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2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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Comments
And, of course, if you drive a cab or a delivery vehicle, then 100K could be reached within a year, and hybrids would save you a pretty penny
Finally, as with any new technology, hybrids will become cheaper in a few years, and the price premium won't be as relatively large as it is right now
Plus, performance is much better than the Prius. The inside of the tailpipe is as clean as the day I bought the car with no sign of carbon at all after 3000 miles. That is real clean burning. As far as I am concerned, the hybrid concept is a waste of time.
the mileage figures honda and toyota "advertise" come from the EPA and by federal law they have to use their numbers even if they're too optimistic. apparently because of the way hybrids work, those dynomometer tests aren't too accurate.
and i thought it was a little funny when they were talking about the new prius they were showing footage of the old prius. i guess the editor isn't into cars.
Yes BC, we'll be moving to the Seattle area, indeed very close to you. Is it really as rainy there as the legend says? We've got several deep scratches on our Malibu, hope the rusting won't be too bad. BTW, are domestic brand minivans relatively cheaper there compared to other parts of the US? I know you're in Canada, but any thoughts? Figured with the imports being generally more popular in that region, we might find a killer deal on a Venture or something.
Hi deminin, are you in Missouri? We just came back from a vacation in St. Louis. Got on top of the Arch the first night we got there and the next day several tornados touched down! Glad we weren't up there when the storms hit. It was scary enough on a calm night It was just a breath taking architecture! Glad we went to see it. To keep us on topic, I noticed our tires have tiny shallow cracks all over the place at the base of the grooves, is this something we should be concerned about? They feel completely normal though. Maybe we could convince the dealer the replace them for free under warranty on the basis of premature wear?
The law of physics also applies to hybrids. You only get out what you put in. That is, 76hp in, 76hp out. Period!
In the 1960's my 950cc Renualt Dauphine was getting 52mpg and that was with my wife and 2 kids and a load of luggage. Hybrid figures do not impress me at all.
Those were some mighty impressive mileage figures you got with your 04 Malibu. It's a 4-cyl right? What's the horsepower and displacement?
Here are the numbers FROM Consumer Reports:
Toyota Prius May 2004
Combined 44 MPG
City 35 MPG
Highway 50 MPG
Chevy Malibu 4 cylinder May 2004
Combined 24 MPG
City 18 MPG
Highway 36 MPG
Chevy Malibu V6 Jan 2004
Combined 26 MPG
City 18 MPG
Highway 38MPG
Certainly, the Malibu (GM) should be commended for comparatively sparing fuel use, but the Prius' 18 to 20 MPG advantage in combined driving is DEFINITELY an appreciable difference.
Based on the figures of Consumer Reports, over 15,000 miles:
The Prius uses 341 gallons of gas, and at a cost (2.05/gal) = $700
The Malibu V6 uses 577 gallons of gas, and at a cost (2.05/gal) = $1183
Now, a moderately optioned Malibu LS V6 and a moderately optioned Prius both cost about $22,000-$23,000.
So its really not a lot extra for the Prius, its just a question of whether you'd like to get to 60 2 seconds faster in the Malibu, at a cost of $483/year, not accounting for the time value of money.
Conversely, you could opt. for a 4 cylinder Malibu, which is about 2 grand cheaper on MSRP than a comparably equipped Prius. This will achieve acceleration that is, give or take a few tenths, fairly identical to that of the Prius. Without going through the math, because the 4 cylinder has to work harder than V6, CR achieved better figures with the V6. In terms of the Malibu 4 vs. the Prius, it would take less than 4 years of fuel consumption at 15,000 miles per year for one to recoup the initial $2000 difference in price. Finally, resale value on the Prius is a bit better, AND the Malibu runs out of powertrain warranty 24,000 miles sooner.
~alpha
To tamu2002, the Ecotec Malibu is 2.2L and develops 145hp. I drove my friends 2004 4cyl. Toyota Camry to compare power with the 4cyl. Malibu. The 4cyl. Camry is 157hp. Both cars weigh about the same. The Malibu was only slightly down on power compared to the Camry. However, the Malibu has a softer ride which is what I prefer. Also, both cars do about 2200rpm at 65mph. which is just loafing along. I don't think there is much wear and tear at that rpm.
-S
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?ye- ar=2004&filename=pr24-04.html
Finally, Toyotas are generally more expensive to repair than Chevys, so one needs to take that factor into consideration as well
But I do commend Toyota for making quality vehicles and agressively pursuing the hybrid technology. At the same time, Malibu is a viable and a more affordable alternative
Exterior color (28U) Navy Blue Metallic
(WBP) California Package
New Features
Exterior color (25U) Dark Blue Metallic
(AY0) Side air bags, head curtain and seat-mounted side-impact for driver and right front passenger
Changes
Added 1SC Equipment Group to Malibu Base Sedan
Brakes on Sedan Models: (J41) Front disc/rear drum now standard on Base model. (JM4) 4-wheel antilock, front disc/rear drum now available on Base model. (J67) 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc now standard on LS and LT models.
It's really quite simple to fix, and I almost wish they would mail these out rather than have customers wait hours at the dealership for a 5-minute fix.
The problem is that there is a service button on one of the anchor points for the seatbelt. I guess this is used to get the seatbelt out of the way if you ever want to take the front seat completely out. In side collision testing, GM noticed there was a remote chance in a high-speed side impact that debris could depress that button.
The fix is to put a little white plastic tab (about an inch long) into the mechanism that prevents the button from being depressed. I guess if you still need to depress the button you first have to use a screwdriver to pop the tab out.
All vehicles that are on the lot should have these tabs already installed. This was initiated by GM months ago.
Now, get this:
Remember a while back when we were discussing the radio settings / key fob phenomenon? Basically, it was a personalization feature where the radio presets were determined by which key fob unlocked the doors. It turns out this feature was poorly communicated to customers (hence its discussion here) and it actually affected JD Power figures. People thought their radio was going wacko and reported it as a "problem."
So, now I'm wondering whether GM will try to inform customers of this feature or just remove it entirely from future models. I like the feature, because I like to listen to talk radio, and my wife prefers "Delilah." What is your opinion out there? Is this a feature worth keeping?
Also, if anyone is shopping for a GM vehicle, they extended the "GM in the Driveway" program, where they allow us employees to give out authorization numbers that allow people to buy vehicles at the supplier discount. I don't get anything out of it, other than just feeling good that I helped somebody save some cash. It can easily save people another 1-2k in addition to any current incentives. If anyone's interested, just send an e-mail my way.
Dave
Alpha, I don't think anyone is trying to bash Toyota for making hybrids. Of course it's a commendable thing to do. A bunch of us just wish
its fuel efficiency were better. Also, I think you got the prius' high way and city figures reversed. The Prius has a better mileage for city driving. You also got the Malibu 4-cy and 6-cy figures the other way around. But anyway, if you compare the highway mileage of the Malibu (36 for the 6-cy and 38 for the 4-cy) to that of the Prius (35), don't you agree the Prius' number is a little pathetic? Like I said
I'd still take a hybrid for the much improved city and combined mileage "everything else being equal", but you can't really fault people for finding the Prius fall short of expectation.
I'm thinking seriously of buying a Malibu LT, 2004 model, before August 1. I'd appreciate very much receiving an authorization number, which would sweeten the pot considerably.
Thank you,
Don
It's really quite simple to fix, and I almost wish they would mail these out rather than have customers wait hours at the dealership for a 5-minute fix.
The problem is that there is a service button on one of the anchor points for the seatbelt. I guess this is used to get the seatbelt out of the way if you ever want to take the front seat completely out. In side collision testing, GM noticed there was a remote chance in a high-speed side impact that debris could depress that button.
The fix is to put a little white plastic tab (about an inch long) into the mechanism that prevents the button from being depressed. I guess if you still need to depress the button you first have to use a screwdriver to pop the tab out.
All vehicles that are on the lot should have these tabs already installed. This was initiated by GM months ago.
Now, get this:
Remember a while back when we were discussing the radio settings / key fob phenomenon? Basically, it was a personalization feature where the radio presets were determined by which key fob unlocked the doors. It turns out this feature was poorly communicated to customers (hence its discussion here) and it actually affected JD Power figures. People thought their radio was going wacko and reported it as a "problem."
So, now I'm wondering whether GM will try to inform customers of this feature or just remove it entirely from future models. I like the feature, because I like to listen to talk radio, and my wife prefers "Delilah." What is your opinion out there? Is this a feature worth keeping?
Also, if anyone is shopping for a GM vehicle, they extended the "GM in the Driveway" program, where they allow us employees to give out authorization numbers that allow people to buy vehicles at the supplier discount. I don't get anything out of it, other than just feeling good that I helped somebody save some cash. It can easily save people another 1-2k in addition to any current incentives. If anyone's interested, just send an e-mail my way.
Dave
Alpha will probably tell me to "dream on.." but I'm not trading unless I get that. I don't absolutely have to have a minivan now, and just maybe I can find a dealership who wants to unload their used vans badly enough. Or we might go with a new van if Dave's certificate can lower the price by a another $2K. $15K for a brand new van, doesn't sound too bad.
"We ordered it as part of a preferred equipment group that included a power driver seat, full-length side curtain and front seat-mounted side airbags and carpeted floor mats."
I'll check again, but I don't think the 04 Malibu has seat-mounted airbags. I'm pretty sure it's just the side-curtain airbags. The seat-mounted thorax airbags are a new option for the 05. I suppose it's just a typo.
"So, now I'm wondering whether GM will try to inform customers of this feature or just remove it entirely from future models."
You guessed correctly, this feature has already been removed for 2005 model year vehicle.
To answer your question Dave: I'd probably like the radio option as well and would want GM to keep it. Apparently e2helper already knows that it is history. Oh well, I don't plan on letting my wife drive the car anyway. She can have the Vibe. Have a good day everyone.
Do you think that this cash program will be the substitute for GM's Loyalty Rebate that they usually run every year?
Chevy Malibu 4 cylinder May 2004
Combined 24 MPG
City 16 MPG
Highway 38 MPG
The Malibu V6 is correct as I posted it:
Jan 2004
Combined 26 MPG
City 18 MPG
Highway 38MPG
Because of the EPA test loop, which is fairly out of touch with reality, most Hybrids post better city MPG than highway. The Consumer Reports test loop is run for every car in the same is exact manner, just as the EPA loop, but its speeds are more realistic, as are the stop and go intervals. In the past, the entire test has often been detailed in the April Auto Issue, though I dont believe it was this year.
You said this: "But anyway, if you compare the highway mileage of the Malibu (36 for the 6-cy and 38 for the 4-cy) to that of the Prius (35), don't you agree the Prius' number is a little pathetic? Like I said"
The CR highway figure for the Prius is 50 MPG, not 35.
The CR highway for the Malibu 4 cylinder is 38 MPG.
Please tell me again, how a 12 MPG difference in favor of the hybrid, (which posts identical acceleration times) is pathetic? (Get the facts straight, please do not manipulate them so you can make a point that you prefer to consider as reality).
~alpha
It only does that with one of the fobs so it appears as if the fob itself is defective. The other fob works every time. It would seem as if the anti-theft device is not disabled with the faulty key fob. I'm telling everybody this in case it happens to them.
BTW, I also think it's unbelievable the 04 V6 Malibu got 38 mpg on the highway. DO we have any owners here that can testify this figure? My 90 horse power 1.6 L Geo can't even get that!
As for Prius, its real-world MPG is substantially lower than EPA's, especially in cold weather
I wonder what the average would be over an entire year.
Lets compare that average to the MPG obtained under real conditions by a Prius. I bet the 4 cylinder Malibu would be way below 30 MPG and the Prius over 40 MPG, with a relaxed driver over 45 MPG.
In my book that is a big difference, anyway you interpret it.
I realize this is your experience with vehicle but it doesn't make complete sense to me at this time. The ignition key with its internal transponder is the actual device that the vehicle anti-theft system uses for enabling starting (you are using the same key in your scenerio, right?)
If the content theft system wasn't being disabled with your key fob you would be getting horn honking when you open doors.
You are doing an actual start with the ignition key, right? Not a remote start (if you have this option).
Respond back on what engine you have 4 or 6 cylinder.
If I come up with any other comments I will post again.
Thanks again for the information
Too bad they removed it from the '05. It seems to me the better solution would have been to publicize it.
The same reason: most of people simply does not read manuals, and many do not listen for explanations. My wife once touched the PS button accidently on our Regal, and was sure that something awful happened with our car. Like no oil, or something of this kind. It was at home. She sent our son to awaken me...
A lot of angry words were told addressing GM, the dealer, and the car which "broke" just couple of months after it was bought. I can see why GM does not like it.
What a shame!
~alpha
I do not have the remote start function. This is the sequence of events - I unlock the car with the fob, insert the key into the ignition, turn the key, the car cranks but does not start. I take out the key and, while sitting in the drivers seat, lock/unlock the car using the button on the fob. I insert the key again and the car now cranks and starts. If I take out the key and re-insert it and turn it without lock/unlocking using the fob, the car will not start.
This has happened several times. However, when I use the spare fob and spare key - I am the only driver of this vehicle - I never have a problem. So, the problem could be with the first key/fob.
Oldandtired1950
Same thing for 2005 model. However in 2005 the side airbag option changes because you get side airbags in front seat as well.
There is no free lunch.