Used 2001 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Ultimate Rental Car
dispencer, 01/20/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this Malibu from Hertz with 28k miles. Car was like new inside and out. I've taken it on several all day trips and am impressed with ride, generally quiet cabin, seat comfort, and storage capability with folding rear seats. Engine power could be improved and has been on 04 models. Good visibility and good handling. No squeaks or rattles after 60k miles. An excellent all around car.
Okay but not great
Frenchguy, 01/24/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Brakes are the achille's heel of this vehicle. Like all of GM's mid-size cars (Had a '99 Alero with the same problem). At 28,000 miles the discs had to be turned and the pads changed. The Alero was worse, in 35,000 miles the brakes were repaired three times. I just don't get the sense that this car will last as well as my 98 Protege.
One great car!
addwinell, 12/24/2005
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used almost 2 years ago with 70,000 miles and I just love it. I've only had it in the shop once for small repairs and once for tires. I traded a Jeep Grand Cherokee (which I really miss) for the Malubu but I was pleasantly suprised. It has every bell & whistle that Chevy offered. I have been a long time customer of Chevy and this car solidified my relationship w/them. There are a few small things (center console) that I dislike but, overall this is a wonderful car!
brake pads made of swiss cheese!
CliffS, 02/06/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, after less than 32K miles, my front brake pads are completely worn out. To quote my wife, "I drive like an old lady!" I have owned several other front drive cars, none of which have needed changing before 70K! Did everything that GM allows, and of course, no ownership at all. I called the salesman, sales manager, service manager and rep together so they could witness another life long and former GM employee (to boot, I am eligible for the GM discount) walk out the door to Honda or Toyota. I'm done dealing with the problems!
i like it so far
sak713, 02/18/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just got my malibu just over a month ago so far it is wonderful. bought it with only 36000 miles on it. i had to have a valve cover gasket replaced but other then that it is a wonderful car good power great room for the car seats in the back. i care for a person in a wheel chair and he can easiely get in and out of the car and there is plenty of room in the trunk for his wheel chair plus anything else that we buy in the stores great truck space:)
Not impressed
Wallywobble, 04/04/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
During the course of 3 years, I put 60k miles on this car. In that period I replaced the battery, brought it in twice for a fuel level indicator recall,had to reprogram the BCM, replaced the tires, replaced the front brakes 3 times, including rotors, pads and calipers; replaced all rear light bulbs. Before I sold it, the right front wheel bearing, differential and flasher units were all failing, and there was a leak in the right rear lens cover. An absolute lemon of a car, with abysmal resale value, terrible customer support from the manufacturer and a bigger waste of money than most cars I've owned. I strongly caution buyers against this car.
Malibu quality problems
Rich Gamen, 06/07/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first three years we owned our Malibu the quality was good. Now the car is 3 years old and we have nothing but problems. Front brake calipers are creeking and need replacement, A/C fan speed 1 and 2 no longer work. Rattles in dash have started. Piston slap on start up is very bad. It may be time to get rid of this car.
I Still Love It
Normierich, 09/04/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Even though I've had to change the fuel pump (a 900 dollar job) and paid over 400 dollars to repair the passive alarm system, and now am in need of a major brake job, I'm stll in love with this car. It drives very smoothly, performs well and has an excellent stereo system.
Purchase of Enterprise Rental Car
Norb, 09/08/2004
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 2001 Malibu has proven to be a smart purchase. Problems have been few and of a minor concern (heater/AC fan has 5 levels but only works at the highest 3; the "door ajar" signal sometimes goes off for no good reason).
Selling ASAP
mearaina, 05/21/2005
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car 16 months ago with 33,700 miles on it and have had nothing but problems. First, the key would stick in the car, then it was fixed, then the car wouldn't start, then it wouldn't turn off. The transmission leaked, the turn signals/hazard lights stopped working, and now the car won't start on a semi- regular basis. I am not impressed, it only has 45,000 miles on it.
Supposedly reliable...
Savannah, 09/08/2005
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I bought our first "new" car, thinking that it would be dependable for me to drive to work. In the past 3 months we have spent around $1,500 in repairs. The A/C is cutting on and off, the theft system is going haywire (the car doesn't start unless the doors are locked, and sometimes the doors unlock themselves while on the road, which cuts the ignition off), the brakes had to be replaced, which I was told has been happening w/ a lot of Malibus, and the ignition starter and module had to be replaced. Also, water was leaking into the floorboards b/c of the windshield not being sealed properly. We are very disapointed in this car. Next time we'll buy a Toyota or Honda.
Great for first 36 months
Shaun, 09/08/2005
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great until around year 3. Problems included short brake life, a/c issues, intake manifold leaks. After doing research found these to be common problems with this vehicle. I would have sold it a long time ago if I wasn't still upside down due to depreciation. If you're going to get this car only do it for a lease.
Bad Motor
Robert Clarke& T.Bev, 09/30/2005
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Motor problems before 3 year warrenty ran out. Motor had to be rebuilt. GM picked up the tab completely with a rental car for use while being done.GM gave a three tear or 75,000 mile warrenty on the rebuilt motor.Nice to do business with and happy with the results
An Average Car for average people
Julia, 01/28/2006
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Thank God for the extended warranty. I have owned this car for 3 years, and in that time, it's felt like packing marbles in a corner trying to keep this car from falling apart. I had to get the door welded on after the hinge failed, completely replaced the started, heater blowers, and control switch, rusted out far sooner than expected. The window/power locks panel is still hanging on by its wires, and the dealer can't really do much about it (been in to be fixed twice). The turn signal indicators stopped working. I'm very surprised at how much its value has dropped since buying it. Why spend 23K on a car that won't last half as long as an accord or civic for the same price...
What about the brake???
J.W., 03/06/2002
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great family car with great features. Front Brakes life is poor. Factory tire life is below average. Plenty of trunk space. Optional folding rear seat.
Surprisingly pleased
wyrdguy, 03/31/2007
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven this car for over 6 years now and am very surprised with its reliability and comfort. I wasn't expecting much with all the trouble I'd had in the 70's and 80's with GM cars, but I'd driven a Chevy Corsica for work and was impressed, so I decided I'd give GM one last chance. I don't exactly follow the book when it comes to maintenance either and this car has been very forgiving. It now has 115k on the odometer and has given me few problems. The transmission needed rebuilding under warranty and I can't give the brakes very high marks, but other than that, it's been great.
Mexican guy
Mexican guy, 04/01/2007
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had the car for 4 year and the big problems started 8 months ago. The car gets accelerates once in a wile, but Chevrolet cant find the problem, they said that the car is fine. Now the car when it's not accelerated up to 2,500, the car wants to turn off, but never get to it. And to start in the road the car "thinks" like for 1 second before going. The a/c turns off when it wants. The break has been replaced 4 times, once a year. I don't recommend this car to anyone
223,000 Miles And Still Going
Pete, 07/03/2007
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was a company car that I purchased when the lease expired. I have driven this car since it had approximately 31,000 miles, it now has over 223,000 miles. The car has been great for the money. As a salesperson, I drive a lot and the car has been quite dependable. Yes, I have had some problems, electrical, ignition switch, etc. but they all began to occur after I stop servicing the car properly (my employer used to pay for all the servicing.) I am shopping around for a car now, but I am find it hard to give this up.
the best car
dmitriy, 03/07/2002
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love it it is sow fun to drive
Worth the money
gm guy, 11/07/2007
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GM program car; bought 1/2003 at 24,000 miles, now has 85,000. Original Firestone tires wore out at 33,000, replacement BFG tires still have 5/32 tread. Intake gasket coolant leak repaired at 51,000 on extended warranty. Brake pads replaced and rotors turned at 78,000. MPG records show 25+ mixed driving, up to 31 MPG hiway. Starts good, runs good, drives good, rides good, with lots of power when needed. Recent electrical problems were battery cable corrosion hidden by rubber cover at positive battery terminal. Normal maintenance includes synthetic oil at 5,000 miles. Great car.
I'll do it again
goodtogo, 05/15/2003
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I think it's a great car for me. The built is what got my attention
Malibu LS Good, but Watch the brakes!!
DanSmith, 05/17/2003
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pretty good car EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKES!!!!! Brakes are a big problem. I have 57000 miles and have replaced front rotor and pads three times. (once under warranty). Replaced back master cylinders twice because they leaked. (Neither under warranty). Very Disapointed in Chevrolet over their lack of help on this issue.
05/25/03
Dawn Garcia, 05/25/2003
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great vehicle to have other than the problem I and others have with the brake system. Even after having the rotors turned and brake pads changed, it still doesn't feel right. Others have made this same comment. Otherwise, it's a good car.
The worst car I ever purchased....
A Quinonez, 05/21/2003
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was surprised to see the fabulous comments that most of the people wrote. The Malibu has been my worst nightmare since I purchased it. It has given me many mechanical problems and breakdowns. It has left me stranded and at 55000 I had to do a major tune- up, while it is advertised as an 100,000+ tune up interval. It gives the worst gas mileage, and it runs as a V4, while it claims to be a V6. It overheats very frequently, and it apparently is falling apart little by little. It is a very regular car, for very regular people. I sincerely regret purchasing this vehicle, and suggest you ponder a few days before purchasing this vehicle.
"love and hate"
"love and hate", 05/08/2008
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because my father had one. If I would of known what I know now I promise you I wouldn't of bought it. Don't get me wrong I love the car but I have had many problem with brakes (abs), power steering pump, head gaskets twice, but at the end of the day I really do love to look at it and drive it. The power and style make up for all the headaches and I figure I've put too much into it to give up on it now.
Nice and Reliable
Like a Rock, 10/22/2019
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed a car,,, bought a 2001 Malibu for cheap money. Put new rotors and drums on with new breaks all around, then threw on a new exhaust muffler back to include tailpipe. I drive it hard, and it can take it. 128786.4 miles on it. Original engine and transmission. I love it. Blows cold ac in summer and hot in the winter. Starts up and drives everyday. Started with 121,210 highway miles.
Decent vehicle but way too many issues.
itzchaseyboi, 01/06/2021
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I have very mixed feelings about this car. Majority reason of keeping it is the sentimental value. It is my first car and my mom also owned it before me. It never gave us any issues until I got it. I love the style and how big it is. The engine has a lot of get-up but it is sluggish. Also has the annoying auto overdrive so it is constantly bogging down when you get it above 35 MPH and throws a fit when you kick down the throttle. Very roomy and decent gas mileage. My main issue is reliability. The engine runs great but just about every underneath component is complete junk. I have replaced struts, tie rods, steering components, CV axles and sway bars multiple times. It rides very nice, floats down the road and will go on just about any terrain. Mud, snow and ice. Handling is also iffy. Speed is no issue but curves should be taken lightly. Now back to reliability. The most reoccuring issue is the fact that it overheats almost daily. I have replaced all cooling parts in the engine besides the head gasket which is the root of the problem and is an inevitable issue for these vehicles. The temp stays below normal for a couple days then relentlessly overheats because it loses coolant constantly, which is extremely annoying particularly in the winter because when it does this there is no heat whatsoever. From there it is a never ending cycle of dumping $15 into the coolant tank only for it to disappear in a short time period. The pros about it is that I have the LS model. Particularly the 2001 model year with the lowered body lips, fog lights, black pin striping and the rare 5 spoke painted alloy rims with 'Chevy' center caps which was only made for this one year. It comes with all power options. Windows, locks, seats and mirrors, keyless entry, Theft System and advanced RDS sound system. However mine is the mid-level LS so it lacks the leather seats and sunroof which is kind a disappointment. Alongside the beige colored interior which is hideous in my opinion. It has the 3.1 V6, thus explaining the terrible overheating issues. So overall do I like the vehicle? Yes. Would I ever buy another or own it currently without the sentimental factor? HELL NO. Lastly would I recommend to anyone else? Only if you are a mechanic or don't have an issue sinking time and money into a vehicle. It does make a great car for a family or for a first time car owner. Thanks for reading!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
You get what you pay for :)
kka89, 11/08/2010
2001 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my Malibu with the only issue of needing new intake manifold gaskets. It would run hotter than the half mark when at idle, but go back down when driving. Within the first week of owning the car (I am the third owner, previous owner military)the power window switch for the driver's side window went out. I can no longer roll down my window. My ABS light comes on sometimes and my Theft System light acts up. I also cannot install an aftermarket CD player without a special kit. I only paid $1800.00 for it and can't complain too much. I'm trading it off for an Nissan Xterra and more than likely won't buy another American car again.I've had nothing but bad luck with them.
320,000 miles and still running
mercuryhater, 07/21/2014
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this car in 2004 to replace our Chevy venture the car had about 20,000 miles ours has the sunroof and rear spoiler it is dark blue and has the awful Chevy pattern on the seat. the trunk doesn't align right and always leaks and rattles the suspension is bad. the rear seat is very cramped. the sunroof is very loud when fully open but we normally just keep it on vent mode. the abs light is on i don't think it works anymore. at 290,000 we got back in after pumping gas the car wouldn't start the head gasket was blown needed a new engine which we did. the air conditioning also doesn't work well on 1 2 5 fan settings only 3 4 ???? our vehicle was just included in the Chevy recalls of 2014
My Mailubu
silverdome, 09/23/2003
2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I felt sorry for this car...it was in an accident trashing the right front quarter...then it had a portable basketball hoop fall on it...all within the first 6 months I owned it... It ran fabulous for the entire time I owned it... 2 1/2 years...in fact I bought another Malibu...
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