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2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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Comments
Let me just say this again, I don't hate the Malibu. I actually like the 2003 and earlier model. I think the old interior looks MUCH better than the new and I found the old styling to be pleasant.
FWIW, I really thought GM was going down the right road with the Alero and Intrigue. I don't know anything about how they did in the real world or whether they have done well or failed. I guess the Intrigue was a failure as it's not around anymore. IMO both of those cars are ahead of this new Malibu in terms of competing with the Accord and the Camry.
If you need an example for the CTS, a poor man's CTS might be an Acura TSX or something what handles similarly and costs about $5K less. Is that really so hard to understand? Malibu is not even in the same league.
New 'Bu will be safer
Get better gas mileage
Have better ride and handling
Be offered by brand with far wider dealeship network
Looks better inside and out
Has a much larger sunroof
And has a higher sitting position.
The L Series replacement will share the Epsilon platform with the Malibu. When that vehicle comes out, the question may make sense. Right now it appears to be ill informed.
Malibu -
http://intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport.cfm/section/glance- /vhcl_nmb/9965
Saturn -
http://intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport.cfm/section/glance- /vhcl_nmb/10102
you need an example for the CTS, a poor man's CTS might be an Acura TSX or something what handles similarly and costs about $5K less. Is that really so hard to understand? Malibu is not even in the same league.
Let me make this easier. If I want to buy a GM vehicle and I know I can't afford a CTS, I need something with room enough for a family and a peppy engine, what should I buy. Not Acura, Chevy.
As of yet unproven.
Get better gas mileage
Marginal. L - 21/29 M - 22/30
Have better ride and handling
Both are weak perfomers. Autoweek scoffed at handling claims.
Be offered by brand with far wider dealeship network
Yippie
Looks better inside and out
LOL! Beauty is in the eye of the keyholder.
Has a much larger sunroof
Wow! I'm curious, what are the dimesions of both?
And has a higher sitting position.
Since when is that good in a car?
http://autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;cat_code=reviews&content_code=09653912&Search_Type=STD- - - - &Search_ID=1569052&record=1
The new 'Bu is based on the Epsilon platform. The Epsilon platform bases the Saab 9-3. Cars that share platforms usually have similar safety ratings. The Saab 9-3 is a very safe car. The old Opel Vectra which shares a platform with the L was a middle of the road safe car as is the Saturn L.
Higher seating is a feature in many of the new Japanese cars, including the Altima, Maxima and CamCords. It is what the market wants.
It is a long established fact that middle market buyers generally will not buy from a dealership more than an hour's drive from their home. Chevy has three times the dealership base as Saturn.
You mean why is the new 'Bu's turning radius the same as the Mazda6's? I don't know, ask Mazda?
The old 'Bu is now called a Chevy Classic. It is a rental only car. GM most likely will not even negotitate bulk sales of the new 'Bu to rental companies.
They share some chassis parts. Again I will cry powertrains and the reason why it makes a difference, the Saab 9-3 is a hoot to drive even in Linear form. I didn't want to get out of that car.
The personality of the Chevy will be quite different and not quite nearly in the ballpark of the Saab, I propose, for these reasons.....
1) powertrain. The Chevy has the dull, plebian, "monday-friday" as one person inferred it, non-sporting OHV v6 made for stoplight to stoplight feel good cruising. When you ask it to RESPOND to your needs, it will not so in a way that resembles the superior motivation of the Saab. Or I may add, as well as many of its competitors in its segment.
2) steering. Chevy has electric power steering. Saab i believe retains a traditional setup. No doubt this will be a huge difference.
3) suspension. The suspension tuning will be quite different no matter what Lutz claims. The Chevy will be mushier. Also, no doubt the Saab will have higher grade suspension components and parts, even if their mounting points and some other things are shared. The quality of parts, materials used, and assembly and design specs/ tolerances will be to a much higher grade in the Saab and rightfully so according to its price.
So yes, they are both Epsilon cars. But I don't for a moment think the Chevy will begin to reach the praiseworthy feel of the Saab.
To put it this way. I drove the Mazda6 which is getting all sorts of praise. Great, I'm thinking. Then an hour later I am in a base 9-3 and thinking, man that Mazda is definite step below. And for sure the Malibu will not be set up at all to come close to the driving experience the Mazda6 is.
Which is why the TSX (which by the way is priced not a lot more than a loaded Malibu, what maybe a grand?) is something I think I need to drive right now. Also, if Audi would get some more hp in its A4 front wheel drive maybe I would like that too. Audis have stunning interiors and the Saab interior is damn nice too.
To recap, please don't compare the Saab and Malibu like so. They might share parts, but they are still quite different.
The dealer also said I need tranny fluid replaced, and he said I had 2mm left out of 14mm on my front brake pads (would be the second replacement). I'll wait till the next oil change. Otherwise it's all good :-)
gmalltheway : You are so rite. The OHC OHV stuff is soooo old now.
logic : I was only comparing to the TSX as they are both higher end sport sedans, nothing more. The series of posts on the subject are a wast of space anyway.
My last two rental cars have been Camrys (wpbharry - I can't beleive you don't have enough leg room esp. since I have plenty). The four cylinder engine in the Camry is so much smoother and quieter then the current 3.1 V6. Plus it has just as much powere off the line and it cruises at 80 mph much better then the Malibu. This is why people buy the Camry over the Malibu. I agree that most consumers don't know that one has a OHV engine while the other has a OHC but they do understnad that one is much smoother, quieter then the other.
They should have changed the name. As pointed out earlier, the Malibu name gives consumers a negative feeling based on the past 7 years. Most people buying in this market may not even consider the Malibu based on it's name alone. They'll read the reliability ratings in CR or some other magazine and say "why bother"?
Saturn vs. L-Series: icvic, dindak is right. The L-Series has horrible resale value. It's about the same or worst then the Malibu. It doesn't matter what Intellichoice, KBB, NADA or Edmunds says the car is worth. The car is only as valuable as what someone is willing to pay for it. And right now the L-series is not selling, new or used. The L-series has been a huge disappointment for Saturn and Gm and could spell the end for Saturn. Each of the past two model years they have reduced the options on the L-Series to reduce costs. For 2004, I believe all L-Series will be L300. Although I like what they did in 2003 to the front/rear end. It looks like a classier car. Don't be suprised if the Malibu gets the same treatment in two years.
We've debated the changes to the 2004 Malibu while it's nice, I think I have made it clear that I don't think they went far enough with this re-design. If I am shopping in the mid-size market, why should buy this car? If your answer is price, then the 2003 Malibu should be a runaway success esp. given the rebates they are offering. All the reviews state that the Accord is still a better car. The Camry is more refined and ride s better (handling goes to the Malibu). GM car sales have been on a downward trend for the past 3 years while Honda, Nissan and Toyota are on the increase. More content then CamCordAlt, the current LS has more for the money then all 3 of these cars. Again it should be a runaway success.
I hate to keep harping on this but I have yet to see one compelling reason to buy this car over the Camry, Accord, Altima, or mazda6 (I left the Passat out. I consider that to be out of this class simply because of price). I'm being open minded about this. I want this car to succeed esp. since I have 2001 Malibu LS. And the current trend in car sales scares me for the long term stability in the automotive industry in the US.
Since this forum was designed for current Malibu owners (all vehicle years) to discuss their current vehicles and to also discuss the soon-to-be released '04 (but ONLY the Malibu), and since the discussion invariably leads off-subject (OHV vs. OHC, for example), the suggestion has been made that I create a new forum in the Sedans Comparison area, so that we can go "wild" and not veer off-track.
As some of you know, Revka over in Hatchbacks and Wagons tried unsuccessfully to move the Mazda 6 ranting to a new forum, and it's never been used.
IMO, the way things are going in here to date, it's not looking well for the future.
My question is, if I do that and lead you all to it, will you use it and leave this place for what it was intended??? Hope so. PLEASE give me your thoughts throughout the day today. Can't guarantee that I'll have time to start the new forum immediately, but pretty quickly if you agree on the idea. Thanks.
Some folks haven't taken the rather strong hint I posted yesterday. This is a place to exchange information about the Malibu - not to endlessly compare it to unrelated brands, not to bash GM quality, and certainly not to challenge other members' perceptions, qualifications, and knowledge. Please think about how your posts would be viewed by a new member before hitting the "post my message" button.
Further discussion along these lines will be deleted. Thank you.
kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I think the main reasons Malibu will sell over Camcords are
1) Features like adjustable pedals and remote starter
2) Maxx option, not available from Camcords
3) Price / value equation for a very competitive car
The build quality from what I hear is excellent. If the quality and durability hold true, why wouldn't people buy a Malibu? Time will tell, I hope GM gets it right. Honda has had many little issues with their new Accord (rattles, loose trim, warped rotors ect) and Malibu needs to be perfect out the door.
kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
The last time I saw a town hall "discussion", it contained many view points not just those of audience members enamored with one of the participants.
The September 1, 2003 issue of Autoweek has this to say about the 2004 Boos handling -
Though we had a tough time detecting its "pure" European handling characteristics, the absence of squeaks and rattles is worth noting.
When a reviewer starts off talking about handling and digresses to the fact there were no rattles and squeaks, it leads me to believe there isn't too much to say about the handling.
Gimme a link one from any journalist where they comment on a Camry, Accord or Mazda6 having a high seating position and it being a good thing.
http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_malibu_drives_chevy/
If you continue on like this, trust me, from experience, you won't be happy. And I'll have lost a forum I need since I currently own a Malibu.
There WAS a 2004 Malibu forum. Due to CONSTANT veers off-track, Pat Host found it necessary to close it.
To be honest, I'm a bit confused in one sense. And that is, when discussing a new model, it's nearly impossible to keep comparisons out of the discussion. And I don't know how to prevent that. But, when the topic leaves the Malibu out completely, then that's not the intent of the forum. This Malibu forum is convoluted a bit at the moment, due to the closing of the '04 Malibu forum; an unintended consequence.
Does anyone have a better idea?
Kirstie H, please continue to follow this along,; I fear this is not going anywhere, and can't think of what else to do.
Not to reopen old wounds, but the discussion in the '04 Malibu forum, during one fateful weekend, which I and many other "regulars" stayed FAR away from, actually was about lawn mowers and motorcycles. REALLY.
If we do the new forum bit (and I hope you appreciate that I'm trying to help us all through a totally democratic process), I thought "Malibu vs. Alternatives" or "2004 Malibu vs. Alternatives" would hit the nail on the head. Agree/disagree?
* Interior is much nice than described here and in recent reviews. Let it be known that I am a huge critic of GM interiors and the Malibu passed my test. Not quite Accord quality but nice thean the Camry and nicer than the CTS that costs $30K+. When will GM learn to steal the steering wheel design from the Accord and put it in all their mid-size cars. It makes all the difference in perception.
* Looks small even though it is 188" in length. My volvo 850 is about the same size but looks bigger than the Malibu.
* The interior is incredibly roomy inside. At 6'2" and all leg - my seat is all the way back. Yet I could sit in back with room to spare. The MAXX will be huge.
* Nice features include the tilt/telescope wheel and the leather/suede seats. Not sure what features it does not have. Power everything and traction control included.
* Steering is too loose at low speeds for my liking but most will enjoy the ease of parking.
* Nice size cupholder and its location.
* The side view mirrors should be body colored on the LT.
* Wish the front end were more aggresive. Love the tail-end. New nose/headlamp design could make this car look killer.
* Would love to see it in black with 17" wheels.
Bottom line for was that I was impressed more than I expected. This is a lot of car for the money. GM deserves credit for stepping up. But the car does not stir my soul like an Impala LS/SS.
Given rebates and discounts that already out there this car is a good deal. I still think they overpriced it vs. CamCord's. But GM likes to play the rebate games so its a wash.
An LS with the 3.5 engine and all the goodies of an LT is the economic way to go.
Hope this real world impression helps.
Thanks to all for trying to steer this discussion back on track!
kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Thanks for the info.
garyw : Thanx for the post. Still nothing at the local dealer as of lunch yesterday. Really want to try the car out for myself.
The new forum has hit a "discussion item" matter and I don't have a clear sense right now when it'll be ready to go; soon, but could be a few days (worst-case scenario). Isabel, believe it or not, is playing a role in this.
In the meantime, try to be civil, but don't hold back your reasonable thoughts waiting.
One thing that HAS already happened, for those of you also interested in the Maxx, is that Host Revka took an idea that came up as a result of our discussions today in this forum and has already made some nice upgrades over in that forum. If you're interested, check it out.
Thanks for putting up with me today. I'm trying to save us aggravation, really.
Regarding an earlier message, there is no requirement that all messages praise a vehicle, of course. However, there is a requirement that conversations be civil and respectful. When someone posts in a discussion for no other reason than to lambast a vehicle, that is not civil and respectful behavior.
Harry and Kirstie are going to figure out how/when to get the new discussion going, so stay tuned. (I kinda muddled it up for the moment ;->)
One more thing - posting messages about topic management is disruptive. If you have something to say about management decisions, please email them to me, or to Kirstie, or to our Community Manager Sylvia. Thanks.
I had set up a special screen name in AOL to chat with some of you on certain items. Once again, it's Goodguywpb@aol.com.
maxx, I don't have your e-mail address.
However, since I accomplished little else today, I need to spend a few hours on work stuff! I've never done this before, but trust help is nearby. I'll try my best to get the new discussion up and ready this evening and then will let you know how to link to it. It will be named "2004 Malibu vs. Alternatives" in the comparisons board (which I've never been in).
As a guide, the new discussion is not meant to do away with this one. What Pat is saying, in part, is that this forum should focus ONLY on the Malibu (all model years) and not much else. IMO, I expect that this forum will revert to focusing on questions and problems that current owners have and the new one can focus on comparisons of the Malibu and whatever.
I'll advise tonight or tomorrow.
If you need help, holler (email) for me or for Kirstie. We'll try to not give you opposite answers the next time.
We are here to discuss different points of view, certainly. Anyone who has a constructive point to be made is welcome to post it.
Messages that are posted to foster arguments, attacks, snipe at each other are off-limits. Period.
KEEP IT CIVIL, folks. Stop the arguing. It is entirely possible to have a constructive and civil conversation about completely different viewpoints. If you are unable to make your points without sniping at others, then just keep quiet.
It's really that simple.
I e-mailed Kirstie about how to embed a link to it for the benefit of members and haven't had a chance to see if she replied.
Since it's ready & waiting, could one of you kindly do it?
See a lot of you guys over there. There's a question ready and waiting.
They also showed an SS version of the "classic" Malibu soon after that was introduced in Fall '96, but it never happened. Glad I didn't wait and got the '98 LS.
How did it drive?
Several other tall members (6'2" here also) noted that with the seat all the way back, rear seat legroom behind it is very tight. Confused about the discrepancy.
Other notes:
I totally agree with you about the black side mirrors, which are few and far between these days, but it wouldn't break a purchase decision. I think the LS should have body-colored mirrors also.
Pricing. I agree that Chevy overpriced. Since there's a $1,000 rebate already (and it's not "officially" on sale until next week), I (and several others of us) are hoping that that creeps up even more.
LS vs. LT: Be a bit careful here. The LS custom cloth seats are what we've trademarked "Uglycloth" (it's pretty bad, at least in neutral (beige)). I was worried that the suede couldn't hold up to a dog occasionally. That I'll have to decide for myself.
I hate the black mirrors too. See post above.
There might be a problem fitting the 3800 in the Maxx since the front end is pretty short.