1 of 4

Winston-Salem, NC  Chevy Malibu LS 1998, Yellow ABS; Chevy V6

NC has a sharp 1998 yellow Chevy Malibu. He has a V6 and since 1998 has put 15,000 mils on the car. The vehicle is subjected to typical North Carolina weather, sometimes wet, sometimes muggy. The air conditioner has been tested in hot North Carolina summers and it received highest marks. Otherwise, the vehicle tested very well receiving highest marks for acceleration, hill climbing and passing. The vehicle received strong, but not highest marks, for turning and parking. Brakes are good, not the best. The vehicle has good, but not exemplary, sound deadening as it did not receive the best marks for noise on highway and in the city. Quality is tops with the highest marks for interior and exterior wear. The vehicle did have a brake problem, with bad front brakes (already?) which were replaced under warranty. Overall, "a great car for the money."

Overall Rating:

GREEN LIGHT MEANS GO!

 2 of 4

New Baltimore, MI  1998 Chevy Malibu LS Silver Automatic, ABS

JN only 52,000 miles on her Malibu but recorded some serious problems. She notes that she has experienced premature rotor warping. Pads have been replaced 2-3 times. The rotor problem has caused the steering wheel to shake dangerously. JN also reports problems with condensation [ed. or leaking] inside of the headlights. The AM radio has gone out and the am reception is poor. In the survey, the Malibut did score well for handling and power. However, JN does not think it is a comfortable car noting there are problems with the seats and air conditioning. The interior also suffers an unpleasant amount of wind noise at highway and city speeds. JN has clearly found her Malibu has some unpleasant shortcomings.

Overall Rating:

 3 of 4

Concord, CA  Chevy Malibu 1997, Red Auto, A/C, P/S, antilock, CD

DT has put 57,137 miles on his Malibu so he has has a good idea how well the vehicle holds up. There have been some problems. Some of the problems have been minor and other problems, not so. For instance, the emblem on the trunk broke. The console ripped. More significant problems have been with the front steering that has caused premature tire wear. DT's brakes "pulse." The problem was corrected under warranty once, but he would be chargd to fix it again. He has had a problem with the transmission failing to engage when he puts it in reverse. On the other hand, DT gave the vehicle generally high marks for important qualities, such as handling, acceleration, brakes and transmission. Moroever, in spite of some problems, DT recommends the vehicle and says it is a good value.

Overall Rating:

GREEN LIGHT MEANS GO!

4 of 4 - 1/3/200 review

Houston, TX  Chevy Malibu 1997, White 96,000 V6 Auto, A/C, P/S, antilock, CD, PW

"My wife drives the car most of the time. I'm 6'4" and I fit well in the car, but long trips can be a lttle cramped for me. My wife drives the car everyday in Houston hwy traffic and Houston heat and humidity."

Trouble free = no

"Have already replaced front brake pads 3 times, and rotors once. At 96,000 miles, I believe rotors are going to need to be replaced again soon. Alternator went out at 40,000 miles. I had it repaired and it lasted about 6,000 miles. I replaced it with a new one and haven't had another problem with it. At 80,000 miles the plastic belt pulleys came apart. Replacements are steel. HUH! Wonder why the originals weren't steel??? After replacing them and a $40 belt, the belt tensioner went out and destroyed the new belt.
Also the armrests on both sides are wore-out."

Contact Owner: stdpack@swbell.net