Used 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
List Price Estimate
$2,132 - $3,543
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Has its quirks but keeps on plugging
pegdee, Oakland, CA, 05/31/2014
Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used from Hertz (at 24,000 miles) in 2003, and 11 years later it's at 152,000. I've used it for lots of city driving in San Francisco (those hills and traffic are hard on a car), highway driving, and trips on rough roads in the Sierra. Engine is still going strong, and I haven't had to spend much on repairs. The biggest (and scariest) problem was a fuel pump failure while I was on the road. The anti-theft system can be annoying when it won't let you start (has happened to me about 4 times over the years), but all you need to do is wait it out for 10 minutes.
Terrific bang for your dollar!
stfdc00069, 10/08/2012
Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I will preface my comments with this: I do not trust GM for a second and was very sceptical when buying this vehicle and fully expected a potential headache. I purchased this car used in 2009 at 58,000km (36,000 miles). Presently I have 84,000km (52,000miles) on it plus 10 Canadian winters. Replaced original tires at 80,000km. Battery went last year, also original. Replaced brakes once only because I wanted new pads and discs in the face of approaching harsh Canadian winter. You really couldn't ask for more. This car so far cost me $5k for three years of ownership. Taking a bus woudl have been more expensive! Absolutely love it! Go GM! Terrific value for not much dollar
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pag_089, Toledo, OH, 01/19/2013
Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my Malibu in September 2010, and immediately the problems started. I can't even begin to think of the number of times this car has been in the shop. So far, I've spent over $5,000 on it out of pocket, and that's not counting the work that was performed under the dealer's warranty. This car is nothing but a money pit. I'm telling everybody I know to avoid this car, and to avoid Chevrolet in general like the plague. They produce poor quality vehichles and don't stand by their work.
Great starter car! I consider as Compact Sedan.
DeadSpaceGrave, Wichita, KS, 04/13/2020
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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2002 Chevy Malibu
dlynnh, Gastonia, NC, 06/19/2014
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.