2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu

logic1

With very few exceptions, professional and car reporter are a contradiction of terms.

dindak

The red, navy blue and black seemed like the best colors I saw. The chrome really breaks up the look of the car better than on gray.

The looks are growing on me too though it could be better. When I see the Camry and Accord however, I realize GM was just trying to put a similar spin on this car. The G6 should be a much nicer version.

The sales man told me the Malibu was the best selling vehicle right now and they sell them almost as fast as they get them. Definitely a good sign. Then again it was the sales man telling me that.

;-)

kpugh2

The wife has had her new Malibu for 2 weeks. I know some have asked MPG.
The first 1172 miles have = 25 MPG. 70% highway and 30% city

micweb

NY Times has a review this weekend; it was prepared by Edmunds, so will probably end up here sometime. It reads different in tone from the Edmunds review here - more for a general audience, not an enthusiast audience (less critical audience).

A '04 passed me on the freeway the other day. My first reaction was that it was a Cadillac CTX - slab sides, crease on the side panels, angle of trunk - then it came into focus.

I think the new Malibu looks fine. Not ugly, or bland. In the hunt with Camry and Honda and I like the crisp CTX style lines.

When will the upgraded 170 hp four come out?

NY Times said the 4 is better in the twisties (plenty of pickup, and smooth) and the 6 is the ideal freeway cruiser (higer speeds?).

deminin

It seems to me that the new Malibu styling is falling right in line with many of the other new cars. This "big round nose" look seems to be the current trend. I see the similiar look in the new BMW, Nissan Titan, and several of the new minivan/crossover vehicles. To me, they all kind of look like the toe of an old army boot, but if thats what the public is buying this year, so be it. The important things are whats underneath the sheetmetal, and if Malibu is putting a quality car out at a good price, it will succeed. We have certainly had good results from our "03 LS so far, and if the "04's are anywhere as good, Chevy will have a winner.

dindak

The quality and build of the 04 is MUCH better than the 03. The Malibu is really the best sedan any American maker has put our IMO and it IS competitive with the best of Japan.

rctennis3811

How is the Malibu comparable to the BEST of Japan?? I can see how it it comparable with the middle part of the segment, not the lowest nor the highest. I'm still not convinced that the Malibu is competitive to a Camry, 6, Accord, or Altima in terms of fit and finish, engine power, or quality. GM did do a good job on all of those, though not as nice of the aforementioned. The best part, though, of the Malibu is the PERFECT V6 gas mileage. I'm still puzzled on how they did that!!

dindak

Go drive one and see for yourself.

Build quality is as good as anything I have seen in this segment as are the materials. Quality so far (from what I am hearing from owners) is as good as anything else also.

Yes power is a bit less than Camry and Accord BUT you certainly do not feel that when you drive the car and in return you get best in class mileage.

The remote starter feature (which is only C$220 I might add) is a feature that will sell well in norther states and even in southern ones where one can heat up or cool off the car before getting in.

vcjumper

I haven't driven one but I have driven an 03 Camry and Accord.. Altima has an engine going for it but its fuel economy and interior are hurting. The 3.0L in the Honda kills my 3.5L shortstar so I'm not sure I'll like the Bu even if it saves $100 a year in gas. I'll try to test drive it in the next month to make a comparison though my next car will probably be a TSX, G6 or S40.

regfootball

"even if it saves $100 a year in gas"

exactly, and a lot of folks don't get that. Your chevy will depreciate more than 100$ more vs. a camcord.

dindak

Reg : More to life than depreciation. You could say the same about any car as Camcords are the best in that category. You also pay more insurance partly because they are the most stolen cars also. Oh joy!

vcjumper : Shortstar is gone and no I don't think the new 3.5L is quite as refined BUT, it is good and faster off the line for sure. G6 would be more your shtick (and mine also).

;-)

beedublu

Is it built in the US (Tonawanda, NY), or Mexico, perhaps? I've lost track of GMs engine plants, so these are the only two I can think of right now.

bcmalibu99ls

Folks, my 99 Bu stalled yesterday as I was slowing down in traffic. At first, I didn't realize what happened, as the steering suddenly became heavier and the brake pedal had to be pressed much harder than usual. Then I noticed that the battery symbol (indicating charging sustem problem) was flashing on the dash, and that Tach was at zero. I pulled over, put in park, and restarted right away. No further problem since then, runs like new.

Does it look like the alternator is asking to take an early retirement, or what? Can the dealer do a test on the alternator? How long do alternators usually run, anyway?

Thank you in advance for your replies!

Have 44.5K on the car, btw

PS. saw a new Bu today up close, looked from all sides and inside. Looks very nicely except, again, a VERY sad froggy front and a tacky yellow bowtie inside a black oval on the steering wheel. Amazing how just two things can totally wreck a car visually both inside and out

micweb

But for lack of repair history, it would be a recommended pick.

Noted for having better "real world" gas mileage with the six than the competition with a four (25.5 or so mpg).

Check out the review.

I am now "torn" between the outstanding handling attributed to the new Mazda3 (in "S" dress, under $19k) (but this car is a tad small for my tastes), the "modern" styling of the Altima (but I hate Nissan dealership service), and the honest midwest charm of the 2004 'Bu. If they came out with a handling suspension for the 'Bu, so it is more like the Saab 93 it shares a platform with, my decision would be easy....

dindak

"If they came out with a handling suspension for the 'Bu, so it is more like the Saab 93 it shares a platform with, my decision would be easy.... "

Think G6. Only problem is, you have to wait 8 months.

wantapassatnow

... I'm with you. I'm torn between the Mazda3 and the 'Bu. I have six days to decide!

mrtribology

I've had my LT V6 2004 Malibu for 2 months now and have put on about 4000 miles. The car is truly very good. Acceleration, handling are fine, gas mileage is excellent. Looks are not that important to me; a few people in parking lots have said they really like it, and one or two relatives have criticized the antennae assortment. The worst thing has been a constant rattle from the steering column or rack; but my dealer says that per bulletin 03-02-32-005 there is a backorder for kits to fix this "known" problem. Any light that can be shed on this would be appreciated.

rctennis3811

Go with the Mazda 3 if you want a looker. It'll probably have better resale value because of it's quality established nameplace and have better long-term quality and durability. The 4/5-door S model gets almost the same gas mileage as the Malibu, though not as much torque and horsepower. It's lighter and quicker on its feet and probably accelerated better! The 3 also has a better features list and nicer options to choose from (Xenon headlights, navigation system, etc.). Plus, it looks REALLY sporty.

Go with the Malibu if you want to save $100 (WOW! That's a lot! ) a year. Also, the Malibu is great for those wanting the everyday man/woman's car. The Malibu is also good if you want the remote-starter feature. But, you can add this to any car by going to places like Best Buy.

wantapassatnow

Thanks for your advice. I would actually get a Mazda3 i and not an s because of the color selection on the exterior and interior (I want beige not black), but then I'd add the power package, etc.

Back to the 'Bu ... I don't know that I'd ever even use the remote starter since I'm in SoCal, but it might be a fun thing. I happen to not mind the looks of the 'Bu, but I do *way* prefer the 3 in that dept. I've never owned either a Mazda or a Chevy, so that's why I don't really know anything about reliability and resale value, other than what I've read on these boards.

regfootball

"I'm torn between the Mazda3 and the 'Bu. I have six days to decide!"

might even look at a mazda6, they have GM style rebates on those right now and you could likely get a really nice one for same or less money than the 3 or bu.

3 is a SWEEETTTTT car. one of those cars you 'want' as opposed to just buying. No deals on those for awhile though.

If you like the Malibu though and get a good deal, then hey go for it.

wantapassatnow

Thanks, I have looked at the 6 and, well, it just doesn't do it for me.

I just talked to a Chevy fleet person and am waiting to hear back on price. I will compare it (minus incentives) to the price I just got from the Mazda fleet person and then decide!

dindak

I like the new Mazda 3 (except the name), but I don't think it will have better resale. Mazda, like GM is nothing special in this department.

Buy what you enjoy driving the most though, really that's where you spend your time. Looks are pretty superficial.

rwisem

Mazdas are nothing special in the reliability department, either. Somehow the Toyota/Honda halo gets spread over other Japanese makes.

petpad

... you didn't expect to find me here did ya? Seriously, I dont agree with dindak that looks are superficial. Sure, looks alone should not be the lone factor, but you gotta like to look at it once in a while! My only advice is to not be swayed by a nice rebate or fleet sales... go buy what you really want, and if its the Maliboo, euh bu, well so be it.

Someone earlier here compared the maliboo to the Cadillac CTS... pllleeaassse......give me a break... may I just say I disagree, and that I actually like the CTS...

I used to love Chevys, a lot, and particulary the 1981 Camaro Z28. The 70's Malibus were practical and reliable, along with the old Nova. The Chevrolet nameplate started its long fall into the Abyss with the 1980 Citation, the redesigned 1982 Camaro (which remained the same basic platform until last year when it died), and the Chevy Chevette. The only saving grace for Chevy over the years have been the good ol Corvette and the Chevy trucks...

As far as the Malibu 2004, good car, ugly front. Back is OK. Engineers, fix-up the front and you may have a Taurus in your hands...

Pet

dindak

FYI.. no one at GM wants the Bu to be a Taurus and thank God for that. Car is MUCH better than that, try one and see.

rctennis3811

cept for that BUTT UGLY front

jerrywimer

The photos of the 2004 Malibu do look ugly, but seeing it in person, and in one of the darker colors, it looks a lot better. There are aspects and angles at which I still think it's ugly, but overall I like the new look almost as well as the old.

I'm actually considering the remote start for my Trailblazer too, but I want to make sure that whatever I get works well with the existing electronics, and also that I can hopefully get replacement keyfobs that allow me to use the remote starter AND my doorlocks / alarm from one remote unit. This is the nice part about the Malibu's factory unit, since it was designed that way from the start.

dindak

Car looks better in dark colors and in person, you are absolutely right.

I am hoping the remote start option spreads. I hate aftermarket ones and Chevy is only charging C$220 (U$160) which seems very reasonable.

motownusa

It looks like a Hyundai Accent.

dan165

I went out with my buddy this weekend to look at cars. His wife has a 8 year old Taurus which he wants to replace. We decided to test out a Malibu and my impressions were very good. The car is very well put together, very refined and has a pretty decent look to it. Some people here seem to be whining about the looks but I thought it to be quite handsome. By the way, it was a navy blue LT.

Anyway, my friend was also impressed and has narrowed his choices down to another Taurus, the Malibu and maybe a Camry. Big problem with the Malibu vs Taurus is that Malibu has no cash back, only 0% for 48 months. If he goes out to 60 months the rate jumps to 3.9%. I think he liked the Malibu better but I can see him going Taurus for incentives and a better trade in.

alpha01

I just checked Chevrolet.com. For all regions of the US, the 2004 Malibu comes up as offering $1000 Cash Back or 0.0 for 36mos. for qualified buyers. I assume that loans longer than 36 mos. are probably about 1.9 for 48, and 2.9 for 60.

You/your friend may want to check again with that dealer because either you are confused, or they are confused/LYING.

http://www.chevrolet.com/global/cur_offers/

IMO, the Malibu is head and shoulders above the dated Taurus.

~alpha

exalteddragon1

Its better than the Accord too. Talk about a bad rear end, Ehhhhh!

tomcat630

The current Accord is simply a Honda version of GM cars. People act as if they are "so different", when all they did was copy GM cars and put it together better.

When they make bland looking cars it's ok, but if GM does, it's all over the news.

motownusa

Bland looking Camrys and Accords have outstanding reliability records something GM cars unfortunately don't have. Although in the last two to three years they have made an honest effort to improve their quality. Reliability is more important than looks at least in the very competitive mid size car segment. Speaking of Fords, I think the post 95 cars have good reliability records. The current Taurus which actually sells for under 20 grand fully loaded is an outstanding value.

alpha01

No, the Malibu is not better than the Accord. Styling is subjective, in the eye of the beholder. GM's bland designs dont make news, and plenty of people have panned the current Accords plainess-- whats your point tomcat?

~alpha

logic1

The Chevy Malibu plant is working over time for the first time in years.

http://www.autonews.com/files/prod.pdf

Wonder why?

regfootball

gotta stock up a 120 day supply......:)

dindak

alpha : Dan looks to be in Canada like me. Offers in the U.S. are different. I think he is right, there is no cash back up here.

logic : The guy at Applewood told me they are selling very well and given 1/2 the cars they had were sold I don't have reason to doubt him.

rwisem

The apparent pleasure derived from bashing domestic automakers.

If my College Alma Mater was a historical football power that had had losing seasons for the past two decades, I would be disappointed, I would be angry, I would be critical, but I would not extol the virtues of the competition and buy season tickets to the arch rival school.

but then I guess I'm just a small town Pollyanna

bcmalibu99ls

GM versus Toyota is not nearly the same as Texas vs Texas A&M. I believe many of us want domestics to succeed, but after all the lemons and poor customer service, it's hard to expect loyalty. After all, we paid hard-earned cash for those cars, it's not like we got them for free and now are bashing them

Since the domestics are falling behind in perception of quality and reliability, they need to push extra hard to regain the trust. And the dealers have to do their part. At least one dealer here in Vancouver has been less than stellar (to put it mildly) when adressing my automotive requirements

dindak

Actually GM consistently out performs Honda/Toyota in customer service and has for years. Grass always looks greener on the other side but my experiences with my current Chev Olds dealer far exceed my old Honda dealer.

As for the Malibu, it seems to be having a smoother launch than the new Accord did which in my view says a lot about haw far GM has come in the last five years.

petpad

I agree that most of us want the "domestic" brands to do well... but the global auto industry is doing it's best to ensure we have no clue what is domestic and what is import. GM, Ford and Chrysler may play the "buy North American" card but dont be fooled, they are global giants and they own many major other automotive brands such as Jaguar, Volvo, Mazda and even Lamborghigni. Ford sells cars under different names all over the world, Same for GM, and Chrysler has tainted the Mercedes name for years now. So do we need to feel some kind of allegiance to Ford or GM? Of course not... What we care for are the North american auto-workers, plants and the likes. So if you buy an Acura TL or a BMW that is built and/or assembled in some US state, aren't you supporting the US economy? Of course you are. Or an Odyssey or a Civic built in Ontario supports the Canadian economy? Of course you are.

I still would like to have a Chevy as good as a Camry, but dont feel bad for Ford, GM and Chrysler - they are giants, and if they really wanted to make the Malibu as pretty as a Mazda 6 and as reliable as a Camry - they could and they would.

Pet

bcmalibu99ls

Chevy Avalanche is made in Mexico. Nissan Titan is made in Mississippi.

bcmalibu99ls

Is it possible in the Classic Malibu to completely remove the backs of the back seat? Is there some screw which could be easily unscrewed, or are these backs a part of the structure? The seat itself, where the butt usually sits, doesn't need to be removed

Thank you!

tamu2002

or untill the host finds out about it. I have thrown out this argument before but no one responded. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong: What matters is not where the cars are made, it's where the profit goes. It's nice to have a slice of the pie in terms of conpensations to the US auto workers in Honda's plants, but it's a pathetically small piece compared to the billions that go back to Japan. I really don't see how people can't see this. Another example, you see "made in china" products everywhere, but in fact these are products designed by US firms, marketed for and sold to the US consumers. The only "Chinese" about these products is the cheap chinese labor what put them together, which is why Walmart can sell them for so low. Please folks, correct me.

dindak

petpad : My first priority (assuming they have competitive product) is to buy from U.S. based car makers (Ford and GM now). I don't care if things are made in Mexico, the U.S. or Canada really. I prefer to buy things made in North America over Japan /Europe though. As for looks, the Pontiac G6 will be out soon if you want that.

bcmalibu99ls : I don't think that feature is there. The seats do fold down nicely though, the sales man did a demo for me.

bcmalibu99ls

Dindak, are you taking about the new Bu? I am thinking about my 99, cause I want to sleep in it on some roadtrips, and if I could only remove the backs of the backseats it would make a great bed (combined with the trunk)

pat

As some of you clearly know, the import vs domestic debate does not belong here.

Please continue in an appropriate discussion on our News & Views board.

Thanks.

dindak

yA sorry. I was talking about the 04.

I'm sure anything can be removed if you really need them to be.

;-)

exalteddragon1

they warn you before removing subsequent posts. Mention the Capture of Saddam Hussein and your psot will not see the light of day.
I think it will increase American company auto sales in Iraq, anyone think the Malibu is going global???