Used 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews
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fun to drive and own
MGard, 07/06/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drive a great deal and love my new malibu. It is great to drive on the highway with very good gas mileage. The stereo is great, i have the 6 disc cd upgrade
Uh Oh......
MyHorseRio23, 07/11/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my new malibu at the end of March and was extremely pleased with it till a couple days later when the break light came on when I was driving on the highway.took it to the dealer and thought it was fine till a couple weeks ago when it happened again. Then a few days ago something weird happened to the steering,the wheel all of a sudden would pull slightly to the right, then wiggle back when driving at speeds under 25m/hour. Took it to the dealer.they didn't know what was wrong with the car since the system is new. They had to call GM and have an engineer walk them through the problem. Car was in shop for a couple days so they could fix it.please tel
Not BAd
Pete1576, 07/16/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have only had this car for a very short time. Already been to the dealer for a defect in the headliner. Nice ride, Could use a little more power engine wise.
great car!!!
mhstwirler1, 07/17/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my chevy malibu. i did have to have the power steering replaced, they re-designed it, all malibus built before january 15, 2004 are suppose to be replaced and my brakes got re-done too.there where also 3 re-calls but i still love my car the dealer has fixed everything.
Good, but still not a Japanese car......
speedingticket2004, 07/24/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car one month and have a love/hate relationship with this car. Car has a defective transmission that GM is aware of but has no idea how to fix. Car moans on acceleration which is annoying and shows that the workmanship issues at GM are still there. The other day the chevy logo fell off the car on my driveway!!!! The looks are great but the front end is just plain ugly. The driver's seat has many adjustments except tilt (the one that I need) I am very uncomfortable driving this car. I am sure this car was meant to go up against Camry and Accord but I am afraid when it comes to quality, GM loses again.
Still good
scathey100, 07/22/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 1999 Malibu for a 2004. I did have an issue with the brakes making a strange sound. However the maintance team fixed it right away. I am loving driving this car. It handles so well.
Good Start So Far
BossHoss, 08/02/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would have never considered a Chevrolet car before this purchase. So far we are not dissapointed. With the rebate and supplier discount the value is unbeatable. Sticker $25,100, paid $20,168. We have a family member with an Accord EX that has a few less options and only has a 4 cylinder but paid a little over $21,000. The ride is very smooth and quiet, if not a little soft, but I didn't expect a sports sedan. The electric power steering seems to work well, but there is too much assist causing you to feel disconnected. If this car is as reliable as the "new" chevy claims to be it looks like they have a winner.
Consider over an import
stevfonso, 08/08/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For value, quality, performance and standard features in this price range this Malibu really stand out!
Hope I made the right chioce
mekr, 08/09/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased a Malibu LS and have owned it a week and I'm off to a rocky start. When driving on the highway for the first time at about 50-55 mph I pressed the brake pedal and felt a slight pulsing and rumble in the pedal.The dealer fixed the problem by rounding the roters. Second brake problem a week later was a loud thumbing sound toward the end of a brake. Brought it back to the dealer and hope they fixed it by removing rust on the diameter. What is rust doing on a new car. I also discovered that after washing the car for the first time, the roters turned a rust color.
I just got it ,but i like it
GiovanniPR, 08/17/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Malibu. I was afraid to buy it and was recommended for the Honda Accord or Camry. But money and expenses in reparing stoped me and Idecided for this third option. I liked it. I hope he will do its best. I like the confort and speed compared to Camry. Nice accelaration, excellent aair conditioning,radio and CD player. Imponenet presence, mor elegant if you are in business than the Accord. It is smooth and very quiet.
Well worth the price.
fighter0410, 08/19/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had my Malibu for about a month and a half now. Very happy with it. Only two minor things wrong with interior trim pieces and squeaky breaks that were fixed by the dealer. I would recommend this care to anyone looking at a Camry or Accord but wanting to buy an American car instead. I traded in a Nissan for this car, and I can say the build quality is exceptional. I'm satified in many ways, most by the price and feature content, and also by the cars driving dynamics and road manners. Very smooth ride.
chevrolet malibu
brjoe, 08/18/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice car,I traded in a 98 camry. I have not owned an american car since 1982. I must say, so far, I have 12000 trouble free miles on this malibu LT v6, and it is great. I highly recommend this vehicle. I looked at a camry, taurus, altima, and passat. The malibu had my favorite interior, and the best motor. It felt as fast as an altima but runs on regular gas. At first I got around 24 mpg, but after a good run-in, I have been getting around 29-30 mpg mostly highway. Build quality seems much better than what I have come to expect in an american car and way better than the taurus and altima I looked at.
Great Car
Sommer567, 08/23/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first new car I have purchased and couldn't be happier. Great design, smooth ride, lots of pickup. Also, surprising amount of storage space for a mid-size sedan. Only thing I would change about this car is the interior...not a fan of the looks of it, nor the feel.
Great Malibu!
kmaurer, 08/23/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for one month. It keeps impressing me. I especially like the fuel-efficient V6 that works well with the 4-speed automatic. The ride is perfect, not too jittery, but at the same time not too soft. The interior has excellent build quality, and I don't think a Chevrolet has had such a high-quality interior.
Not a happy camper!
Bonnie0372, 08/27/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have only had this vehicle since June of 2004 and already it has been in the shop 3 times!!!(Recalls, bulletins) I have had a rough idle from the first week I brought it...I took it in the dealer and they of course cant find anything wrong with it. I am not happy with the performance of this car....AT ALL..but the style, comfort etc is excellant.
2004 LT
longbow31, 08/27/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car is not real ppretty in from the front.
Great Car
Sky Pilot, 09/02/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is truly amazing. Took it to Florida and back, and averaged over 65 MPH with 34,5 Miles Per Gallon. I also own a 2002 Camry XLE V6 with navagation. This car was equipted with every option that the Camery has except it has Onstar instead of Nav, and it was almost 8 grand cheaper with all the discounts.
Dan's review
dtichy, 09/19/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with the V6. Performance is great in city and highway driving and it uses regular gas. Comfort is more than adequate for a car in this price range.Gas mileage is around 26 mpg.For 200 HP that is great. I've had one proble - with the steering column. It was replaced without question. I wish that I had added a few more options. I would buy another.
Issues!
sparks276, 10/16/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I left a review about a year ago, at that time I thought this car was great, well since that time there has been 2 recalls and just the other day, I was driving out of a parking lot and started hearing this clicking noise, at this time all the dash lights were comming on and off and the power steering was failing, could hardly steer the car! this is a leased vehicle and thats the way its staying, I will not purchase it, buyer beware!!!!
WOW...This can't be a Chevy!
cphrwk, 10/17/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am truly amazed at the redesigned Chevy Malibu. I used to hate going to National car as all they would have were the predecessor Malibus. This is totally different, fun to drive and not the old Malibu. The car has german stylings, a stiff but absorbant ride thanks to the Saab 9-3 platform, comfortable interior that isn't cheap looking and a host of features for much less than the Accord or Camry. I bought the only remaining silver green metallic LT in the PA/NJ/DE tri-state area and have gotten 3 remarks on how nice the car looks when filling it up at the gas station. Not that I have to fill up too often because gas mileage for a 200hp 6-cyl is great. Average 26- 28 in a mix of driving.
BUY A MALIBU..GREAT CAR
BUCKEYE, 10/23/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Malibu and I was a little nervous but I must admit I was wrong. This is a great car and drives like a cloud.
Above average product from Chevy
niagra, 10/28/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I do not own one but I regularly rent it for long trips once a week. It has become my favorite rental vehicle. Excellent fuel economy (average 33mpg on highways) easy to drive and good features. I have spotted minor build quality issues on most of them. One of them with less than 3000 miles had the gas cap not fitting. The information console kept complaining about an open gas cap. Another one that I drove had the passenger side seat back detached and hanging down. Adjustable break pedal didn't impress me much. Generally the controls are easy to locate and use.
Bad, bad Car
aresma, 11/30/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Where do I start? I bought the car back in Apr 04 and nothing more than problems. The engine was originally very quiet and now is worst every day sounding like an old VW. I have taken the car to the dealer at least 10 times due to problems with strange noises in the Steering wheel drive and the suspension, the problem has been fixed and the car working normally for a week.
Best American Buy
Roll, 12/02/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked for an American made car with a little European flair. Best overall Made in the USA car.
Loveit
dudao90, 12/07/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in February and have already had the chance to take it on 3 long road trips. I love it. Power is there when you need it and when you are cruizing on the open road it's not uncommon to see the fuel range in the 33-35 mpg. I had an issue with the steering column a couple months after I bought it but they replaced it with no questions and it's been fine ever since. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.
why i like my new Malibu
Dennis W Madigan, 12/28/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Car is fun to drive. I also own a saab 93 and like this car the sane The engine is strong and the car handles great.
2nd time Malibu
Paul, 12/31/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Malibu is surprisingly comfortable. It is very spirited on the road and a great value in comparison to similar cars. The standard features are amazing and include full power,traction control,ABS,an excellent stereo, adjustable pedals and a 200 hp six.
Great Car
VicR, 03/24/2005
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Malibu LT for over a year. The engine is not as peppy as my former car (1999 Mustang), but the fuel mileage more than makes up for that. Like some other reviewers, I had a steering column issue when the car was 6 months old. The dealer fixed it and I have had no other problems. I'm short and this is most comfortable car I have ever driven due the adjusting steering wheel and pedals. My husband is over 6 feet tall and he has plenty of headroom. Great car!
Rockin' Car
Terry, 01/08/2007
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my company car and if I were to go and purchase a 4 door sedan for myself this would be it. I like the power, comfort and fuel economy. I go to Baltimore every month and average 40 to 42 mpg on the highway. The V6 has punch to pass and light up the tires if you want. Traction control is nice and it has plenty of leg room. If you have an older child or adults that sit in the back you may select the Pontiac G6 instead (same platform and engine). I look forward to the new design for 2008 and I will be getting a new one as soon as they come out. I have heard that some of this years have had some problems but if you are buying used they would be fixed since most issues were within 1st 10K.
No complaints at all!
precious81098, 03/27/2007
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car feels as though it were built exclusively for me. The seats are comfortable, all controls are in easy reach and it has all the amenities - heated front seats, power everything, fold-down rear seats for stowing larger items, great sound system, it's roomy, comfortable, quiet, runs like a dream, fun to drive and looks great. I average between 28 and 31, yes I said 31 miles per gallon of gasoline. That gives me a cruising range of over 400 miles. Oh, and the dashboard computer that keeps all that information for me at my fingertips is wonderful. This is my most favorite car I've ever owned. It has great get-up-and-go, feels powerful but smooth. I think it's the perfect car.
Great Car
kat trahan, 04/02/2007
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car for my wife in 2003. She drives it as a daily commuter to work. Also, we use it for short family trips. Able to fit two large car seat in the back with plenty of leg room for the kids. Large trunk provides plenty of room for almost anything. Just a great all around car.
Bought a Lemon
Lynn27, 07/21/2007
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had this car for 3 years and 3 months (37,000 miles) and have had it in for service 18 times. Though all were under warranty, it meant time off work to take the car in, sitting for a couple of hours in dealership, or finding someone willing to drive us back and forth. This is the most unreliable car we've ever had. Service included: steering column replaced, (lost power on highway and I couldn't steer), fluid leaks from axles, new routers, stablizer bar, front end problems (Chevy is working on this they said), trunk release broke, strut mounts replaced, seat broke, new muffler, hazard button fell into dashboard, gas cap recall and more.
In love with Malibu
tiger, 06/27/2007
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've read many a review on the Malibu and keep seeing that people think it's "blah". I love my Malibu, I think the exterior is sleek although not outstanding, the interior is nice although not extraordinary, and so far it's been a good car although I've only had it about a year out of the 3 years this car has been around. This car is not the best I'll admit, but I didn't buy the best, and I wasn't expecting to. If I wanted the best I would have bought a Cadillac or something equally as good or better. I'm definitely happy with my purchase and would buy another one in a heartbeat.
Love It, But Has Not Been Kind
Krista, 10/26/2007
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the power of the car and how comfortable it is to drive, but it has not been kind. The computer module went on the car just after the warranty expired. It fried the part of the car that charges the battery, my seat warmers, my visor light, and my trunk light. My 6 cd changer also broke at the same time. The dealership said the cd player had nothing to do with the module, and that it was just coincidence because the stereo still works. That cost me $800 just to stop my car from frying its electronice parts, not even to fix what was already fried. Now I just had to pay $500 for new brakes and the control arm ball joint. In my machanics words, "This car has not been kind."
Still is Smooth
Shortyflow, 11/02/2007
2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had bought this vehicle to become a pizza delivery driver. It was my first vehicle with 45,000 miles on it, it now has 76,000 . it runs good and it drives great. Brakes are all that I have had to do.
Fabric on Doors Peeling/ seat is malfunctioning
kgwcoffee, 09/11/2012
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my chevy for almost 6 years. The Drivers seat has broken won't sit straight and moves around. This which I feel is dangerous, will cost 1000.00 to fix. CHEVY DOES NOT COVER THIS DEFECT. The panel door trim fabric is peeling off because the glue and fabric has broke down and fabric was cut to small and has shrunk. This will cost 700 for the 2 front and 150 to patch-450 to replace the rear/ chevy does not make anymore by the way. This is a popular model of car. Why do they not make them anymore? Could the glue be defective? CHEVY DOES NOT COVER THIS DEFECT and colision places wont patch they will only replace because the doors are PAPER so odds are any new glue will not stick
Sometimes, surprises are good things.
VB, 05/08/2008
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was in the market for a mid-size sedan last summer, as my previous car had become unbearable uncomfortable - I'm 6'1, and I used to drive a Corolla. Now, my Malibu is nowhere near as good on city MPG (19 as opposed to 26), but it also has an engine twice the size and weighs 600lbs more. The highway is a different matter, though; I average 31MPG when I cruise at 70-75MPH in my Malibu. That is phenomenal for a big V6...my old Corolla got 37, but was pushed around by the wind. The power around town is good, though. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat for a student's first car, or anyone who wants some comfort.
We love our Malibu
Spencer, 05/17/2008
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Buying the Malibu was a complete accident. It was dark on the car lot and we weren't looking for a Chevrolet. The interior and exterior styling and the roomy interior blew us away. We have put 30,000 miles on the car in two years, long distance and local miles. It has a peppy 6 cyl. engine. Visibility for highway driving is wonderful. We get 38 mpg on highway driving - almost 500 miles to a tank. (no lie) I can drive it from southern Ohio to Buffalo before filling up. It camps: Rear seat folds down and makes enough room to take 2 people, the dog and all the camping gear for several days comfortably. There was a steering column issue- replaced free; no more troubles.
05 malibu with 262000+ miles
05 malibu with 262000+ miles, 09/08/2018
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Runs great just wear and tear on replaceable parts normal for all cars. I fix my broken driver seat for 20 bucks. I fix my inside door panel trim my self just buy the glue clean it up and spray the new glue. If you dont know anything about cars well thats why they dont last. I love my car and im going keep it till the end and fix any wear or tear.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Very good car
Fred, 03/13/2021
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own one for a number of years never had any problem with it very efficient very good
A sedan with big boy power!!!!!
AmandaLuvsHerMalibu, 09/19/2022
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is 2022 and I was blessed enough to find a 2004 Chevy Malibu LT V6 with only 102,000 mi on it. I had previously owned a 2000 Malibu with a four-cylinder and I loved that car so much. Because I had to give it away (practically sold it for nothing) I have always wanted another one. Like I said I have been blessed to find a very early model Malibu in mint condition with very few miles on it for its age and I've got to tell you... This is probably My most favorite vehicle that I have ever owned. The steering is impeccable, the gas mileage is incredible and the power is amazing with the V6 LT model. I will keep this car for life. I just smoked a mustang lol and this is a sedan. Chevy you are definitely did the right thing by putting a V6 engine in the Malibu's. I am very saddened to know that you only are putting the four cylinder engines in the Malibu's from now on. You need to start producing the v6s again in the Malibu's!!!!! They do not let you down. This car is SO FUN to drive!!!! It's a long lasting, powerful yet simple engine to work on if any problems in the future... I♥️MY MALIBU V6!!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Malibu equal to or better that imports
junie, 10/02/2003
2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Chevrolet did their homework and have introduced a great car in the Malibu. I researched all I could find and finally was able to purchase this car. The Epsilon plateform is truly world class...tight, firm, quiet and confident. I had been an import owner, but never really believed in their hype. Now Chevrolet has the car that will convert many like myself.
Almost a lemon
Jurate, 04/21/2005
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
From the first month of ownership, the car had various troubles. Visor fell off, CD changer did not function, keyless remote needed to be replaced, steering malfunctioned, tire blew at high speed on interstate, and finally a MAF sensor went out. I had decided to trade it after making my 16th car payment, but the decision was made for me when a driver rear-ended me and totalled the car. The Malibu, on its Saab chassis, protected us very well in a pretty high speed collision. I was stopped and the other driver ran into me at 35 miles an hour, knocking me across the intersection with 3 distinct hits. I am now shopping for an import.
uncomfortable seats
Tony P, 03/18/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
driver seat(material) digs into lower back at seam very hard to drive in city let alone highway. If I had to order car again I would check what other seats are available.Chev is trying to alter my seat if possible to make things right.Test driving car without a winter coat on is my recommendation
The BU
Randoy, 06/04/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We just purchased, very happy with the ride and the look.
Love my Malibu!
Elins, 09/03/2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My husband (a Chevy fan always) convinced me to buy the Malibu rather than the more expensive Honda Accord or Toyota Camry that we tested, and I am so glad that he did. Our car is loaded and still cost less than the others, and it is great! Handles well, good pickup, nicely appointed, good dash layout, great gas mileage, plenty of leg, head and storage room, and lots of fun to drive. Super value for the money!
5