Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though roomy and comfortable, the Classic pales in comparison to the all-new Malibu. A bargain-basement price is this car's only significant appeal.
Pros
Smooth ride, comfortable and roomy interior.
Cons
Lackluster interior materials, subpar brakes and steering, not as powerful or refined as its competitors.
What's New for 2004
While Chevy is releasing a completely redesigned Malibu for 2004, the 1997-2003 design will remain in production. This previous-generation Malibu will be sold under the name Classic to fleet customers like rental car agencies. Other than the name change and a much slimmer selection of options, the Classic is unchanged from the 2003 Malibu.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A Real Value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Classic 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
I bought this car for my daughter as she headed off to college. She has put 35,000 miles on the vehicle and we have had to do nothing other then replace the oil and the tires. It handles well, has excellent gas mileage, excellent motor/power, and adequate features. It has been remarkably reliable, handled well in snow and -50 temperatures. I liked the front-wheel drive and the dual air bags for safety. Three years later, we'll be selling it for about 1,500 less then be bought it for. In short a rare find in todays American motor market - true dependable value for your dollar. I would recommend the vehicle to anyone who is looking for a safe, reliable, relatively comfortable car.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
6 out 7 people found this review helpful
I love my car! You will love it too!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Classic 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
I have had this car a week now and I am happy with my purchase. I researched cars for weeks, and the Malibu was perfect for me. The engine is surprisingly powerful! The ride is smooth and the power- amaxing! It shows well, but it needs a spoiler (I'll be getting one). I'm also looking into upgrading the CD player. The headlights are "smart"- they turn themselves on and off, and the car "beeps" when you press the lock button. This is helpfull if you're like me and you tend to leave the lights on or lock your keys in. Well- designed, great value, gas saver, handles great; I highly recommend this car and the Eco-Tech engine. I love my car!
Favorite Features
Eco-Tech engine, "smart headlights", body-style, "get-up-and-go", driver- side cup holder, gas mileage, handleing, a great value, excellent as a used car, perfect for a single mom (safe & reliable)), and the alloy wheeles! Oh- also the extra outlet for my GPS, so I don't need to use the cig- lighter.
Suggested Improvements
The interior light is placed to far back; it's hard to reach (I'm 5'8). I wish I had power seats and a spoiler. Also, watch your speed. The car rides so smoothly that it's easy to go 60mph thinking you're only at 40mph (not really a "bad" thing, but speaking as a officer, watch your speed.)
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
'04 Sedan
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Classic 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
Good second car. It balances size and fuel economy very well. It has all comfort features and power items you would expect. Trunk handles multiple sets of golf clubs. Overall the perfect car for adding to a family with up and coming teenage drivers. Has some size for safety, just enough power, and gets OK mileage. Even the small tank for fuel OK -- kids do not have that much money to fill up anyway.
Favorite Features
Size, value of all the power accessories, mileage, and trunk space. Simplicity of engine for oil changes.
Suggested Improvements
Speakers OK, could be better. Noise could be abated. Transmission fluid - no way to really check status.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Saved my life
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Classic 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
My mother and I were recently in a very bad single car accident in my Classic. We hit ice and rolled 4+ times. We both walked away with nothing more then a few scratches and a few aches. This car saved our lives! I am now looking to replace my old car with another Classic. It is a very reliable car.
Favorite Features
Everything about this car
Suggested Improvements
ABS standard
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Good deal, smooth ride, but not perfect
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Classic 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
Excellent value for the money. Fun to drive for a no-nonsense mid-size sedan. Roomy, comfortable and relatively safe, though the crash test scores are not as high as I would have thought from its 'solid' feel. Gas mileage not up to EPA estimates (I get 25-28 in warm weather; a shade more on long highway trips but mpg was lower last winter) but still decent for a car this size w/auto tranny. Very reliable. No problems at all after 9+ months and 11K+ miles. Compared feature for feature and pound for pound, the Classic is a better deal than the Camry, Accord or Sonata, though not taking into account the price tag or the made-in-USA factor it falls a bit short. Recommended, but shop around.
Favorite Features
Auto on/off headlights + DRL. Roomy trunk. Smooth ride, but not floaty. Cost of ownership is low. Great insurance rates on this car. Parts are easy to find, and not many lunatic drivers buy one.
Suggested Improvements
Well they don't make it any more, but...bigger gas tank, standard ABS/TCS and available side curtain airbags
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