2004 Chevy Malibu spiffs up image, takes on Asian rivals **Updated 9/14**

[NFS4]

Heh, maybe next time 😀

http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?id=10977

**Update**

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews&loc_code=index&content_code=09653912

**Update #2**

http://www.freep.com/money/autoreviews/phelan1_20030901.htm

 

[pyonir]

Ummm. How about no Scott?

 

[NFS4]

The Malibu's 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is optional on the base model, has a single overhead cam. It makes 200 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque, slightly more than the Camry V-6, but significantly less power than the Accord's SOHC 3.0-liter V-6, which makes 240 horsepower.

WTF?

'04 Camry LE 3.0 liter V6 -- 210 HP / 220 lb-ft
'04 Camry SE 3.3 liter V6 -- 225 HP / 240 lb-ft

 

[Jugernot]

The affordable domestic family sedan with the familiar bow-tie is finally competitive with the best the Asians have to offer.

Wow, didn't think I'd ever hear that. 🙂

Good hear...

 

[SuperTool]

It has the front end from a last gen Nissan Quest, is overweight and underpowered. Hopefully the exra weight has been used to achieve better safety ratings.
I am liking the interior. Telescoping steering wheel is a nice feature. Looking forward to renting one next time I travel. 😉

 

[NFS4]

Looking forward to renting one next time I travel.

AHAHABUAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAALOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!

Damn, that had me laughing hard 😀

 

[Angrymarshmello]

I'll say it b/c I know someone else is going to say it:

"Who the hell would buy a Chevy Malibu over an Accord, Camry, Altima, or even a 6?"

(Doesn't necessarily mean I feel this way...oh wait I do) 🙂

 

[crab]

The 1981 Caddy in my driveway has telescoping steering, too. 😀

 

[StageLeft]

Rather bleed to death than sign the dotted line and take delivery of a POS malibu 🙂

 

[edro]

Chevy will Never be on par with Honda/Toyota... Reliability and quality will always lack.

 

[Mr N8]

Better than the current model, but still doesn't come close to Camry / Accord in my mind.

 

[shopbruin]

my parents bought a malibu. 🙁

but then it had 4000 off and nearly 4000 in GM rebates so 😀

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: MogulMonster
Better than the current model, but still doesn't come close to Camry / Accord in my mind.

Definitely not when it comes to a transportation "appliance" which is what the Camry/Accord are. They just WORK and don't break down/fall apart. They are solid, safe, reliable, have excellent resale value and are top-notch quality vehicles from nose to tail.

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: NFS4

The Malibu's 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is optional on the base model, has a single overhead cam. It makes 200 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque, slightly more than the Camry V-6, but significantly less power than the Accord's SOHC 3.0-liter V-6, which makes 240 horsepower.

WTF?

'04 Camry LE 3.0 liter V6 -- 210 HP / 220 lb-ft
'04 Camry SE 3.3 liter V6 -- 225 HP / 240 lb-ft

Paul and Anita Lienert are awful automotive journalists. Their reviews are often biased and poorly written, and apparently they do not check their facts too well either.

 

[chin311]

hahahha, still doesnt do much for me...err wait, nothign at all.

 

[Mr N8]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: MogulMonster
Better than the current model, but still doesn't come close to Camry / Accord in my mind.

Definitely not when it comes to a transportation "appliance" which is what the Camry/Accord are. They just WORK and don't break down/fall apart. They are solid, safe, reliable, have excellent resale value and are top-notch quality vehicles from nose to tail.

I've always owned domestics, but have been seriously considering a Camry Solara. I'll have my current car paid off soon, and hope to get rid of it.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: BigSmooth

Originally posted by: NFS4

The Malibu's 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is optional on the base model, has a single overhead cam. It makes 200 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque, slightly more than the Camry V-6, but significantly less power than the Accord's SOHC 3.0-liter V-6, which makes 240 horsepower.

WTF?

'04 Camry LE 3.0 liter V6 -- 210 HP / 220 lb-ft
'04 Camry SE 3.3 liter V6 -- 225 HP / 240 lb-ft

Paul and Anita Lienert are awful automotive journalists. Their reviews are often biased and poorly written, and apparently they do not check their facts too well either.

The sad thing for Anita's dumbass is that the Camry has had 210 HP since the '03 model year so I don't know what the hell she's smoking 😀

 

[conjur]

Less power, less torque, shorter length and wheelbase, heavier and more expensive

Ummm...yeah....right.

 

[Zombie]

UGLY reminds me too much of Saturn L-series.

Look at that cheap disgusting plastic looking center console.

 

[Ornery]

God, GM does it again. Sticking the name plate of a truly great car on a new POS. AZZHOLES!

 

[SuperTool]

I think we need to give Chevy some credit for building a car that while failing to attract at least doesn't repell like the old Malibu's interior has.
I think with Chevy pricing/financing, this could be a sweet deal. I think they should have brought the opel exterior unchanged though. I can understand why they would go for a cheaper interior considering the market they are in, but that's no reason to uglify the exterior.

 

[LordJezo]

I wonder what they will do with the new Impala's..

 

[Mr N8]

Originally posted by: LordJezo
I wonder what they will do with the new Impala's..

Hopefully step back to more of the '95 look. The new ones are horrible.

 

[Ornery]

• Behold the 2005 Chevy Nomad!

 

[WobbleWobble]

My parents have an older one (1997) which I do drive quite often. It wasn't a bad car for its money. For the same money, we could have also gotten a mid range Civic or something like that. But the Malibu does feel a lot more powerful than a Civic (I know, compare the horses, but I'm comparing prices). The interior is cheap, but satisfactory. The handling on it though... sucks. Can't go faster than 140km/h without feeling it shaking. In high winds, you can really feel it too.

But yeah, I'm just saying it's an ok car. Very cheap to maintain too. But no, I would never buy one 🙂