Used 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Chevrolet Malibu
I am a social worker and needed a 4 door sedan that is priced within my means. This is excellant vaule,and the workmen ship is excellent.
The car that ruined my love for Chevy
I bought this car from a little old lady who lived next door to me and only drove it to bingo. I got it around 60K. As it neared 100K everything started to go. Catalytic, engine stuff, electrical problems galore. I spent almost $2K in repairs in one month on it. Now the transmission & brakes are about to go and my A/C just quit today. I wish I wouldn't have put the $2K in. I could've used it as a down payment on something better! I do like the layout of the car, though. It is a very roomy sedan and everything is easily accessible.
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,99977 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $4,200301 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,999567 mi away
Good car until later in life
Bought this brand new in Dec 2001. Overall it was an excellent car. Our family fit well in it and the car was largely free of problems until recently. About a month ago we found out it had the dreaded intake manifold leak possibly due to the orange Dexcool coolant. It was expensive to fix, and there was no guarantee against it happening again, let alone other engine damage. We traded on a Honda. If hadn't developed the Dexcool problem, we'd still have it today.
it's OK
I like the malibu although, it is no eye stopper. I do not have any brake problems now, but i can tell they are coming on. I can alos attest to the rattling noise i can hear deep in the engine. and it does get louder.
Never a Chevy Again!
Worst care ever. Lower intake manifold seal replaced for $1100 due to dex-cool eating apart the gasket. Turn signal shorted due to the hazard switch that Chevy decided to put right next to the a/c vents where it could accumulate moister. Why they wired the signal switch to the hazard switch just shows what type of corners they cut in manufacturing. A/C blower replaced. Random beeps heard from the stereo. Intake manifold gasket started leaking again and required constant coolant. It was just disappearing from the car! Went through tires every 5,000 miles. They never wore evenly despite an alignment and balance. Chevy should have stepped up and recalled this car. Last Chevy I ever Buy
think twice
2002 malibu powertrain good economy good. Handling ok. Quality is not very good and other than the engine and transmison the rest of the car is falling apart!!!!!! The warranty is to short and GM does not stand behind what it builds. Biggest complaint the brakes are poorly designed and i can"t keep a set on the car. i om fixing to be on the 3rd set in 51000 miles.
Real Sporty Sedan
I have a 2001 Chevy Mailbu LS. I love this car but its time for a new design since this vehicles made its appearance in 1997 not many changes have been made when many cars in its class have had total make overs. But in all this car is a great car my friends love it and i love it is my pride an joy. i have had only minor problems only the brakes had to be turned. I love this car.
2002 Chevvy Malibu
By itself, Chevvy Malibu is a fairly good car. However, when compared to other vehicles in its class like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, it is a crap. Acceleration is sluggish, the interior is an embarrasment and altogether is a non starter. By the time this vehicle is on 80miles/hr, it becomes very light, as if it is going to be blown off the road.
2002 malibu owner
I'VE HAD MY MALIBU FOR 3 YEARS AND LOVE IT MY SISTER A 1997 MALIBU THAT'S WHY I BOUGHT MINE THE TIMES SHE LENT ME HER'S I AUTOMATICALLY KNEW I WOULD GET ME ONE
I like My LS
The LS has great features for the money! The sound system is much nicer than on my 2000 Lincoln --- go figure!
Quality ... without the Japanese price!
The only problem with my Malibu has been brakes. They were fixed several times by the dealer, at their expense. Last time was the charm as I have driven almost 15,000 miles since, with no further problems. The car handles well, is comfortable, and gets good gas mileage. I am very satisfied with this car
Makes my miss my Ford Taurus.
This car has been in my family for 4 years my mom had it from 08' to 11' I have been driving it since 2011. She got it with 59K on it. I got it with 92K on it, It now has 111K on it. Over the 4 years we have put $2000 into it with repairs and general up keep. The typical Malibu "problems" have happened to it like the Cat, turn signal, 4 way flashers. Have not had any brake problems yet I'm mainly thinking some people that have these are hard on their brakes that's why they keep spending on them. The interior is amazingly cheap and uncomfortable. With the right tires the car does to excellent in the snow. Car lets you hear a ton of road noise.
2002 Chevy Malibu LS
I just bought a 2002 Chevy Malibu on ebay. I was kind of hesitant about buying a car on ebay, but it was a smokin' deal and it worked out really well! This blue book on this car was about $9,000 and on ebay i bought it for $5,000. It was a great deal and it is a great car! I love it! it drives great and it's perfect for my son. I love it! I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in buying a Malibu!
Great quality car
The interior is very good quality, material on seats very durable. I drove this car as a rental and then bought it when I needed to get a car because I liked it so much. I saw other reviews where they needed brakes after 15K miles, but I just got the front ones replaced at 43K, and the back ones are still OK, so I don't know. Only thing is the intake manifold gasket had to be replaced at 43K, which is sooner than normal on most cars, and I don't know the reason for that but apparently it's common.
still looking
I've been shopping for a new family car for almost 4 months. After all the hype and sticker shock finally drove a Malibu LS. A lot of standard features for the money, seems to be a fairly solid car, reasonable price, $2000 cash back now and I can cash in those GM Card points I've been piling up.
Malibu Stinks
Bought this vehicle brand new. Did all maintenance by the book, and had like many others--antifreeze leak-- then at just 86K miles the engine blew. Tried to work with GM--no luck--my one regret--I didn't join the class action law suit regarding the intake manifold problem!
Candi's review
Originally I bought it because it had four doors and could accomodate my aging parents comfortably. It did and still does. But it is nice to drive, smooth like a luxury car, yet drives more like my Camaro and has the interior room of a much larger car. I like my Malibu! I just wish I had gotten it in gold instead of green.
Great overall car, very reliable
I bought this car looking for a car that would start everytime. This car has yet to fail me. With regular scheduled maintnence i have not had to put any additional money into it. The car gets excellent fuel economy for the stress I put it through. I drove 300 miles with 3 other passengers with the AC on 5 the whole time there and i got 29 MPG highway. I thought that was awesome!
Malibu shows its age
My Malibu developed ignition problems just after the warranty ran out. Brakes are poorly designed and underpowered. Now at 80000 miles, it developed a cooling leak in the manifold which necessitates that the manifold gaskets be replaced at a cost of over $1200.00
Best car that I ever owned
I have covered 105,000 miles in the last 4 and a half years. Never had a single problem except for a plastic handrest breaking during warranty. Changed brakes once and spent $120 for the 100,000 mile service and changed all tires at 95,000 miles. My wife loves Japanese cars but after seeing my Chevy, she switched to GM as well. I am waiting for the 2008 Malibu to upgrade.
Should have been recalled...
I bought a used Malibu from CarMax a couple of years ago, and almost immediately had several problems with it not starting and needing antifreeze every few weeks. The Theft System was inappropriately making my car not start at random times, leaving me sitting for 10 minutes wherever and whenever, waiting for the system to restart. Also, the intake gasket will need to be replaced because GM used antifreeze that eats away at the gaskets in the engine. Check the Auto Beef website; I'm not the only one unfortunately. But other than these two BIG issues, the car is satisfactory in all other aspects.
Great value!
No problems yet. Transmission is slow to kick down in comparison to my past 96 Lumina but the speedo says that I'm moving with good acceleration. I read 8.6 sec. to 60 mph which is fairly good for this type of car. As with my past Lumina, great mileage or as we say in Canada kilometerage. (Just kidding!)
Malibu for me and you
Overall the Malibu is an excellent car. The combination of roomy interior, accessories and V-6 make it a good value for the $. I now own 2 (2000 LS and a 2002 base with the 1SB package)
Future Baby's First Car
Since we went down to one car nearly 1 year ago we have been very satisfied with our choice of the Malibu LS. The interior is very comfortable. I'd recommend it as a reasonable alternative to anyone looking at a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry unless you plan on keeping the car for 15 years. The 3.1 engine is in many Chevrolet products. It has great performance, great ride, larger interior, and doesn't need 93 octane gas in the v6.
Many, many problems
I bought this car about a year ago, in that time I have replaced tires, brakes, fuel pump, blinker switch, battery, oil pump switch, intake manifold, gasket, water pump, and currently the head gasket is also leaking. The car continues to have an electrical problem, sometimes the windows will power up or down, sometimes not, only half of the lights work, and the car has a continous intermittant starting problem that cannot be fixed, I never know if I'll be sitting for an hour or two waiting for this car to start. currently the car is broken down, I've decided not to fix the head gasket and as someone who loves american cars I'll be looking to buy a japanese car for my next one.
2002Malibu
Purchased this car used with 22000 which was high mileage for just one year. It was a rental. My only complaint is the front seat is way to soft causing the driver to sit to low. I bought the base model but it has most all the features I want. I'm use to driving cars with 4 cylinders that provide better gas mileage but for a V- 6 it does OK. I hope my Malibu provides many maintenance free miles. Some of the complaints in other reviews worry me but so far mine runs great. It is very roomy for a midsize car. Nice comfortable ride.
Good Car!
I bought this car in College with 49k. It now has 88k and have only had minor problems, the fuel pump went out at 86k, and the blinkers won't work every once in a while. Also the check engine light randomly comes on for a day or two. The first 2 years I had this car i drove it a lot and have only had to do regular maint. and it is a great little car, wish I would have gotten the sunroof tho.
LOVE THIS CAR
Great gas mileage on road trips 35-40 mpg. Good performance, good car. LOVE it, so far. Would recommend it to others.
Honda Who?
Love this Car! Chevy really did it's research. Drives beautifully! Feels like and quick, not like a traditional American car. Great styling. Doors shut firm, light. 4-Cylinder is extremely fast and powerful. Car is bigger than cars in it's class, yet lighter than most. Drives great!
Never again
Sorry, but I have nothing good to say about this car. If it weren't for a company vehicle, I would not purchase one. Many brake problems and other problems that cost me a lot of dollars over the 3 year life. Enough said!!
Second time was the charm
I purchased my vehicle 4/12/02 brand new had only 13 miles on it. Drive it off the lot and 20 minutes later had a problem with the engine and brakes. The car had to be towed to the dealer the next day, and after heavy negotiations I received another Malibu. Happy to report it runs perfectly. Was a little worried since I traded in a Honda Civic for it. Hope to keep on trucking for at least 7 years.
halfway to greatness
Great sedan that may push GM to forefront of sedan market. Reliable & affordable yet still needs major improvements in order to capture the hearts of Americans. Can't wait for redesign for 2004 and hope they fixI fix braking system (all wheel disc), electronics(my turn signals stopped working at 60k) and refine the interior/exterior. This car is an excellant value which you will need if you plan to trade-in at any point. I recently traded my 99 ls with 94k and received only 3k. I bought a 03 Accord in order to balance out the 3k in negative equity. Total cost of vehicle over loan length is what counts!
I love my Malibu
Previously I have owned only Toyotas and Nissans but the Malibu was love at first drive. After having owned a 200 SX SE, I was spoiled to sport style handling but needed more room for my growing family. I can't find one thing to complain about with this car. Good on gas and fun to drive, it was a great buy!
Nice Car For Now
The Chevorlet Malibu is a great value, so far I have owned it 4 months and it is running fine. It is fun to drive and has a lot of power and many creature comforts. From a mechanical point of view it has a transmission that the fluid does not have to be changed, 100,000 mile spark plugs, 5 year anti freeze fluid. With all that being said what concerns me is the long term repair record. I have heard a lot of complaints from many people. I am crossing my finger and hope the this car runs well in the long term. If Toyota and Hodna can make such a great car why can't GM do the same?
'02 Malibu LS
I purchased my Malibu as my first car out of college, So far I am very pleased. My only additions are window vents and XM radio
What were you thinking Chevy?
I love Chevys but not this one. This has been a terrible car for me. I have so far invested about 3000 dollars in repairs. Fuel pump went, heater core, complete ignition and ignition harness needed to be replaced because car would not start, antifreeze leak, rotors, and several other smaller repairs. All these repairs were done when the car had less than 90000 miles. I love my 1998 Cavalier and my 2008 Silverado, but I would never recommend this car.
Disgruntled owner :(
have owned this car for 7yrs in those 7yrs this car has been ridiculously a pain!! its had engine problems over heating brakes electrical you name its gone wrong..i'm very unhappy with this car.with every little money i get it has gone into this vehicle and to tell you the truth its not worth it!! if its not one thing its another (thank you AAA) just recently my trunk will not open and the brakes are failing!!!
DECENT
OVERALL I LOVE MY MALIBU, ITS CUTE, COMFTY AND FITS ME VERY WELL. IF YA LIKE A SOMEWHAT SMALLER CAR... THIS ONE IS A EXCELLENT CHOICE. B/C ITS TOO BIG AND NOT TOO SMALL.
Just middle of the road
I have had my Malibu for 3 years now and I can tell you it is good all around transportation. It is just about the right size. Has all the right options. I have the LS so it has most of the toys I like having. One complaint I do have with the car is I had to replace the brakes and rotors with only 34000 miles and I blame that one on GM. So, knocking on wood, I can say this has been a rather trouble free car so far. I hope it stays that way.
OMG! What is not wrong with this junk?
Everything that everyone has been saying. Brakes, fuel pump, brakes, engine, brakes. You get my point.
Malibu Baby
This car is the best car i have ever driven. it's not too big and not too small it's really good locking and it drives smooth and comfortable this is a really wonderful car.
Unhappy Customer
I've had my Malibu for 11mos and have changed rotors twice-the first time was the day after I drove the car off the lot. My automatic doorlocks, lock/unlock when I drive. My hazard lights and turning signals work sometimes. Overall I like the car & have gotten used it but the trouble I have to go through to leave it at the dealer for repairs is incovenient. My gripe is with the manufacturer. The car needs to be recalled. My father is a Chevy-man. He has owned a El Camino and currently owns a Corvette, S10 Pick-up, and 2001 Blazer. So, I went from Toyota to Chevy. I'm not a converted fan. Matter of fact, I plan to trade-in this one soon.
Not a pretty review
My experience with this car has been terrible! Started only when it felt like it. Unfortunately I have had to sink alot of money into this car for repairs. Its a decent car to drive. It only has one cup holder in front which is not a good thing for a passenger. So far, I have had to replace the entire ignition and harness, the fuel pump, brakes are junk, heater core, engine coolant seal, and numerous other smaller things. All these repairs were needed when the car had less than 90000 miles. I have approximately $3000 so far in repairs. It is currently in the shop as we speak.
I Hate This Car
For about the first year I had the car I had no problems with it. Now it seems like soon as you get something fixed, something else is going wrong with it. First thing on the car to go was the signal light chip, which cost $100.00 at the dealer to replace. Then the brakes went out. Changed the brake pads, and a month later they needed replaced to the the brake caliper going out, then had to smooth out the roaders. Then a few months later the cadillac converter went. Had to change tran fluid at 100,000. Spark plugs at 111,000. Currently the check engine light is back on. Also speakers blew out, and cd player spits out cds. Next car I get will for sure be a Ford product, no more GM for me!!!!
Love it but have had problems
I bought the car at 37000 miles and drove it thru several states and Canada (about 8000 miles total), and couldn't ask for a better ride or drive, but the brake pedal went too low before I got back. I took it to the dealer, and because it happened in the 3000 mi/30 day warranty on used cars, they supposedly fixed the brakes. They didn't feel any different after, and I know the brakes and rotors need replacement now. I had the same problem as others with the no start or shutting down while driving. Just paid $500 for new ignition switch. Only time will tell if it recurs, or if I get the engine leak problem too!
Not Worth the $$$
The theft system on this car is always going off and will not turn on until at least 10 min. later. Took it to the dealership and was told that there was nothing they could do about it. Also the turn signal continually clicks for about 10 seconds after making a turn, Chevy said there was nothing they could do about this either. The car drives well but does not get great gas mileage or do well in snow.
no chevy ever again
I had my malibu for less than a year and had the brakes fixed 3 times. It ran hot several times. The dealer put two motors in it in less than 6 months. The heads were rebuilt about 6 times. The radiator was repaired 3 times. The lower intake valve and water pump were also repaired, and I finally had enough and gave it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never left stranded
I bought this car in October of 2003. Its had brake pads, rotors, and calipers. The A/C hasnt worked since around 36,000 and GM wouldnt cover it. Also i avoided the dexcool related problems by replacing it around 60K with a Prestone Universal coolant. Also the car has very poor electrical systems. (replaced over 30 lights) Other than those things, its been great, never left me stranded. I bought it because of the deal I got on it.
I LOVE THIS CAR
THIS CAR IS DA BOMD
So far, junk!
We bought this car brand new. The first couple years were ok. Today this car is the biggest regret for a car I have ever owned. First, the brakes were junk. Then the catalytic converter went, then the fuel pump, then the heater core, then a engine seal for the coolant, then the ignition module, then another set of brakes, and finally a #350 sensor for the computer that was also giving it starting troubles. I cant even remember the other stuff that has gone wrong. To date I have about $3000 to $4000 in repairs and the car only has 96,000 miles. I have a 08 Silverado and a 98 Cavalier and they are great vehicles. 02 Malibu is junk!