2004 Chevrolet Malibu Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Roomy, affordable and well equipped, the 2004 Malibu delivers excellent value.
Pros
Balanced ride and handling characteristics, plenty of passenger and cargo space, ample safety and convenience features, innovative remote start feature.
Cons
Down on power compared to its competitors, lackluster interior, no manual transmission available.
What's New for 2004
The midsize Malibu has been totally redesigned for 2004. It now rides on an entirely new vehicle platform and offers a more powerful V6 along with must-have safety features like side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
I love my BOO
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
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.
Incredible
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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
What Happend
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
We love our Malibu
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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?
Sometimes, surprises are good things.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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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