My goodness, i disappear for a couple of days and there over 50 posts. Do you guys work?
Sorry Wpbharry, I got you mixed up with regfootball. I also thought the sale2 numbers were in the 200k range but Automobile magazine said 110k. Of course they have been wrong before.
The Maxx has potential. Of course, my next vehicle will be a minivan. Lose the last bit of manhood I have left. I cna see me now driving around blasting Barney over the stereo...."I love you, you love me....."
Yes, the LT has the Ultra Lux inserts (the parts that touch you) with leather on the outer parts of the seats. The LS has the funky patterned fabric. Ultra Lux is man made and not from a cow. It felt very, very, very soft. You could use the material as a pillow cover.
I stopped by a dealer near Flint, MI and saw a dealer with 6 2004 malibus. The 2 out front were LS models...not sure what the ones out back were. I must say I was very impressed. Interior material quality and layout were first rate, very solid too. I'm not a fan of the bland exterior, but I think it is still better than Camry and Accord.
For what it means, the sales rep said they are selling well. The one out front I was looking at had a sold sign on it, so maybe it's the truth.
In any case, I think this car is a winner for bread and butter customers...can't wait to see the Maxx.
Yes, the LT has the Ultra Lux inserts (the parts that touch you) with leather on the outer parts of the seats. The LS has the funky patterned fabric. Ultra Lux is man made and not from a cow. It felt very, very, very soft. You could use the material as a pillow cover.
that's a good thought Reg. I find it interesting that despite all the standard features and apparent improvements, GM has not had any media blitz previews with the Bu. They could have hyped this car up for the past 2 months and built some excitement. Reg, your idea and mine are the same: push the car to the consumer; don't just expect them to come crawling back to the dealership.
yes, she is a beautiful sight to see. Watch out NC! I just read a Bu review in Auto World? magazine in my grocery store line. The article said the ride was somewhere between the Accord and Camry. Generally they liked the car, except for the looks which they blasted GM engineers for. The photos had the grey "leather". I really liked that look. I will have to consider it since it is not real leather. I'm just not big on getting the LT with all the bells and whistles I don't want: auto starter, heated front seats, climate control. Essentially, the only thing I get that I would order as an option on the LS is the head curtain air bags. The sunroof and DVD player is still extra on the LT. As I'm writing this, it doesn't seem logical for me to make the jump to the LT!
The Alero is doing great. I've kept up with my Edmunds reading, but haven't posted much because I've had nothing new to say. I figured people would tire of hearing that my GM alero is still flawless and that I'm still impressed with the getrag 5-speed.
Although I'll probably never be in the market for the Malibu, I still follow it closely and can't wait to check out the Maxx. I always thought it was silly that to get a hauling versatility(something that is used frequently) you have to have an off-road vehicle (something that is rarely needed) and the 10-15 fewer MPG that comes with it.
You guys (ok, girls too) have helped sharpen my automobile obsession.
harry: gmbuypower.com reports that there have been deliveries to all the Chevy dealers in the DC area......WRONG!! I just called my closest dealer, and despite the posting, they still do not have theirs yet.
Stop worrying about the new Malibus, for the next few days. You have a little lady (actually, she's a really big girl) named Isabel knocking on your door.
Deal with that first.
I'll check gmbuypower later this week to see if ours have come in.
hmmmm, maybe I should drive the Ford 626 over to Ocean City for a little......ummm...vacation?? I called the dealer; he said the car was over in the ditribution lot in Annapolis. Better get the Bu's away from there too!! Yikes!
the + is for me to push and it changes the engine from a pushrod to OHC. The - changes it back. I leave it in - mode for city driving to retain the classic GM launch feel and torque torque gotta have torque (it automatically puts the aggressive throttle linkage in action!) and then when i leave the inner city and hit some freeway then i change the cams over to OHC and it all of a sudden becomes a revver.
We just came back a few days ago from another enjoyable trip in our '03 LS..this time to Denver to visit the folks. Round trip mileage was about 1500 miles, and we got just a little over 31MPG for the trip. Most of the driving was at about 77MPH on cruise. Sitting in the car for 12-13 hours with only short breaks for a couple of quick meals and gas was no problem..we got out at the end of the day ready to party. So far, ZERO problems, all I've done in the first 10,000 miles is change the oil/filter 3 times, rotate the tires, and lube all the weather stripping with silicone grease. It looks like Chevy took about 4 or 5 years to get this series of Malibu right..I hope they don't have the same luck with the new model. It would sure be good to see a US maker compete favorably with the Japanese in this class of car.
It is actually a button to activate displacement on demand. Hit minus and you run one less cylinder. Hit plus and you activate up to two hidden non-advertised cylinders. It is actually the LS6 from the Corvette Z06 shoehorned in the Malibu with displacement on demand added. Fuel economy with all eight cylinders activated goes down a bit though
Have a 98 Malibu. Recently changed both the left and right the brake lights.
My wife followed me once in other car, and noticed that the left brake light does not work. We would not know otherwise. I must check them more often and more carefully.
There are two brake bulbs on the both sides. When just one of them does not works, the light looks as working OK. This is good thing: you can drive safe with a burned-out bulb. But it makes hard to know, that one of the bulbs is gone.
To find the problem, you have, first, to know what to look for. And, second, inspect the lights carefully from a short distance. In darker place or at darker time, from 3-5 feet or so. Then you can see, if the both bulbs are working, or only one.
After the inspection, I found that not only the both left bulbs are gone, but one of the right ones too.
The replacement itself is a 5-minute job, 10 to 15 minutes first time. But one of the socket turned to be blackened. Had to clean the contacts with a sand paper.
By the way, either GM or bulb manufacturer (Silvanya), do not remember exactly, recommends replacing them in pairs. Even when only one bulb does not work.
Given the brake bulbs cost something like $2.50 or $3.50 a pair in Pep Boys, this looks very reasonable. Do not remember the exact price, but remember that there were two sorts of bulbs on the shelfs: normal and long-life.
are you sure it wasn't the switch for variable valve timing? I still think it switches from smashrods to OHC at the push of a button!
harry...its been a hoot so far, I am sleep deprived, but not as much as my poor wife. Baby wants to eat like every hour to hour and a half lately. My wife is like a 24 hour cafeteria to the little one......she can't get any sleep! My postings are quite random recently as I am only checking about 10 topics.
Of course sunday I saw my second 04 on the lots, this one had uglycloth. It looks worse in pics than in the car, but still its not super attractive. This one I saw was silver with grey interior. LS with sunroof. Almost 23k. Who's gonna pay over 20 grand for this car? It may be closer to being worth it now, but still.
Actually that button on the shifter, er, inverted golf club, is for the radioactive missile bomb launchers for those moments when road rage hits! Its like Asteroids or Space Invaders! Protect yoself!
being volume adjusters. It turns out GM took the driver safety to brand-new, previously unknown heights. The + and - button is a seat ejection device. It works like this: if you see that you are about to be rear-ended by some yahoo in, say, a HUMMER, you press the - button, and you would be ejected 50 feet BACK (because otherwise your own car would run you over, if you eject forward). But if, on the other hand, it's you who are about to rear-end someone, then you press the + button and you eject forward, get run over by the vehicle you rear-end, and then claim he hit you, an innocent pedestrian, so that you can sue him for some serious $$$.
I just checked out the Bu. I was very impressed. First it passed my two tests: changing the oil on the 6 cylinder engine will be the easiest I have ever done. Secondly, the driver's leg room is just good enough. I put the pedals all the way down, and had to adjust the seat back just slightly, but I found a very comfortable driving position. Reg: our bet is a draw. I went immediately over to my Mazda dealer and got in the 6. The driver's leg room is a tie with the Bu. However, the entry head room is way better in the Bu (both had a power sun roof). Back to the Bu: I thought it was a LOT more attractive in person than on the net. The passenger's side leg room is EXCELLENT. Now for the rear leg room: AWFUL. With the front seats all the way back, there is NO leg room for an adult; very, very shameful. I'll tell ya, the Maxx is going to fly off the showroom floors. I can't see why anyone would buy the sedan when the Maxx's rear comfort will match the front seating areas. The ultralux was very nice. I liked it a lot. The cabin was attractive, although the glove box is indeed tiny, and the center storage box is one level only, and cannot be reconfigured due to a coin holder and cell phone holder inside. I can't wait to see the grey cloth interior; I'll just have to hope it is a bit less busy than the neutral colored cloth. Gotta go!
There is no doubt the car looks better in person. I was actually expecting not to like it (back in February) and I thought it was very decent. For back seat comfort, no car will beat the Maxx in this class of car. I still want to drive the sedan though, it sounds like it has a great ride quality. Did you happen to notice what kind of tires were on the car?
according to GMbuypower.com, one of my dealers south of here is supposed to get an LS with grey interior as their first car. I called them, and they have not gotten it in yet. I think I'll believe it when I see it, but I would like to see the grey 'chess set' ahead of time. I also would like to see if the manual levered seat goes back any further than the 6 way power seat found in the LT. Inquiring minds want to know!
my sister took our 04 malibu on a 3 day trip to toronto from detroit. i reset the fuel average computer right before she left and upon her return the car averaged 30.1 mpg! very nice. last time we drove up to toronto we had an escalade ext and averaged 13.9 mpg. GULP! way to go malibu! thats all for now. all has been holdin up very well with the car.
Maxx forgot to post something yesterday: As you know I like having 5 brake lights behind me; sadly, the Bu will only have 3. The lower portion of the rear lights performs 3 functions: night running lights, brake light, and turn signal. That's a lot of work for one bulb. The upper part of the light housing is for night running lights only. I was thinking how much the exterior of the car looks like a Camry to me. Similar slope of the rear lights; similar look from the side. I can only hope the reliability will be as good.
You should have told your sister to pop in on the way back from Toronto. Would have loved to see the Bu. Drove by the dealer on the way back from lunch, still nothing!
Just searched gmbuypower. For some reason, I can't get an inventory readout for my dealer. BUT, the dealer next closest has (start getting jealous) 4 LTs with package 1SB (I didn't check other styles), strangely, not a single one of which is totally loaded. My dealer MUST have at least one (and THEY load 'em up, big time).
I'll check my dealer next week. Too swamped today and tomorrow.
Guess we know where all the new 'Bus have been heading recently.
Drove behind one the other day. How boring. It made me think of an old Caprice that had some kind of aftermarket body kit on it. IMO it'll sell to those who only want an American car or only want GM but, it's not going to take any marketshare from Honda and Toyota.
Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. (I know styling is subjective.) But this is just so boring.
Comments
Sorry Wpbharry, I got you mixed up with regfootball. I also thought the sale2 numbers were in the 200k range but Automobile magazine said 110k. Of course they have been wrong before.
The Maxx has potential. Of course, my next vehicle will be a minivan. Lose the last bit of manhood I have left. I cna see me now driving around blasting Barney over the stereo...."I love you, you love me....."
For what it means, the sales rep said they are selling well. The one out front I was looking at had a sold sign on it, so maybe it's the truth.
In any case, I think this car is a winner for bread and butter customers...can't wait to see the Maxx.
then maybe it would actually be good to have a bunch in rental fleets to get the word out......?
See, that's why I need the picnic table extension.
But it's us vs. our best buds, the New York Jets.
This is when my allegiance get's tried.
Think that the pop-ups tell the story.
Hope no new 'Bus are on the truck awaiting delivery.
Although I'll probably never be in the market for the Malibu, I still follow it closely and can't wait to check out the Maxx. I always thought it was silly that to get a hauling versatility(something that is used frequently) you have to have an off-road vehicle (something that is rarely needed) and the 10-15 fewer MPG that comes with it.
You guys (ok, girls too) have helped sharpen my automobile obsession.
I'm in hysterics. Yeah, the +/- is the radio volume adjuster. EXCELLENT, bc.
Deal with that first.
I'll check gmbuypower later this week to see if ours have come in.
I called the dealer; he said the car was over in the ditribution lot in Annapolis. Better get the Bu's away from there too!! Yikes!
the + is for me to push and it changes the engine from a pushrod to OHC. The - changes it back. I leave it in - mode for city driving to retain the classic GM launch feel and torque torque gotta have torque (it automatically puts the aggressive throttle linkage in action!) and then when i leave the inner city and hit some freeway then i change the cams over to OHC and it all of a sudden becomes a revver.
Sounds more and more like Chevy finally has a winner every day. Lets hope the car stays that way!
He'll be up in another few hours.
Keep us updated with how you're fairing!
It is actually a button to activate displacement on demand. Hit minus and you run one less cylinder. Hit plus and you activate up to two hidden non-advertised cylinders. It is actually the LS6 from the Corvette Z06 shoehorned in the Malibu with displacement on demand added. Fuel economy with all eight cylinders activated goes down a bit though
My wife followed me once in other car, and noticed that the left brake light does not work. We would not know otherwise. I must check them more often and more carefully.
There are two brake bulbs on the both sides. When just one of them does not works, the light looks as working OK. This is good thing: you can drive safe with a burned-out bulb. But it makes hard to know, that one of the bulbs is gone.
To find the problem, you have, first, to know what to look for. And, second, inspect the lights carefully from a short distance. In darker place or at darker time, from 3-5 feet or so. Then you can see, if the both bulbs are working, or only one.
After the inspection, I found that not only the both left bulbs are gone, but one of the right ones too.
The replacement itself is a 5-minute job, 10 to 15 minutes first time. But one of the socket turned to be blackened. Had to clean the contacts with a sand paper.
By the way, either GM or bulb manufacturer (Silvanya), do not remember exactly, recommends replacing them in pairs. Even when only one bulb does not work.
Given the brake bulbs cost something like $2.50 or $3.50 a pair in Pep Boys, this looks very reasonable. Do not remember the exact price, but remember that there were two sorts of bulbs on the shelfs: normal and long-life.
harry...its been a hoot so far, I am sleep deprived, but not as much as my poor wife. Baby wants to eat like every hour to hour and a half lately. My wife is like a 24 hour cafeteria to the little one......she can't get any sleep! My postings are quite random recently as I am only checking about 10 topics.
Of course sunday I saw my second 04 on the lots, this one had uglycloth. It looks worse in pics than in the car, but still its not super attractive. This one I saw was silver with grey interior. LS with sunroof. Almost 23k. Who's gonna pay over 20 grand for this car? It may be closer to being worth it now, but still.
Actually that button on the shifter, er, inverted golf club, is for the radioactive missile bomb launchers for those moments when road rage hits! Its like Asteroids or Space Invaders! Protect yoself!
Thank you, GM!!!
Reg: our bet is a draw. I went immediately over to my Mazda dealer and got in the 6. The driver's leg room is a tie with the Bu. However, the entry head room is way better in the Bu (both had a power sun roof).
Back to the Bu: I thought it was a LOT more attractive in person than on the net. The passenger's side leg room is EXCELLENT. Now for the rear leg room: AWFUL. With the front seats all the way back, there is NO leg room for an adult; very, very shameful. I'll tell ya, the Maxx is going to fly off the showroom floors. I can't see why anyone would buy the sedan when the Maxx's rear comfort will match the front seating areas.
The ultralux was very nice. I liked it a lot. The cabin was attractive, although the glove box is indeed tiny, and the center storage box is one level only, and cannot be reconfigured due to a coin holder and cell phone holder inside.
I can't wait to see the grey cloth interior; I'll just have to hope it is a bit less busy than the neutral colored cloth.
Gotta go!
Maxx should be better.
its a draw.
I trust maxx has vacated the premises.
sorry bout not stopping by dindak. still no malibus in canada? most dealers here have a few.
I'll check my dealer next week. Too swamped today and tomorrow.
Guess we know where all the new 'Bus have been heading recently.
Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. (I know styling is subjective.) But this is just so boring.