2002 Chevrolet Malibu Review
Fuel Economy
21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Chevy's non-descript Malibu is one of the best cars General Motors makes. Roomy, quick and loaded with features for a low price, it's tough to go wrong with the too-often overlooked Malibu.
Pros
Comfortable and roomy interior, speedy acceleration, contemporary styling, ultra-low price despite high feature content.
Cons
No traction control, refinement is exchanged for low payments.
What's New for 2002
Only minor changes are added to Chevrolet's midsize sedan. Floor mats and an AM/FM CD stereo are now standard on all models. Three new colors have been added along with newly styled 15-inch cast-aluminum wheels.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
I Hate This Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
Review
For about the first year I had the car I had no problems with it. Now it seems like soon as you get something fixed, something else is going wrong with it. First thing on the car to go was the signal light chip, which cost $100.00 at the dealer to replace. Then the brakes went out. Changed the brake pads, and a month later they needed replaced to the the brake caliper going out, then had to smooth out the roaders. Then a few months later the cadillac converter went. Had to change tran fluid at 100,000. Spark plugs at 111,000. Currently the check engine light is back on. Also speakers blew out, and cd player spits out cds. Next car I get will for sure be a Ford product, no more GM for me!!!!
Favorite Features
the tinted windows and rain guards i added myself
Suggested Improvements
get rid of dex cool, better sound system, better brakes, get rid of pass lock, a better quality car in general
Good Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this car in College with 49k. It now has 88k and have only had minor problems, the fuel pump went out at 86k, and the blinkers won't work every once in a while. Also the check engine light randomly comes on for a day or two. The first 2 years I had this car i drove it a lot and have only had to do regular maint. and it is a great little car, wish I would have gotten the sunroof tho.
Favorite Features
Auto Headlights, Stereo with text is nice, Keyless entry, Alloy wheels...
Suggested Improvements
None.
Malibu Stinks
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this vehicle brand new. Did all maintenance by the book, and had like many others--antifreeze leak-- then at just 86K miles the engine blew. Tried to work with GM--no luck--my one regret--I didn't join the class action law suit regarding the intake manifold problem!
Favorite Features
leather seats/split trunk
Suggested Improvements
Make a car that will run over 85K miles without major repairs needed
Warning
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have had many problems with this car intake manifold gasket, brakes and its running hot. At this moment it is in the shop for the third time in 3 years.
Favorite Features
Cupholders in the back for my children to use. Auto headlights. Spacious trunk.
Suggested Improvements
Better quality of materials used to build the engine. Recall the intake manifold gasket.
Good car until later in life
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this brand new in Dec 2001. Overall it was an excellent car. Our family fit well in it and the car was largely free of problems until recently. About a month ago we found out it had the dreaded intake manifold leak possibly due to the orange Dexcool coolant. It was expensive to fix, and there was no guarantee against it happening again, let alone other engine damage. We traded on a Honda. If hadn't developed the Dexcool problem, we'd still have it today.
Favorite Features
Comfortable, roomy. Got close to 30 MPG on the highway. Reliable until later in years.
Suggested Improvements
Improve brakes; eliminate use of Dexcool
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