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Used 1997 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews

3.6 out of 5 stars
48 reviews
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3.88 out of 5 stars

1997 malibu

r m, 10/28/2004
1997 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 97 Malibu is still running fine - had to replace water pump at 22000 mi- and window control for driver side. Car is OK

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4.5 out of 5 stars

I will miss it!

Sonia Q, 04/01/2005
1997 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My very first car. The re-introduction of the classic Malibu, great looking body style, and good price got my attention. Since purchasing in '97, I put on 78,000 miles on it. Although it was 4 cyl. and no frills, it fulfilled its purpose to get me around but it also looked stylish (I have gold color). The car never left me stranded BUT, for the last 7K miles, I've had a water pump leak problem.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Malibu: practically trouble free car

asucincyoh, 08/09/2005
1997 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my 1997 Mailibu in April of 2001. It had 73,000 miles on her. I had no vehicle trouble on any of these trips. My only complaint about the car is the fuel economy. For a 4 cylinder the gas mileage isn't that great. The most I ever got out of a tank of gas was 367mi on 15 gal tank. But dependibility wise this is the best car I have ever owned. The only part to ever break on the car was the altenator. That broke at about 90k mi. And it cost about $100 to replace by myself. But in 135k that was the only part to break. I would recomend a Mailibu to anyone who wants a dependable car. Also, the power is decent and it is fun to drive for a four door sedan.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Only buy if you need a cheap car

K Webb, 05/23/2010
1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Multiple problems. Was fine for me for the two years, but buttons fall off in the climate control, intake gasket leaks, and car just isn't built great. If you only have $1500, buy it. Don't expect any money back.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Crappy car

jescalex, 04/08/2007
1997 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car has been through 2 water pumps, one timing chain, (due to a dumb mechanic!), I have had brakes put on 4 times. It wears tires quick. Everything that goes wrong is very expensive to fix. Brakes alone for this car are $150. This car is not worth any amount of money paid for it. I know it's a used car but 2 water pumps in 6 months. That's nuts!

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2.5 out of 5 stars

MalibuLemon

NoMoreChevys, 05/24/2003
1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought a Lemon! Bought car in 97 and loved it for about six months. 3 factory alternators, power-steering replaced, power window problems, engine is noisy, Front speakers broke. Seat belts have been replaced, front lights leak, tail lights blow blulbs, too many problems to list all of them. Car has over 139,000 miles & V-6 has lost its get up and go. Will NEVER buy another. Too many problems both minor and major!

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2 out of 5 stars

Crappy Car

katmay, 07/07/2003
1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought this car for what I thought was a deal at 4,000.00. In the past month have had to replace brakes, rotors, wheel bearings (twice), tire rod, and left front axel. All at only 79,000 miles. This car is junk, all I have to say is never buy american made cars and never buy as is.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Poor quality

consultant3, 04/23/2008
1997 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Purchased car from family/original owner at 40k. 6 cycl. 40k replaced alternator, brake pads and adjustment, battery and tires by 30k, by 70k serp belt, headliner-visor worn, a/c - Freon, now at 78k, oil pan gasket leaks, est. -up to $300. Suspension is bad, you feel every minor bump. This is the fifth and last gm for me. Imports are not perfect, but, this is terrible! I might try a Mazda?

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