2004 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews

Sometimes, surprises are good things.

Written by: VB on 05/08/2008

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I was in the market for a mid-size sedan last summer, as my previous car had become unbearable uncomfortable - I'm 6'1, and I used to drive a Corolla. Now, my Malibu is nowhere near as good on city MPG (19 as opposed to 26), but it also has an engine twice the size and weighs 600lbs more. The highway is a different matter, though; I average 31MPG when I cruise at 70-75MPH in my Malibu. That is phenomenal for a big V6...my old Corolla got 37, but was pushed around by the wind. The power around town is good, though. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat for a student's first car, or anyone who wants some comfort.

Favorite Features

Sharp enough to pass for a Euro, highway MPG, power steering.

Suggested Improvements

Relocate the trunk release, tint the window more, a standard 16/60R wheel setup would look sharper.

Report inappropriate post

Cheap!

Written by: Gbarclay on 04/26/2008

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We bought car brand new and within a few months, the check engine light came on. It has been going on and off for the past 3 1/2 years. Car has been to dealer 6 times for problems with gas cap, problems with fuel sensors, and various other fuel- related issues. ABS light came on and went off for no apparent reason. Used to get 34 MPG, but since dealer has "fixed" my car 6 times, it now only gets 24 MPG. Interior fabric is cheap and stains extremely easily. CDs get stuck in the CD player. My last new car was a Lumina in 1994 and I loved it. Hate this Malibu. Trading it in.

Favorite Features

Steering is good and gas mileage decent. I do like the color and exterior styling. Trunk is roomy- plenty of room for groceries.

Suggested Improvements

GM needs to take note of repeated requests for improved interior finishing quality.

Report inappropriate post

Still is Smooth

Written by: Shortyflow on 11/01/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I had bought this vehicle to become a pizza delivery driver. It was my first vehicle with 45,000 miles on it, it now has 76,000 . it runs good and it drives great. Brakes are all that I have had to do.

Favorite Features

I like the handling and the fact that it feels like a you know, big body. Recently put 5 point bucket seats in it. I tell you driving is the ish now

Suggested Improvements

More style

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love It, But Has Not Been Kind

Written by: Krista on 10/25/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I love the power of the car and how comfortable it is to drive, but it has not been kind. The computer module went on the car just after the warranty expired. It fried the part of the car that charges the battery, my seat warmers, my visor light, and my trunk light. My 6 cd changer also broke at the same time. The dealership said the cd player had nothing to do with the module, and that it was just coincidence because the stereo still works. That cost me $800 just to stop my car from frying its electronice parts, not even to fix what was already fried. Now I just had to pay $500 for new brakes and the control arm ball joint. In my machanics words, "This car has not been kind."

Favorite Features

Well I loved how loaded my car was...however now since the terminator computer module, those features don't work! It is nice to drive and all the features were great, while they lasted.

Suggested Improvements

I have read about others having trouble with the computer module. I wish they would make it a recall.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Bought a Lemon

Written by: Lynn27 on 07/21/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We've had this car for 3 years and 3 months (37,000 miles) and have had it in for service 18 times. Though all were under warranty, it meant time off work to take the car in, sitting for a couple of hours in dealership, or finding someone willing to drive us back and forth. This is the most unreliable car we've ever had. Service included: steering column replaced, (lost power on highway and I couldn't steer), fluid leaks from axles, new routers, stablizer bar, front end problems (Chevy is working on this they said), trunk release broke, strut mounts replaced, seat broke, new muffler, hazard button fell into dashboard, gas cap recall and more.

Favorite Features

Plenty of cup holders and amenities.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the problems we had, and the driver's head rest makes it hard to see out back.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

In love with Malibu

Written by: tiger on 06/27/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've read many a review on the Malibu and keep seeing that people think it's "blah". I love my Malibu, I think the exterior is sleek although not outstanding, the interior is nice although not extraordinary, and so far it's been a good car although I've only had it about a year out of the 3 years this car has been around. This car is not the best I'll admit, but I didn't buy the best, and I wasn't expecting to. If I wanted the best I would have bought a Cadillac or something equally as good or better. I'm definitely happy with my purchase and would buy another one in a heartbeat.

Favorite Features

V6 engine, XM Satellite radio, easily accesible controls, convenient storage, adjustable pedals, 6 way adjustable driver seat, decent sound system, passenger leg room seems plentiful, good sized trunk

Suggested Improvements

There are a lot of things I would improve about my car...most of which are just options that are available, but weren't on this car when I bought it. I would however suggest that the outside noise be blocked out more as the inside can get a bit noisy at times.

Report inappropriate post

Great Car

Written by: kat trahan on 04/02/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Purchased this car for my wife in 2003. She drives it as a daily commuter to work. Also, we use it for short family trips. Able to fit two large car seat in the back with plenty of leg room for the kids. Large trunk provides plenty of room for almost anything. Just a great all around car.

Favorite Features

Sporty V-6

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders removable inserts that do not stick to all objects set inside it.

Report inappropriate post

No complaints at all!

Written by: precious81098 on 03/27/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This car feels as though it were built exclusively for me. The seats are comfortable, all controls are in easy reach and it has all the amenities - heated front seats, power everything, fold-down rear seats for stowing larger items, great sound system, it's roomy, comfortable, quiet, runs like a dream, fun to drive and looks great. I average between 28 and 31, yes I said 31 miles per gallon of gasoline. That gives me a cruising range of over 400 miles. Oh, and the dashboard computer that keeps all that information for me at my fingertips is wonderful. This is my most favorite car I've ever owned. It has great get-up-and-go, feels powerful but smooth. I think it's the perfect car.

Favorite Features

The heated seats, sunroof, fold-down seats, huge trunk, even the four drink holders. And did I mention I love the looks?

Suggested Improvements

I don't know how difficult it would be for Chevy to go green with this one; it gets great mileage as it is, but more miles per gallon is always better.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Too many electrical problems

Written by: Bob on 02/01/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Too many electrical problems. Turn signal intermittant, noisy steering column, horn blows constant, removed horn fuse to stop horn. Dealership, Chevrolet should be accountable for these problems. This was a GM certified program car. This is first GM purchased and the way I look at it, will be the last! Buy American products and get junk for your money. Not good business procedure! This was a good looking car.

Favorite Features

Size and style. It's a good looking car, but looks are deceiving.

Suggested Improvements

Repair problems, come out an say yes these problems and we are going to fix the problems.

3 out 16 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Rockin' Car

Written by: Terry on 01/08/2007

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This is my company car and if I were to go and purchase a 4 door sedan for myself this would be it. I like the power, comfort and fuel economy. I go to Baltimore every month and average 40 to 42 mpg on the highway. The V6 has punch to pass and light up the tires if you want. Traction control is nice and it has plenty of leg room. If you have an older child or adults that sit in the back you may select the Pontiac G6 instead (same platform and engine). I look forward to the new design for 2008 and I will be getting a new one as soon as they come out. I have heard that some of this years have had some problems but if you are buying used they would be fixed since most issues were within 1st 10K.

Favorite Features

Power. Standard features and leg room (power adjustable pedals and height for driver seat) Also passenger seat folds forward to make a work station.

Suggested Improvements

Get the sunroof, and I would like power seats for passenger in mine.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post