Used 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan Consumer Reviews
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What a waste of$
megsymc, 03/16/2011
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I find it comical how similar everyone's story's are. I have to laugh because this car has been a nightmare. The electronic issue is just ridiculous, no one should have to wait ten minutes to start their car because the car thinks someone's trying to steal it. I have only owned the car for a little over a yr & put nearly $3K into it. Fuel pump, gasket, water pump, coolant leak, brakes, catilitic convertor, spark plugs... you name it I've fixed it. I refuse to fix the electronic cylander or put new tires on it. Don't ever buy this car. I wouldn't even sell it to someone. I'm junking it.
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
NYSEGUY, 10/21/2002
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
An Accord it's not, but then again, for an extra $400 OTD price that I got this vehicle for over a 2002 Honda Accord Value Edition I got a V6, Power Everything, Keyless Entry, ABS....I could go on....suffice to say, well worth the $. It's not a head turner, but I was looking for a comfortable car my wife can shuttle my daughter around in that's safe too. For that purpose, it couldn't be a better vehicle. The only issue I have is the doors have been making a "grinding" sound, but I saw there is a TSB on that issue.
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Great starter car! I consider as Compact Sedan.
DeadSpaceGrave, 04/13/2020
2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2002 Chevy Malibu LS in January of 2020 with 146K miles and paid 2700 for it. The interior looks brand new , it was a one owner vehicle. The only thing wrong with the interior is that the texas heat had beaten down on the dash where the woodgrain trim is at by the AC vents. As far as maintenance goes, I had the brake booster replaced because the rpms and engine would stall after pressing on the brake pedal, this was a $440.00 job. I also had the car completely inspected, I did the front brakes and installed drilled/slotted rotors with ceramic brakes in the front ($79 parts+$60 labor) and the car stops great. Also during the detailed inspection, the front drivers axel boot was torn so I also had that replaced ($280 job) and the report showed my head gaskets have a slight leak which is a curse for this generation malibu but it still drives like a top. I will be replacing the spark plugs and wires soon myself so I'll find out the real condition of the motor checking those. This engine , 3100 series, has a fault for building up condensation in the engine when not driven everyday or for long trips so it can give the impression of a head gasket leak. I already had all 4 tires replaced . I purchased the Barum Brilliantis 2 tires and they handle great. The other glitch with my malibu is the air conditioning system. Sometimes the cold air will cut off and the AC indicator green light will turn off and it will feel like your getting hit with warm air ..... this can be fixed by taking apart the control heads to the AC and cleaning the contacts . Theres a video on youtube, also the anti theft system glitch. I watched another youtube video to fix that and had the car running while doing that job and I never had a problem with it since. I have a toggle switch wired to disengage the theft system when it wants to play games and it's never failed me . Overall this car was bought by me to have as the main car to drive for work and pleasure. My other family car is a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT V8 and it drinks gas like no tomorrow. But if I had to choose between either car I would go for the explorer because that thing is a tank!
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No one ever writes anything positive
Melissa, 05/06/2010
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Overall this has been a great car for me, driven cross country numerous times (Florida to Wisconsin/Wisconsin-Florida) at least 10 round-trips. Traveling for job (1500 miles/week). In it's later years, some more maintenance issues, but with a little prevention, and well cared for it can go. In the 5 years I've owned it, have put $1500 into the car for repairs outside of general maintenance.
I've owned two
Scott, 03/17/2005
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I really like my Malibus. Occasionally they have had some repairs needed - A/C switch, blink switch, door switch. But Overall I'm very, very pleased. Great pickup and go and excellent handling a high speeds in the rain - (freeway driving). The 2002 realy hugs the road well. I did buy the extended warranty. My dealership (Thorobred in Arizona) takes GREAT care of me. Best service of any company I've ever dealt with. I'd buy another !!!! (Many who boo hoo are asian supporters)
2002 Chevy Malibu
dlynnh, 06/19/2014
2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
If anyone has issues with it not starting refer to GM service tech bulletin no 01-08-49-020 concerning the ignition lock cylinder/switch replacement revision dated December 2001. I am so sick of this problem, have contacted GM since they seem to have issues with ignitions, they need to look at this model. According to the local dealer, no recalls never took place. Fear that if it does start and I go somewhere will shut off while on road.
A Car Don't
rsg71, 05/25/2011
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2005, and it has been in the shop nearly every year. Last year, it was in the shop 3 times, and it it would be on it's way again if I wasn't getting rid of it! The fuel pump, lower intake gasket, anti-theft sensor that won't turn off (the key IS in the ignition), and then some routine maintenance things. I don't mind paying routine up keep of a car, but the parts and labor is outrageous for the most basic things! The thing that appalls me the most- Chevy KNOWS about these problems but has done nothing to make it right by their customers. Will not own GM again.
Engine Trouble At Sixty Thousand Miles
Switched to Honda, 12/12/2006
2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
For three years the Malibu was a wonderful car to own. I liked the engine power and the extremely comfortable driver seat. However, the car started developing severe coolant- related engine problems at 60,000 miles. I did some research and discovered that this is a common occurance with Malibus. Last week I traded it off and bought a brand new Honda. If you buy a Malibu, you will eventually have coolant-related engine problems. I faithfully maintained mine and it still happened. The Malibu has a serious design flaw in its cooling system. Buy at your own risk.
No problems
juan_d, 06/15/2013
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
bought at 87,000 miles I haven't had any mechanical issues after a year. I drive it almost every day for 100+ miles as a delivery driver. I think the only people that review this car are the ones that are pissed that it isn't working how a car should.
fun car
toulouse darling, 05/15/2018
2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
maintanence and repairs are reasonable .....parts are very inexpensive
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value