Thoughts on the Chevy Malibu?

[pauldun170]

My wife has a 2012 Camry SE and for the 21k or so we gave for it, it's a really nice vehicle. The front seats in it are great. Plenty of room in the back seat and truck. Suspension is decent for a family sedan..very little body roll. Steering is overboosted and numb, but pretty much every modern car suffers from that any more. The center console also is the widest i've seen in a car and both driver and passenger can make use of the arm rest without fighting for space

It's also great cup holders in the center console

On straight highway driving it call pull 38MPG. Her lifetime average is 32MPG with an 80/20 split of highway/city...and she has a lead foot. I've been very happy with the car.

I'm curious to know how tall the OP is and how his head is hitting the roof in the passenger seat. I'm 6' and have a ton of room.

My wife is 6'2 and she has no problem in either my 2002 Camry or any of the later model Camry's we've ridden in.
The 2.4 and 2.5 is plenty strong for the type of vehicle it is.
A decent sized family sedan for 21K is an excellent deal.

Considering the passenger room and trunk space, I can't really put together a big list of competitors at that price point.

 

[phucheneh]

Damn, dude, kinda harsh, don't you think? After all, he's a mechanic and that automatically makes him an expert, just like my brother, who has been wrenching for over 30 years and has his own shop.

But you gotta remember, he's one of the most anti-GM fanbois on the board, so his commentary is inevitably biased, like with his comments on GM's 4.3L V-6---POS is the gist of what he considers about the engine. One of GM's stoutest V-6 engines and it's a POS. Guess we got lucky when we got 10 years and 250k miles out of ours.

The problem is that GM fanboys (proper use of that word, FYI...right, I'm just a 'fanboy' of everything but GM. Keep telling yourself that's why people commonly keep low opinions of the company) justify 'quality' by saying 'it keep working.'

I don't care how many miles it can be ragged out for. Yes, I've worked on lots of 200k+ GM V6's that, even with abuse, are still mechanically solid.

But it doesn't make leaving oil stains on the ground at 75k any more acceptable. Or make me want to excuse stuff like the intake gaskets (along with the rest of the cooling system) that continue to fail despite being totally redesigned a half a dozen times throughout the various iterations of that engine (3.8/3.1/3.4/3.5).

Keeps running != good. There are a lot of quad 4's still out there, too...doesn't make them any less inferior to any of the Ecotec designs. I guess I can just write anything here now, at you'll have obviously stuck your fingers in your ears and attempted to ignore the fact that I just praised their modern four cylinders...I give praise where it's due, instead of blanketing an entire brand as the second coming of Christ, a la fanboy (you).

And FYI, being pushrod has nothing to do with my hate for those V6's. The problem is that they're crap. Not that they have pushrods. The fact that people like yourself take such great offense at me using that most logical of labels to identify those engines speaks volumes, though.

edit: I'll also take the opportunity to once again point something out to a select few of you...never have I claimed 'I'm a mechanic, I totally know everything and you're wrong!' It's much the opposite, actually. People tend to take my honesty and willingness to listen to the wisdom of others as a sign that I must not know shit, and then project their own insecurities in little 'OMG YOU'RE SO ELITIST BUT YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT' rants that do nothing but reinforce how they have nothing to offer except slanted, brand-loyalty-tainted, overly-rationalized opinions.

 

[bguile]

My wife is 6'2 and she has no problem in either my 2002 Camry or any of the later model Camry's we've ridden in.
The 2.4 and 2.5 is plenty strong for the type of vehicle it is.
A decent sized family sedan for 21K is an excellent deal.

Considering the passenger room and trunk space, I can't really put together a big list of competitors at that price point.

It's possible that it had a sunroof? I was just in it for like 30 seconds. The salesman was in the process of setting up the test drive for the prius, so I figured I would take a look at the floor room model of the camry. I sat in it, felt my head touching the ceiling, tried fiddled with the seat controls for a bit but the salesman was back and whisked me off to the prius. I'm 6'0 even. Even in the Malibou with the sunroof there wasn't much clearance.

 

[pauldun170]

It's possible that it had a sunroof? I was just in it for like 30 seconds. The salesman was in the process of setting up the test drive for the prius, so I figured I would take a look at the floor room model of the camry. I sat in it, felt my head touching the ceiling, tried fiddled with the seat controls for a bit but the salesman was back and whisked me off to the prius. I'm 6'0 even. Even in the Malibou with the sunroof there wasn't much clearance.

Sounds like you are 6'0 all torso.
My wife is 6'2 all leg.
You probably have the same issues car shopping that we do except while we are hunting for leg room you are hunting for head room.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Sounds like you are 6'0 all torso.
My wife is 6'2 all leg.
You probably have the same issues car shopping that we do except while we are hunting for leg room you are hunting for head room.

I have a good friend who is 6'7" he doesn't fit in most cars.

 

[BUTCH1]

The problem is that GM fanboys (proper use of that word, FYI...right, I'm just a 'fanboy' of everything but GM. Keep telling yourself that's why people commonly keep low opinions of the company) justify 'quality' by saying 'it keep working.'

I don't care how many miles it can be ragged out for. Yes, I've worked on lots of 200k+ GM V6's that, even with abuse, are still mechanically solid.

But it doesn't make leaving oil stains on the ground at 75k any more acceptable. Or make me want to excuse stuff like the intake gaskets (along with the rest of the cooling system) that continue to fail despite being totally redesigned a half a dozen times throughout the various iterations of that engine (3.8/3.1/3.4/3.5).

Keeps running != good. There are a lot of quad 4's still out there, too...doesn't make them any less inferior to any of the Ecotec designs. I guess I can just write anything here now, at you'll have obviously stuck your fingers in your ears and attempted to ignore the fact that I just praised their modern four cylinders...I give praise where it's due, instead of blanketing an entire brand as the second coming of Christ, a la fanboy (you).

And FYI, being pushrod has nothing to do with my hate for those V6's. The problem is that they're crap. Not that they have pushrods. The fact that people like yourself take such great offense at me using that most logical of labels to identify those engines speaks volumes, though.

edit: I'll also take the opportunity to once again point something out to a select few of you...never have I claimed 'I'm a mechanic, I totally know everything and you're wrong!' It's much the opposite, actually. People tend to take my honesty and willingness to listen to the wisdom of others as a sign that I must not know shit, and then project their own insecurities in little 'OMG YOU'RE SO ELITIST BUT YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT' rants that do nothing but reinforce how they have nothing to offer except slanted, brand-loyalty-tainted, overly-rationalized opinions.

The LIM manifold gasket was solved by 2004, my car never leaks or uses a drop of coolant between changes, the basic problem was an inferior gasket that didn't play nice with Dex-cool, Yes, it was a major issue and if not caught when it went bad would ruin an engine but otherwise the 3.1/3.4/3.8/3.5 are very rugged and economical engines..

 

[mafia]

Sounds like you are 6'0 all torso.
My wife is 6'2 all leg.
You probably have the same issues car shopping that we do except while we are hunting for leg room you are hunting for head room.

Pics?

The problem is that GM fanboys (proper use of that word, FYI...right, I'm just a 'fanboy' of everything but GM. .

I currently drive a 2000 Chevy Malibu (5th gen) as my winter beater. It was purchased in an auction in 2003. Was my sisters car through high school/college and my car through high school and now using it in college. It has 180k mostly city miles on it, driven from Chicago to California and back, twice. It has been abused by me doing stupid shit in high school and it still runs great. It has never had any problems. No oil leaks, nothing, solid like a tank. However, we do maintain our cars very well by following all the service guidelines. Which in this case is pretty much just oil changes and other miscellaneous cheap stuff.

I've driven a 2004 Malibu (6th gen) for Drivers Ed class, and that car was horrible. I think that everything about the 6th gen Malibu was worse than the 5th gen. Everything, from interior to the way it drove. GM must have gone greedy during those years or something because that was probably one of the worst cars I ever drove. So whatever you do, avoid 6th gen.

 

[BUTCH1]

Pics?



I currently drive a 2000 Chevy Malibu (5th gen) as my winter beater. It was purchased in an auction in 2003. Was my sisters car through high school/college and my car through high school and now using it in college. It has 180k mostly city miles on it, driven from Chicago to California and back, twice. It has been abused by me doing stupid shit in high school and it still runs great. It has never had any problems. No oil leaks, nothing, solid like a tank. However, we do maintain our cars very well by following all the service guidelines. Which in this case is pretty much just oil changes and other miscellaneous cheap stuff.

I've driven a 2004 Malibu (6th gen) for Drivers Ed class, and that car was horrible. I think that everything about the 6th gen Malibu was worse than the 5th gen. Everything, from interior to the way it drove. GM must have gone greedy during those years or something because that was probably one of the worst cars I ever drove. So whatever you do, avoid 6th gen.

"The way it drove" is about as un-descriptive as it gets, if it had the eco-tech 4 banger they are somewhat underpowered, the V6 3.5 feels fine, plenty of power, smooth ride, decent handling. I will agree that the interior is of shit quality but everyone knows you've got to get into GM's higher-end models to get a decent, long-lasting interior..

 

[foghorn67]

The problem is that GM fanboys (proper use of that word, FYI...right, I'm just a 'fanboy' of everything but GM. Keep telling yourself that's why people commonly keep low opinions of the company) justify 'quality' by saying 'it keep working.'

I don't care how many miles it can be ragged out for. Yes, I've worked on lots of 200k+ GM V6's that, even with abuse, are still mechanically solid.

But it doesn't make leaving oil stains on the ground at 75k any more acceptable. Or make me want to excuse stuff like the intake gaskets (along with the rest of the cooling system) that continue to fail despite being totally redesigned a half a dozen times throughout the various iterations of that engine (3.8/3.1/3.4/3.5).

Keeps running != good. There are a lot of quad 4's still out there, too...doesn't make them any less inferior to any of the Ecotec designs. I guess I can just write anything here now, at you'll have obviously stuck your fingers in your ears and attempted to ignore the fact that I just praised their modern four cylinders...I give praise where it's due, instead of blanketing an entire brand as the second coming of Christ, a la fanboy (you).

And FYI, being pushrod has nothing to do with my hate for those V6's. The problem is that they're crap. Not that they have pushrods. The fact that people like yourself take such great offense at me using that most logical of labels to identify those engines speaks volumes, though.

edit: I'll also take the opportunity to once again point something out to a select few of you...never have I claimed 'I'm a mechanic, I totally know everything and you're wrong!' It's much the opposite, actually. People tend to take my honesty and willingness to listen to the wisdom of others as a sign that I must not know shit, and then project their own insecurities in little 'OMG YOU'RE SO ELITIST BUT YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT' rants that do nothing but reinforce how they have nothing to offer except slanted, brand-loyalty-tainted, overly-rationalized opinions.

IDK man, your advice is anecdotal just like the rest of us. My 09, even though it's young and only 50k on the clock is just as solid so far as any other car from that era. The interior quality is on par with the Camry and Accord from that era. All of the major mid sized cars from that generation had hard touch plastics. Everyone's interior material Renaissance didn't hit until 2011/2012.
The 6th gen Malibu had a shit interior and questionable build quality. But that 3.5 isn't bad at all. My friend's Malibu Maxx is at 130k and that engine's gasket surfaces must be welded together if I had to believe you.
The only issue he has now is one of the front struts started leaking. Can't tell by driving it yet. But he already ordered a pair of all in one Monroe assemblies. Should be an easy Saturday morning.

 

[bguile]

Pics?



I currently drive a 2000 Chevy Malibu (5th gen) as my winter beater. It was purchased in an auction in 2003. Was my sisters car through high school/college and my car through high school and now using it in college. It has 180k mostly city miles on it, driven from Chicago to California and back, twice. It has been abused by me doing stupid shit in high school and it still runs great. It has never had any problems. No oil leaks, nothing, solid like a tank. However, we do maintain our cars very well by following all the service guidelines. Which in this case is pretty much just oil changes and other miscellaneous cheap stuff.

I've driven a 2004 Malibu (6th gen) for Drivers Ed class, and that car was horrible. I think that everything about the 6th gen Malibu was worse than the 5th gen. Everything, from interior to the way it drove. GM must have gone greedy during those years or something because that was probably one of the worst cars I ever drove. So whatever you do, avoid 6th gen.

It'd be gen 8 believe. Currently I'm at 22600 otd on an lt1 with features I wanted. Probably could go lower I think. Might see what the pricing on an lt2 comes in at.

Did drive a limited sonata hybrid 2013 which I liked. 25 before ttl.

 

[Pardus]

marked

 

[JulesMaximus]

"The way it drove" is about as un-descriptive as it gets, if it had the eco-tech 4 banger they are somewhat underpowered, the V6 3.5 feels fine, plenty of power, smooth ride, decent handling. I will agree that the interior is of shit quality but everyone knows you've got to get into GM's higher-end models to get a decent, long-lasting interior..

Please, even the Corvette had a shit interior until the new Stingray.

 

[BUTCH1]

Please, even the Corvette had a shit interior until the new Stingray.

Not Malibu-shit, I had to re-glue 3 door panel covers that fell victim to the FL humidity. FWIW my mom's got a 2013 Corolla and I don't see much improvement in it's interior quality either..

 

[TheAdvocate]

The XLE Camry is just such a better car than the base models in rental fleets. There is some substance to the significant price premium. I wouldnt drive a camry LE regardless of engine, but an XLE V6 is pretty close to a lexus es350. The hybrid engine option is attractive too.

 

[bguile]

So went back and looked at a fusion again, and on the second test drive we really liked it. I guess after having test drove more cars and seeing what to look for (it was one of the first test cars we drove when we started) it stood out alot more. It rode nice, handle nice, I liked the layout and the controls.

We didn't like the mazda 6 that much. Felt and heard too much of the road compared to the other ones.

The limited sonata hybrid was really nice as far as features go, but I don't know. I thought it rode nice, but the steering I didn't care for. Even at 25 with the rebates, after ttl its still more than I wanted to spend. Maybe if they go lower, but I doubt they will.

The 2Lt is around 23.2k, and the 1LT is at 21.7 currently, both otd. Might go for the nav package, but I doubt it, and I don't want leather. Can get heated seats after market on both, and that is only other thing I wanted. The second test drive I wasn't as blown away, but I didn't hate it either. It just wasn't quite as nice as a ride as the fusion and sonata, but it wasn't bad either.

Considering the price and the features, I'm still leaning towards the 2LT. The fusion is about 3k more with less features, and worse gas mileage.

Gonna go try the accord, and look at the camry again since they are right next to each other, then I am done I think. Maybe visit another ford dealer, but I don't think the price is gonna move on the fusion.

 

[SparkyJJO]

It is probably going to be hard to go wrong with any of the choices, really. Going to come down to personal preferences and pricing at the end of the day.

 

[Mermaidman]

Having rented the major players in the family car segment, I find that they are all decent. Subjectively, the Accord was best overall, followed closely by the 2014 Malibu and Fusion.

 

[Knavish]

... despite being totally redesigned a half a dozen times throughout the various iterations of that engine (3.8/3.1/3.4/3.5).

FYI the "Buick" 3.8 engine is not in the same family as the 3.1/3.4/3.5. The 3.8 is a 90-degree V6, while the 2.8/3.1/3.4/3.5/3.9 family are 60-degree. AFAIK none of these engines are produced anymore.

 

[Ketchup]

FYI the "Buick" 3.8 engine is not in the same family as the 3.1/3.4/3.5. The 3.8 is a 90-degree V6, while the 2.8/3.1/3.4/3.5/3.9 family are 60-degree. AFAIK none of these engines are produced anymore.

That 3.8 "3800" was a great engine IMO. Lots of torque and got pretty good mileage (especially the Gen II).

 

[bguile]

So I went with the Malibu 2LT, with sunroof and electronic package. 23.4 was the total price. Either 23 even, or 23.4 with heated seats thrown in which I took. 3500 in rebates, plus a GM private offer voucher for another $1000 off which I found. It's a popup that show's up at random on their website starting around the 20th of each month. It excludes some models, but not the malibu atm.

It's middle of the road compared to other midsize cars, but for the price/features and warranty I felt pretty comfortable with the purchase.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[NutBucket]

Nice ride. Chevy got it right with the styling...but the public doesn't seem to agree.

 

[nerp]

I like the Malibu for the simple reason it's smooth, quiet and comfortable. Not every car needs to be able to fishtail through intersections.

 

[SearchMaster]

Nice ride. Chevy got it right with the styling...but the public doesn't seem to agree.

I agree. I hadn't seen, or at least noticed, the new gen before (just not on my radar), but saw one last week and thought it was sharp-looking.

 

[Drako]

Congrats on the new car. :thumbsup:

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

No pics yet? For shame.