2003 Chevy Malibu Review
2003 Chevy Malibu Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable and roomy interior, low price, ample feature content.
Cons
- Poor expected resale value, not as refined as top-selling Japanese family sedans.
What’s new
The Malibu gets little in the way of upgrades for 2003. There are two new colors to choose from -- Summit White and Medium Gray Metallic -- and a new seat fabric on LS models. ABS brakes are now optional on base models, but remain standard on the LS.
Edmunds says
Chevy's non-descript Malibu is one of the best cars General Motors makes. Roomy and loaded with features, the often-overlooked and affordable Malibu is worth consideration.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.57 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$207/mo for Malibu Base
Malibu Base
vs
$185/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
5 star(48%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(4%)
127 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great Experience
Bob, 09/16/2006
2003 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
We bought the Malibu new in September 2003. Actually we bought two (one basic and one LS), and have been very pleased. This review is based on our experience involving the basic Malibu after 59,000 miles. Mainly interstate driving, 20,000 miles per year. Using cruise control, I consistently average 30 MPG. New tires at 43,000 miles. Replaced front brakes at 56,000 miles, at a … dealership cost of $127.90. Rear brakes still good shape. Oil changes every 3,000 miles. We are happy Malibu owners, and armed with hindsight, we would make the same purchase decision as we did in Septemer 2003.
5 out of 5 stars
No complaints
chevyok, 04/24/2014
2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
Going on 16th year since new. Fairly reliable car given normal maintenance.
Beside the normal problems others have reported, such as sticky flasher, stuck A/C button, wrapped rotor, etc, I really cannot complaint too much. I did replace the water pump and thermostat, shocks all around 100K miles, the ABS sensors at 115K and again at 153K (though it started to go intermittently at 175K) , … by-passed the anti theft system at 147K, fuel pump at 159k, alternator at 175K, starter at 179K, all of these problems were well documented for the model year. Corner of body panel kickers started to rust. The trunk latch hook finally rusted away and came out of the bottom of the trunk at 179K, but it was an easy fix by simply drilling a few holes and riveting the thing right back on. Other than that, everything still works approaching 180K. My goal with this car is 250K miles, but I am not using the car as much as I did before and I will see when and if it can get there.
5 out of 5 stars
One Hell Of A Car
jc775, 02/09/2013
2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
To Start off, I don't care about the negative comments foreign
car fans have to say. The Chevy Malibu is an amazing car! I got my '03 in'04 as a first car and i'm happy i did. This car got me home EVERY time. Yes i've changed the Intake manifold gasket and fuel pump but like they say, take care of the car, car will take care of you. Just recently, I was coming down the mountain road … covered in black ice. Going the 50 mile speed limit, the car hits the black ice and crashes, hitting the side wall. She still started right up and drove us down not to far to safety at a chain instal shoulder. She took all the damage which cost her her life. This car saved my life and the lives of my friends.
3 out of 5 stars
2003 GM fuel pumps defective.
Eric Puckett, 08/06/2015
2003 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl 4A)
My 2003 Chevy Malibu fuel pump went out. While looking for a new one I found some interesting facts. 1 website had over 90 complaints on that part for that model and year of GM cars. Normally parts for cars interchange every 5 years. The 2003 GM models fuel pump was only put on cars that year. That makes me believe that GM knew the pump was defective. Wy else would GM only install … that pump for 1 year when they always use parts for 5 years. Something to think about.
2003 Malibu Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $18,075 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $207/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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