not feel like asking him for any favors so I cant speak for what the engine sounds like or how the steering feels. The seat will allow for adjustments without the key being in the ignition and it felt pretty supportive. The Ultra Lux insert is a micro-fiber. I have some reservations about the material. I would prefer traditional leather as I have a dog and paw prints are a problem. As it turns out I had my dog with me and he jumped in the BU and did his paw print thing. For the most part the prints came off with a simple brush of the hand but some spots were still visible. The exterior looks nice - much better than a Camry and perhaps a little bitter than the Accord. The BU looks a bit more masculine than those two. I am waiting for the Maxx since I would like a wagon for carrying stuff.

maxx4me · September 2003

thanks so much darnac. I'm so jealous. I plan on leaving my own prints when I get to see one. I'll be climbing all over it, the sales people will probably have to escort me out.

dindak · September 2003

Next vehicle is a wagon/SUV, I'm almost certain. Maxx is on the list but I want to try out the sedan when it comes to this nick of the woods.

wpbharry · September 2003

months ago. maxx is gonna get a Maxx, and we'll probably hear about him on the national news: "Chevy dealer tries to rid customer".

EXCELLENT, darnac. I have to worry about doggie prints as well. The Maxx is shaping up to be the one.

darnac · September 2003

It was not the center console that looked cheap it was the center armrest. The console and the leather wrapped shifter looked nice. The center armrest looked like nobody put any thought into its design. The LT was silver with light grey interior. The sales guy demonstrated how the passenger seat folded flat. Very handy. The LT seats looked much nicer in person than the LS seats posted on this forum.

maxx4me · September 2003

I'll be the guy the dealer has to call the fire department about, to extracate me from the engine. I'll be swimming in there until I can find that oil filter. You GM owners: traditionally, does GM make it easy to get to the oil filter, or do they play hide and seek like Honda does?

2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu

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