2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu

brad898

First, not sure what the protocal is, but I'm not knocking you .

You and others need to learn how to spell Hyundai, and the recent resale values give Hyundai a bit over my '99 "Classic".

I WANT a new 'Bu, but w/o at least a $2500 rebate, forget it. Rather leave my pennies invested.

fathertyricius

My father bought a 2003 Malibu LS a few months ago. The car runs great, and he is very happy with it, but for one problem. Last month out of the blue, the horn started to continously honk. The car was parked when out of no where the horn just started to honk. He started up the car, and the horn stopped. When he tried to honk the horn, the horn would'nt work. He took it to the Chevy dealer and they found a short in the circut. They repaired it, and all seemed okay until it started honking again on its own yesterday. I am trying to figure out what would cause this, and if anyone here on the Mailbu board experienced the same problem. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

dindak

Mite see a $2500 rebate in September. Unless sales really slow I don't think it will happen before the year end clear out.

Resale values vary by local. Hyundia mite sell better where you are. Spell checker does not dispute my spelling.

johnclineii

Whether the spell checker disputes it or not, it is NOT right. May as well call that other one a Chivrola Maluhboo.

larryt22

I bought a new 99 LS and had it back in under warranty 6 times at 2 different dealers and they could never resolve my horn problems. It doesn't work more often than it does work. Luckily I have 2 more payments and I can trade it on a real car - Honda or Toyota. I love the new Malibu commercials - nearly perfect!!!! If even they admit it is not perfect, then why didn't they fix the issues and make is a perfect car - typical GM at its best!!!!

dindak

larryt22 : New Bu is a real car but I can't blame you for not looking if your car has been a lot of trouble. New is a lot different though.

john : Ok.. I mis spelled it. Sorry, I'm not Korean.

;-)

brad898

Thanks John and Dindak. Too funny.

September, ugh. I'm not Korean either, but willing to try one, perhaps.

Horn problems: Never had one. Doubt I even know where the horn "button" is.

dindak

The way I figure it, if I have trouble spelling the name of my car, I probably don't want to own it.

;-)

brad898

dindak, you're a great sport.

I really do want to stay with GM. BUT need a big rebate on the ugliness (yes, I'm one of "those"); front needs a quick makeover, but better than the Sonata, barely. I could live with it as is, if the price is more reasonable. $25,700 for a nice Maliby, oops, Malibu? Someone is kidding me.

Brad

alpha01

Sorry, I have to disagree. The Malibu is appropriately priced to the market, and I think this is evidence in that despite having incentives MUCH lower than the GM average, the new Malibu appears to be selling well. Well loaded, most family sedans are in the 26-29K ballpark, and obviously, the 'Bu is at the lower end of that range. Features for the dollar seems to be a competitive ratio. Personally, I could care less about the most "goodies" per dollar, I'd rather have a vehicle that offers what I want in terms of engine, economy, safety, ride, etc. On those counts, the Malibu is a very good contender, not the best, but certainly at the top of the domestic heap. I'd like to see side airbags, an optional NAV, and stability control, though.

~alpha

dan165

Keep in mind that Hyundai has below average quality and long term reliability. I think they are actually near the bottom of the heap. The cars are cheap and attractive but in my opinion, there is a reason for that. Personally I would go with a Malibu.

alpha01

"Keep in mind that Hyundai has below average quality and long term reliability."

Hyundai has been scoring consistently average to better than average in Consumer Reports, and has been improving in the JD Power Long Term Dependability Study. For the latter, particularly, which measures quality after 3 years (used to be 5), a lot can change. And personally, I believe a lot has changed at Hyundai in the past 3 years....

~alpha

rctennis3811

Studies have shown that Hyundai/Kia's quality has been greatly in the past couple of years. Fit and finish are nearly as good as Toyota's or Honda's. Resale value is also pretty good because of their long warranty.

bcmalibu99ls

Per JD Power initial quality rankings for 2003 models, Hyundai on average has 143 problems per 100 vehicles, Chevy has 130 problems, and industry average is 133. Chevy beat Mercedes and Audi (both 132 problems) and is only 2 problems per 100 vehicles below Honda and Volvo (both 128 problems). The leader is Lexus with 76 problems. The worst brand is Hummer with 225 problems, but remember that 2003 was H2's first year. The second worst is Landrover (190). The third worst is Kia (168)

dindak

Hyundai may be getting better but they are still ranked low in most quality / reliability rating I see. No doubt they are light years ahead of the 1980's Pony's but I still don't that they are as good as the rest of the pack. As for those long warranties, they have exclusions in them and are not bumper to bumper, at least they aren't up here. In fact I don't think they are transferable after a point either.

dindak

http://www.freep.com/money/autoreviews/car18_20031218.htm

brad898

Thanks for the support, you all. I'm assuming that the host is cutting me a break, thanks much. The debate over the Sonata vs. the Bu should be in the "other" forum, so let's be merry and take it there. See You there. I REALLY appreciate the advice, by the way.

pat

Link to "other forum" - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. Alternatives

Yeah, the conversation belongs there. Or Brad, if you'd rather, you can start a specific comparo between the 'Bu and the Sonata by following this link - Comparisons - Sedans vs. Sedans and creating a new discussion.

In any case, see you on the comparo board!

;-)

odman

Does anyone know if a Malibu SS model will be introduced anytime soon? I know they had a Malibu SS at the NAIAS last year, but it was a MAXX with a different name. Is there going to be a real SS? What engine will come with it?

bcmalibu99ls

Not very likely

triedntru

But I'm not going to go in detail.

The remote start on my 04 LS is something that I thought I would rarely use because I park the car in our garage. In fact, I didn't even want it, but it came with the option package, so I didn't really have a choice.

Oh, how I love remote start now! Of course, the benefits are obvious in extreme weather, but it's even nice just to be able to have the car running and ready to go when you get there. Then you can just hop in and take right off.

Of course, with an LT, the remote start would be even better because of the automatic climate control. In my car, I have to remember to turn up the heat before leaving the car so it'll be nice and toasty when I get in.

It seems like the engineers really thought the remote start through. For example, the wipers won't turn on until the key is in the ignition. That'll save me tearing up some wipers on the icy windshield! I don't know if aftermarket remote starts have that kind of functionality.

dindak

triedntru : I really hope GM starts adding this option to other vehicles. It's LONG over due.

bcmalibu99ls : The Impala has a supercharged version, why not the Bu??

logic1

there was a side note that this was the start of a trend for every division.

This does not necessarily mean the Malibu will get an SS. Certainly it is probable.

On the negative side, however, GM has already announced the Cobalt SS. You would think if there is going to be a Malibu, GM would have said something.

Dindak: Didn't I read somewhere that the Nox will have a remote starter?

snaab

[when my father got a 04 malibu in the summer i remember posting some pics for you to all see. well the other day my father got a 04 malibu maxx lt. so i am posting what i wrote in the maxx board over here in case anyone wants to see the pics of the maxx.]

hi all... today here in detroit we have had gloomy weather. not good weather to take pics in. however i did manage to take some pics of the maxx (didnt turn out very well at all). here is the link:

http://photos.yahoo.com/amulay2003

there are also pics of a 2004 malibu ls sedan that my father had in summer. let me know what you guys think and if you want any other pics. i have NO problem taking whatever pics you want. the maxx drives just like the sedan (i have driven the two a lot). oh yeah... there is a lot of room in the back seats.

regfootball

no pics?

dindak

snaab : Can't find the Maxx?

logic : I hope so!!!!!!

dindak

http://www.freep.com/money/autoreviews/intro18_20031218.htm

rctennis3811

gets in 7th place in Edmunds comparison! Hmm, not as great as everyone says it is......

exalteddragon1

Don’t be a slave to other people’s opinions. Edmunds is just one source of information, as the Detroit Free Press has proven, the Malibu is a good car, and it is their car of the year!
All of this however matters nothing. You should not let anyone tell you what’s good for you.
We live in a free country, exercise that freedom: go out and take a test drive, compare the cars yourself then develop your own opinion. You may find some reviews were right in some areas, and point out the "experts" mistakes in others.
If production (fact, not opinion) of the Malibu is any sign, the car is going over well with new customers.

stumack1

...hasn't it gotten quiet around here.

dindak

"Unfortunately, a bland approach to interior design, along with build and materials quality problems..."

What quality problems???

I also find it funny that they factor the "price that undercuts comparably equipped cars" for the Accord which won, but not with the Malibu which is clearly much less expensive. It's typical Edmunds reviewers, justifying a selection with elements of their choosing that support what they want the outcome to be. And of course the Camry interior is also "bland" but apparently it's functional and that over comes that deficiency where the Malibu's interior can not. What a joke.

The editors did have some nice things to say though they seem to have gotten an old model with the rear drums and we all know the LS now has 4 wheel discs. I almost wonder if they got one of the first ones off the line as they mentioned a couple of misaligned panels also?

I certainly am not saying the Malibu is the best sedan, but it's certainly better that 7th, especially when you factor in price/ value.

pat

can now be accessed from the Helpful Links box on the left side of the page.

logic1

Christmas Eve, many people off work, with families, and travelling. Why, why, oh why aren't they here posting on the Malibu site?

I am surprised Edmunds picked the Mitsubishi over the 'Bu. Reliability must not have been factored into the scoring.

The new 'Bu is not intended to be a head on competitor to the Altima, 6, and the 6 Cyl. CamCords. Its price reflects that.

The G6 will compete with the Altima and 6. The Buick LaCrosse is more the challenger to the 6 Cyl. CamCords.

stumack1

...is absolutely a direct competitor the the Alty/Cam/Cord. While the Malibu 6 is priced like the Japanese 4-cyl. models, it's unlikely engine choice would have had much bearing on the results of this test. Edmunds tests are not infallible (in fact they're often full of errors), but there's no getting around the fact that this is a disappointing result for the new 'Bu in its first mainstream comparo.

There's been lots of posting on Town Hall today.

dindak

The Bu competes with the 4 banger Camcords, it's all a value play.

I think the G6 will compete better with the Accord when it gets the power boost of the 3.9L.

When are we going to see the LaCross??

I can't say I'm surprised but Edmund's review. The editors seem to have a bias for Honda, Toyota and VW. All things considered, they were more complimentary towards the Bu than I expected.

rctennis3811

Actually, I don't think the Comparo was biased. It said everything that was good and bad of each car. I wasn't surprised out of any results, except the part that said the Malibu didn't have 4-wheel disc brakes - which I thought it did. They obviously found some quality problems inside, which everyone knows is there. I, too, was surprised the Galant did soo good this time, but I guess Mitsubishi really did try. It must be the flashy interior, torquey engine, and quirky styling. The Bu in this Comparo was perfect to be compared against 6-cylinder imports. Sure if you brought in fully loaded imports it wouldn't work, that's why they brought in imports that had a price close to every other competitor. It works. I'm kind of disappointed though, because the Accord wins everything. Just once, I'd like to see it loose

bcmalibu99ls

DETROIT Free Press chose Bu and Durango as car/truck of the year. Is it just by coincidence, that the manufacturers of these two are based in Michigan?

Actually, I have no problem with Bu being the car of the year, as I've nothing bad to say about it except purely visual stuff, which indeed is highly subjective

But Durango? Nissan Titan all the way. Watch out, F-150 and Silverado, heeeeeeere it comes!!!

micweb

There are so few dealers, you'll feel like you are being held hostage.

Tolerable for an EVO, not for a "bland family sedan."

logic1

critic of the Big 3. Durango is made by a company with domiciles in Germany and the US.

V6 Malibu is a direct competitor with the Alt/CamCord 4s, not the 6s. Pricing is an important a factor for family cars.

The Malibu does have 4 wheel discs. Not sure where Edmunds is coming from.

Posting is down today. Silly to say it is not.

bcmalibu99ls

It exactly reflects my opinion. Edmunds, hire me! But, seriously, what on earth is wrong with Chevy designers??? How hard is it to design an attractive interior with large buttons and legible displays? Just copy VW, if that's what you have to do. What are they going to do, sue GM? There are so many designers out there, so why does GM keep the ones who create this sorry looking stuff? Too bad, so sad

bcmalibu99ls

If you thought the Bu's steering wheel looked bad, check THIS horror out...

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/road- tests/comparison/2004/04.family.sedan/mitsubishi.galant/04.mitsub- ishi.galant.int.500.jpg

jerrywimer

A lot of recent models have nasty looking interiors, in my opinion. The new boxy / column styles of the center console areas and / or dashboard mounted gear shift levers combined with lots of more angular shapes just don't cut it. I can't really say that the overly curved dashes of the past were great either, but there needs to be more of a middle ground than I've been seeing lately.

On the new Malibu- I mentioned in a post to one of these forums Monday that I'd seen two of them in my parking lot at work (1 more than I'd seen on the road total since they hit the market). I made that post from work. On my way home Monday I saw two more. Of the four I saw, one of them was an LT, and at least two of the others were LS, with the remaining one being undetermined (saw it passing through an intersection, and other traffic mostly obscured the view).

Those four were three more than I saw of the 'Classic' / old Bu combined for the day. I guess GM's starting to sell them well now.

dindak

logic : When the LS came out it had rear drums but they quickly changed it to all discs. The car they had must have been an early build. It would explain a lot. The LS I drove had all discs.

bcmalibu99ls : I thought the dash was very well put together and looked attractive. Colors could be better but otherwise an A. Colors have a way of tainting a person's view though.

rctennis3811 : I would rate the Mazda 6 best followed but the Accord mainly on the fun to drive and looks factors. Can't wait for the G6 to enter the contest next year!!

ab348

It goes without saying that any comparo test done by Edmunds will place the American car at the bottom of the pack if there are any Hondas, Toyotas or Nissans in the mix. The same thing happened a few years ago when they placed an Intrigue low and criticized its handling, which was totally absurd. In this case the dumped on the Malibu for its interior but somehow rated the Camry's interior well. All you need to do is look at the respective pictures to realize they must be smoking some powerful stuff.

micweb

Not TMV, list price. I think the 'Bu would have moved up a notch or too if the "TMV" true market value were taken into account....

alpha01

I dont think price should factor 20% anyway, and Im not the biggest fan of the Edmunds comparos, but really, they arent saying anthing new. The Malibu is good. Heck, I feel from the Malibu on up in that comparo, its a matter of preferences. But sorry, I really CANT STAND the BS argument on this board that the Malibu isnt meant to compete agains the V6 Camcords (and Altima, 6, etc.). If it isnt meant to compete agains them, don't price it at nearly $26 grand. Its a family sedan, with a V6, and competitive safety features. Of course its meant to compete with all walks of the Camcords!

Can you imagine GM saying "Here is our brand new family car. But please only compare our V6 to the 4 cylinder models. We didnt build a car good enough to compete with the V6s."

No way. This is a good car, and it competes against the Camcords and holds its own. Its finish here is just one measure. Check CR, you'll find similar things said, and a similar overall ranking (5th instead of 7th, but the Galant has not been tested).

~alpha

PS-Happy and Safe Holidays to All!!!

dindak

I think it's hard to compare cars as the Malibu's pricing is so much less than the Camcords. For the price of a well equipped base V6 LS you can only get a stripped Camcord 4 banger. This is why I think it's easier to compare because lets face, most people buy 4 banger Camcords and it's because of price.

logic1

Edmunds says it tested a Malibu LT. But it also says 4 wheel discs are not available. 4 wheel discs are standard on the LT.

What is up with that?

dindak

I just sent the editors this...

"Your recent sedan comparison says through out the report that the Malibu LT has rear drum brakes. This is simply wrong. The Malibu LT has always had 4 wheel discs and in fact, the less expensive LS now ships with standard 4 wheel disc brakes also. This is just plain sloppy and incorrect reporting, something I would expect to see in the local paper, not from Edmunds".

I re-read the report and it was in fact an LT they used. It's almost like they tried as hard as they could to come up with reasons to dislike the car and put it where they think it belongs. Sad to see.

ian2

Funny. There must be a conspiracy going on among, CR, C&D, R&T, Edmunds and whoever did a comparo of family sedans and placed the Accord first. Have you even driven an Accord before you said Edmunds was biased? The Accord today drives like a Lexus just a few years ago. Malibu is a decent car, but just not good enough in this crowded field and the styling is ever so bland.