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2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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Comments
It's starting to cool off in the mornings and nights here (so much that there is frost on my windows in the morning) and that nasty clunk under the dash has come back. What causes that? I've heard people talk of it here before, but couldn't find it in previous posts. I think I remember hearing it was the struts, front control arm or strut mounts...I can't recall. Can you guys refresh my memory? Thanks!
RE Johnclineii: I'm aware this is a Malibu board. I was simply stating that I'm dumping my Malibu and getting a Jetta, and listed the reasons. Many people have done it before, so I didn't see anything wrong with it. If you'd like me to stay strictly Malibu, I will. Sorry.
Jeremy
http://www.freep.com/money/autoreviews/phelan1_20030901.htm
So now I understand that new Malibus I tested were preproduction hand built. In production car fit and finish may be even better.
And he is right. New Malibu rides better than Camry. But Camry is intentionally geriatric anyway, like Buick.
http://www.wheels.ca/Reviews.htm?CD=198&ID=2300
the passat actually has average reliability in the latest CR ratings.
first the ford focus. it's the highest rated small car in their road test. however if the car doesn't get at least an average reliability rating (completely separate from the road test) it will not be recommended. hence the ford focus doesn't get recommended because its reliability is below average.
the passat. it's rated among the best along with the camry and accord in their road test for family cars. because it meets the threshold of having average reliability, it's recommended.
you have a good point about price with the passat.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosconsumer/0309/03/g01-260823.htm
The Camry 3.0L V6 in LE and XLE models is rated at 210hp and 220lb ft. MPG: 21/29
The Camry 3.3L V6 in SE models is rated at 225hp and 240lb. ft. MPG 20/29
What is the Malibus 3.5L rating? 220 or 225? Either way, the Camry is close or better.
~alpha
I guess GM will have to pump it up a bit for 05. That said, as long as power is good and competitive, I don't think most people care, especially given the Malibu's better fuel economy.
The Taurus with Duratec was tested in 2000 by Edmunds and tested at 0-60 time 8.3 seconds, quarter mile in 16.3 seconds and 1/4 mile top speed of 86.7 mph. So Camry had a little better acceleration in the low end, Taurus a little better in top end, basically nearly a wash.
I don't know how new Malibu will stack up. Likely Camry numbers for their 3.0 L tweaked are slightly better than when it was 192 HP, and their SE with the 3.3 better yet. Still, I wouldn't buy one as Camry gets too pricey when you drop a V-6 into them and I think they look kinda ugly.
Honda and Nissan seem to be trying to win the V-6 family sedan HP race these days.
Still, how often do you wide open throttle accelerate in the real world?
While I think the new Malibu is kind of dull looking, Camrys and Accords are nothing to write home about either. That's part of the reason I opted for an 04 Grand Prix.
Still, I think GM has a winner with the Malibu. Lots of interesting features, class leading fuel economy and very competitive pricing should give it a big sales boost.
And what's with this fashion of having the headlights extend almost all the way to the windshield? Almost all carmakers embraced this new "design." Now Toyotas, Fords, Hondas, and the new Bu - they all look like they are suffering from constipation :-)
Link below.
http://www.media.gm.com/
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/100518/articl- e.html?tid=edmunds.h..reviews..18.*
Now will it last 100K without major expense. I'll follow this vehicle until the 2nd-3rd model year before considering a switch back to the bow-tie.
That's a good one!
Keep your nose clean!
rcf8000 : The mileage on both the 4 and 6 are suppose to be class leading. The electric steering helps the car do this. I have seen the car only from the out side and while it's nothing very exciting, neither is much of the competition. Thanks for the post.
I have said many times I like the 6 styling though I have not driven one.
What does extra money get you, if not better styling?
If you want the real pretty Epsilon based car, get the Malibu's cousin, the Saab 9-3, or wait for the Grand Am replacement.
The new 'bu is lunch bucket conservative as Chevy sells to lunch bucket conservative people. Don't see how that is a draw back.
My guess is they cannot make thing too exiting, because Grand Am replacement is supposed to be one. Neither Camcordus are. Still wonder why GM is using shiny cheap looking plastic in places you see most. They have to hire expert to choose right materials in right places, or it is not that simple ? But Japanese (even Ford) do that.
I do notice on some economy cars like the previous Neon and the Cavalier, the sheet metal seems less smooth on the curvy parts of the doors. Almost like dings but not.
Porshe Cayenne, on the other hand...hehehe