2004 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews

Disappointed in PA

Written by: Hope on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Purchased what I thought was going to be my dream car. Loved the interior and it handled wonderfully. 5 days after purchased the car started with a fuel issue. Once I fill it with gas it stalls, chokes, and will not restart for numerous minutes. Once it lunged forward and then stalled out in rush hour traffic. Had the fuel sensor replaced, luckily by the dealership, however 3 months later I am still having this ongoing problem and the dealership says it's my problem. Another issue is the car does not start on the first turn. This has been occurring more and more. Just waiting for the Malibu to leave me sitting. Chevy aware however not standing behind their good name.

Favorite Features

Great ride, looks good, love all the extras-sunroof, remote start, radio readout, leather, keyless, very comfortable for 4

Suggested Improvements

Big fuel problem, issue with it starting each and every time. The trunk release will not latch every time. Just wanted a reliable, good looking, affordable car.

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Buyer Beware

Written by: Buer beware on 08/10/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is one of the most fun, comfortable cars that I have ever purchased from GM. It is unfortunate that the quality is horrible. I have had the steering replaced 3 times, the radio doesn't work properly, the ignition has been replaced, the transmission gaskets have been replaced. The sun visor has been replaced because the glue that holds it together melts in the sun. GM does not stand behind its products. After 22 years of owning nothing but GM products, I wouldn't purchase another one. Nice ride, but horrible workmanship.

Favorite Features

Roomy interior, rides well, handles well in mountains, snowy roads, gravel etc. Good fuel econonmy (when it is not being repaired)

Suggested Improvements

The DIC should show time, temp when muted or if another message, such as no power steering.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good car but cheap parts

Written by: rita, orland park, i on 08/10/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had my Chevy less than 4 years and I am unable to get my hatchback trunk open. It is very frustrating. My mechanic states that it is the motor in lock to open the hatchback. I am sure if I take it to the dealer, it will be about $300 to fix it. Luckily I have a nice reasonable mechanic, although he lives far so it is a bit of a hassle to get my car worked on. I was very pleased with my car until this point but now I am convinced that Chevy uses cheap parts and I will not buy a Chevy again. I bought a new Astro van before this car and all I did was put money into it. It cost me a small fortunate in repairs. Never again will I buy a GM car.

Favorite Features

Good pickup, nice ride.

Suggested Improvements

Install better parts.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Malibu Falling Apart Slowly

Written by: Malibu not so much on 07/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

So when I purchased my car it was in top shape. Now I take care of my car. Never a mile over 3000 without an oil change, I pay to have it cleaned. Now the problem with my Malibu is that the parts to the interior are inferior. The less expensive plastic breaks on dash with the tap of passenger knees. The gas cap sensor has gone out at 55000 miles. I have replaced blinker bulbs on 4 occassions and have only had the car to a little over 1 year. Power and comfort a plus, If only Barbie could see her Malibu now.

Favorite Features

Leather seating, V6, Gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Use more durable parts in the car.

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I love my BOO

Written by: smbmp on 07/01/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased a 2004 Malibu in March of 08. It had 3400 miles on it at the time. I love my car it havent given me any trouble yet. Hopefuly it won't any time soon. Since I got it I have only had to do the normal things like oil and brakes. Oh I can't get my gas cap to stay on. The only thing I dont like about these cars is there front end is ugly. They look like bugs. The car has plenty of power and great handeling once you get use to the torque steering. I think it was wort every penny I paid for it

Favorite Features

The auto start, and how smooth it rides, and size.

Suggested Improvements

Whatever makes that cliking sound on the steering column.

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Incredible

Written by: heckandarn on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have the 3.5L V-6. I have to tell everyone something. I have never owned a car that would get 39.9 mpg on the highway at 65 mph before. I do now! As incredible as it may seem, that's what I get on a long trip with the cruise control on. With the 200hp v-6 it's very fun to drive! It's been a long time since I've been in a car of this quality, at this price! It's exciting!

Favorite Features

Power, MPG. Fun to drive!

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What Happend

Written by: Jason on 06/09/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I like the new body style. I think its a vary nice car. And the only complaint I really have is the dic driver info center. The car has some pep not much would've liked to see a 2.4l and OnStar on the base, but all in all it's a car to point a to point b, nothing unique about it.

Favorite Features

Although the DIC is junk, it still gives you vital info.

Suggested Improvements

Move the DIC by the guages not in the radio thats just dumb. If you have an error message you can't see the clock or temp. Oh and please standard ABS and traction control! I don't know whose idea it was to merge the dic and radio but it was poorly designed.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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We love our Malibu

Written by: Spencer on 05/17/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Buying the Malibu was a complete accident. It was dark on the car lot and we weren't looking for a Chevrolet. The interior and exterior styling and the roomy interior blew us away. We have put 30,000 miles on the car in two years, long distance and local miles. It has a peppy 6 cyl. engine. Visibility for highway driving is wonderful. We get 38 mpg on highway driving - almost 500 miles to a tank. (no lie) I can drive it from southern Ohio to Buffalo before filling up. It camps: Rear seat folds down and makes enough room to take 2 people, the dog and all the camping gear for several days comfortably. There was a steering column issue- replaced free; no more troubles.

Favorite Features

The information center tells you quickly and easily every single thing you want to know; mpg, trip mileage; fuel range, alerts, etc. Sunroof, remote start, fold down rear seat, adjustable pedals, and steering wheel. Roomy, roomy trunk. Lots of air bags. CD player and radio - pretty decent sound.

Suggested Improvements

Clone it. If we could buy a brand new car today that was exactly the same vehicle, we'd be out there doing it right now. We will probably drive this car until it (or we) dies of old age. Not smart perhaps but when you have something that works this well, why mess with it?

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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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.

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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.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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