Used 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews
An Accord V6 for $5500 less
This car is bigger than it looks. Steering is silky smooth and silent. Good pickup when needed and excellent milage when driven prudently (36mpg city 44mpg hwy). Interior is built better than my office desk for bins clips and tables. Beautiful car I think; much better than all the other triangles and jellybeans running around out there. Headlights are outstanding, really light up the road ahead.
Poorly made
If you'll look at carcomplaints.com, you'll notice 195 people reported steering problems. I had an issue with my steering column, which rendered the car as though it was hydroplaning. I paid to get that repaired (because Chevy still refused to do a recall even with all of the complaints). My engine coolant sensor has crapped out, so that indicator comes on every time the car is started. I was told that was also a common problem and would require a decent amount of labor to replace a relatively inexpensive part. There's also a loud vibration noise coming from the front dash when driven. It also dies randomly, but thankfully, as the car has already stopped. The trunk button stopped working so it has to be opened manually. The turn signal lights go out frequently. The display doesn't function if it's too cold.
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- Base SedanMSRP: $2,9501,008 mi away
- LT SedanMSRP: $1,4971,232 mi away
- LS SedanMSRP: $3,5001,276 mi away
355,000 mies and still a dream to drive!
... pleasurable miles of driving:+)}}} This is my third review on this vehicle, did one in 2014.............just took in for 333,000 check up, all I can say it is amazing. Had oil gasket replaced three years ago for the first time, burns virtually no oil (most driving is highway). Has plenty of pep, but needs new shocks...........my chevy mechanics have asked me if I will sell this vehicle to them, after I am done with it! Minimal replacement of parts, had new ball joints put in a couple of months ago, and brakes, other than that, nothing has gone wrong. As said before, I would buy another in a heart beat..............with 333,000 miles on the odometer the car has a negative value (just don't tell that to the car)...........happy owner, Just came back from a 8 and 1/2 hour drive to NYC.............burned about an eighth of a quart of high mileage oil, and the auto drive has quit, but had chevys since I was in high school..........1949 fastback pea green, and paid a whopping $50.00 for it (it ran great for two years, the tranny went) should have kept my 1958 Impala two door, paid $800 for it and today it is worth $80,000, but who knew! A trick I highly recommend is to put a bottle of Gumout High Milage liquid into your gas tank, and burn regular gasoline(every 9,000 miles)............better performance, and I picked up about three miles per gallon.......................enjoy!
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Economy plus great handling
After almost 3 years with this car, I am very pleased with it. I enjoy the handling and the zippy V-6, which gets over 30 mpg on the highway. It is chock-full of features, such as side- curtain airbags, all of which were much more expensive on import competitors.
276,000 miles and still runs like a top!
We purchased our Malibu in 2006 from a leasing agency............to say the way this car has lasted is amazing...........just took it in for one of three recalls, and the mechanics were amazed at the milage (276,016) and runs smooth. I burn about a cup of oil every two thousand miles, and just put it on high mileage oil for the first time. Just a couple of items of note, gas gauge no longer works, but use the mileage ap to figure fill up to fill up. Averages 36 on the highway, and 32 in city, and the automatic locking system is finished, but can be opened manually. Everything else works fine............I give it five stars out of five.:+)}}} and I would purchase another one in a heart beat.
More bang for your buck
My wife and I are, or were, hardcore SUV owners until we saw and drove the newly designed Malibu. The price tag was a big hit as well. I would have expected to pay much more money for all the luxury. The car is far superior in the quiet department as well, and rides as well as a larger wheel based auto. I am a big guy, and the car is suprisingly roomy. Our best mileage yet as been just over 27 mpg, but that was only on a two hour turn around trip. I believe the car will do better on the long haul. Simply put, the car has really exceeded my expectations.
Cheap!
We bought car brand new and within a few months, the check engine light came on. It has been going on and off for the past 3 1/2 years. Car has been to dealer 6 times for problems with gas cap, problems with fuel sensors, and various other fuel- related issues. ABS light came on and went off for no apparent reason. Used to get 34 MPG, but since dealer has "fixed" my car 6 times, it now only gets 24 MPG. Interior fabric is cheap and stains extremely easily. CDs get stuck in the CD player. My last new car was a Lumina in 1994 and I loved it. Hate this Malibu. Trading it in.
Value
I've been most pleased with my 2004 Malibu. It suits my needs, safely getting me to the grocery store, and not breaking the bank on providing transportation. I feel this is an excellent choice for a student driver, or small family, or elderly person who is not looking for all the bells and whistles, but reliable transportation with the safety of a midsize. I extensively shopped, and only the Malibu and Galant were priced within my range .I purchased a demo with low mileage fully equipped, with two years of remaining warranty and paid under $10k. My only complaint is the seat adjustment handle is of such inferior plastic, I fear that it will break off every time I have to readjust.
Malibu Falling Apart Slowly
So when I purchased my car it was in top shape. Now I take care of my car. Never a mile over 3000 without an oil change, I pay to have it cleaned. Now the problem with my Malibu is that the parts to the interior are inferior. The less expensive plastic breaks on dash with the tap of passenger knees. The gas cap sensor has gone out at 55000 miles. I have replaced blinker bulbs on 4 occassions and have only had the car to a little over 1 year. Power and comfort a plus, If only Barbie could see her Malibu now.
What a LEMON!
This car has so many problems that I couldn't list them all if I tried. The dash is lit up like a Christmas tree! There are problems with the traction control/ ABS and Power steering. The headlights, trunk pop button, and gas gauge all do not work. Things just fall off and brake constantly. It leaks coolant, as well as transmission fluid. I bought this car with 'no problems' about 4 years ago, and it has been a constant battle to keep it out of the shop. There are so many re-calls i think even Chevy wants me to throw it off a cliff.
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Nice Car
I like it. Looks weird at first, but it grows on you.
Too many electrical problems
Too many electrical problems. Turn signal intermittant, noisy steering column, horn blows constant, removed horn fuse to stop horn. Dealership, Chevrolet should be accountable for these problems. This was a GM certified program car. This is first GM purchased and the way I look at it, will be the last! Buy American products and get junk for your money. Not good business procedure! This was a good looking car.
Love my boo
I am pleasantly surprised to have an affordable, reliable, American made car. My family of four drove on a long 1000 mile road trip in the Malibu. We got great gas mileage (33 mpg) and we were very comfortable. I love driving this car and found the price very reasonable. It was an easy choice!
Chevrolet Malibu base model
This vehicle is not only fun to drive but very fuel efficient. The things I don't like about it are: cheap seat coverings, base model doesn't have keyless entry, and windows could be tinted more. However, for the money, you can't beat this vehicle!
A very reliable car
I got my parent’s 2004 Chevy Malibu eight years ago, and it still runs great. It only has 164,000 miles on it, so I actually consider it kind of young (compared to my previous car which had 223k miles - a Toyota Camry). I’m a big fan of Japanese cars and thought I didn’t want mom and dad’s Malibu at first. I couldn’t afford to buy another car, though, so I decided I would take it. It’s turned out to be very reliable. Only a few things have gone wrong since I got it, mostly wear-and-tear stuff. There was a strange ticking sound that used to come from the dashboard, which turned out to be a recall issue. It wasn’t a big deal by any means, just annoying. (Sorry, I don’t recall the details, but the mechanic fixed something in the steering column to make the ticking stop.) I live in the car theft capitol of the U.S. — in fact, two of my friends just had their cars (non-Chevys) stolen from in front of their homes over the past few weeks. My old Malibu isn’t fancy like the newer cars out today, in fact it makes people’s eyes glaze over. That’s ok. No one bothers it. My parents are gone now, but their car has lived on. I get tempted to buy a newer car sometimes, but then I stop and ask myself why. It still runs great.
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Malibu
Bought the car new in 2004, and have had very little trouble with it. Around 22,000 miles, i had to replace the brakes, tires, and Chevy took care of the tie rod ends (good on them, as it was abought 2 months out of warranty). Other than that, no real issues. Sometimes the alternator light comes on when I accelerate hard, but only for a second or two. Gas mileage is great, I put a K&N air filter in it and get regularly 35+ mpg on the highway, better than most 4 cylinders I have driven.
Great Car
The all new malibus are great cars, fun, to drive, and very sleek!
A car that is more than adequate
I have now put over 1300 miles on this car and for the most part am satified with it. I previously own a 99 and a 02 Malibu and felt they were excellent cars. I was disappointed that the base model of the new line of Malibu's only has a 2.2l 4 cylinder engine, although it has more than enough power to get the job done and gets excellent mileage. A recent 360 mile road trip got 37.8 mpg according to the onboard trip computer. It is very unfortunate that they have dropped the ABS and child door locks from the standard equipment list for the base model.
Sporty Little Boo
Bought my 2004 Malibu new. She's just a youngster at 48,000 miles (mechanics, techs, others LOVE her and would take her in a heartbeat!). I just purchased a brand new 2017 Equinox and really like it, but miss the acceleration of my Malibu (that I'm keeping). And next to the 2017, the '04 Malibu looks just about as new - original paint and all! She's gonna' be with me for a while. Not much has gone wrong - sway bars replaced, driver's seat repaired - things I think Chevy knows about. Love my '04 LS Malibu!!!
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i still love my car but..........
Electrical system had a gremlin in it, idiot lights went off for no reason. Occasionally the radio turns on inside the car while you unlock the doors without engine running. Hood latch replaced, auto start wouldn't work, trunk latch replaced, inside trunk button stopped working, trunk lock stuck so you can't open the trunk any of the 3 ways. Service couldn't fix. On my 2nd key fob now and the door unlock doesn't work so thats 2 out of 4 buttons that are useless. Fob is junk drop it a few times and the battery clip inside breaks off. In tank gas gauge is broken. Fill the tank, dash gauge say empty, gas tank low, dash gauge says full. Stirring column replaced. Dealer says it needs it again. Horn shorted
Piece of junk!
This car is the worst car i ever owned!so many problems,electrical problems airbag light comes on stays on some days and other days off,filled gas up needle goes crazy! no power steering in hot weather,will not start after long rides,leaking transmission fluid!wth? please do not buy one!and if you have one get rid of it!feels like car is dragging a block of concrete behind it!man worst car ever owned!!
Worst car I have owned.
This is by far the worst car that I have ever owned. I have had issue after issue with it. Everytime I fix one thing, 2 more things go wrong!
Sorry I bought this
Transmission jerks when it downshifts into first, and if I press on accelerator as it's doing this, there is a bang; something loose on driver side drive train. Every bump makes terrible reverberating bangs/thuds. Cruise control kicks off because rpm is too erratic. Rough cold idle, and will stall after 10 minutes. CD player won't play CD-Rs without swooshing sounds. Interior rattles are driving me crazy, especially from passenger door pillar.
great Car
Great car. I have owned many lemons. Cant wait to go out and drive it. Glad it is an American made car. I have previously owned a foreign car which has basically nickled and dimed me to death replacing head gaskets twice. Major expense especially when the parts are foreign. This car is the greatest. Best smooth ride. All the neighbors would like to have it. Glad this time I invested in a Chevy. If you purchase one I'm sure you will love it..
2004 Malibu LT
Easy to handle, and a pleasure to drive. Close the windows, crank up the CD volume, and life in traffic isn't so bad.
I love this car!
I bought this car in December 2007 and have had no problems at all. It's great on gas mileage, very roomy and comfortable, and it looks great! My Malibu is loaded, heated seats, 6 disc CD changer, sunroof, spoiler, remote start..you name it, it has it! This is truly my dream car and I wouldn't trade it for anything! I plan to own this car for a very long time. I know others have complained about different things but I don't think it's because it's a Malibu, I think it just depends on the car. Mine is awesome!
Very Impressive
I recently needed to upgrade vehicles and when test drving decided on the Malibu LT. The exterior design is a great improvment from the previous bodystyle. Having put it on the Saab chasis is the best part. The ride is incredible, very comfortable and it has excellent leg room. The 3.0 Liter V6 has as much if not more pep than my previous Mazda 626 with the 2.5 liter V6. The electronic power steering is great. Also fuel mileage averages 32+ miles per gallon in all types of driving conditions. Interior design is great, including the heated leather seats. It has a powerful stereo and I also like the side airbag safety feature that has been added. Chevrolet has won back a customer.
Great when it's working
We bought a Malibu LS in 2004 and when it works it is great. We have gotten highway mileage anywhere from 35-38 mpg on several cross country trips, and it has nice acceleration when needed. We had to have the steering column replaced (under warranty) and the mechanic explained that this was a common design flaw in the '04 Malibu and that we were just fortunate that we weren't doing anything dangerous when the power steering went out. Other than that and a few other maintenance (under warranty) issues, we like our Malibu and if we were in the market for another sedan we would get another Malibu (but our family is outgrowing sedans).
Best Malibu Yet
Leased a 1999,then a 2001 and now a 2004 and find this to be the best. I think this one is the best of all, it seems to ride smoother and the the mpg averages 22+ under a variety of conditions. Engine response is tremendous. Has plenty of standard features that are usefull. Upgraded to the 6 cd radio and it is great. I have one rattle and have isolated it to the front passenger seat and will get rid of it.
Happy Malibu Owner
We purchased this car last Dec. It gets around 31 mpg in town and 34 out on the hwy. This car has Onstar,and is fully loaded. Power windows,power breaks, ABS breaks,and more that I have forgotten to mention! We have been totally satisfied with this purchase. We looked at a Camery with all the options this one had except for the Onstar feature. The Camery was 29,695. The Malibu was 23,600. I feel we got a great deal and exceptional value purchasing this car.
Great car
I bought my malibu new back in 2004 and so i've had it for nearly 9 years and has a little over 98K miles on it. I bought it because it was one of the better cars that had great mpg's at the time. Overall it has been a pretty reliable car. I read that several people had to change the light bulbs on it numerous times. This is the only issue i've had with mine as well. I think I have had to replace the same bulb about 6 times in 9 years. Its a random annoyance but beats most other issues you can have with a car. I just replaced the spark plugs this weekend since it is close to 100K....6 iridium plugs and cables cost just under $80.
My Green Malibu
Love this car! Have leased this model twice and have never regretted it! It handles beautifully. Very little effort to drive it. The seats are so comfortable that I could drive forever and not get weary. Thinking of purchasing it at the end of the lease term. Thanks Chevy for making such a dependable care. By the way, my husband has one also! Joan Graham
Incredible
I have the 3.5L V-6. I have to tell everyone something. I have never owned a car that would get 39.9 mpg on the highway at 65 mph before. I do now! As incredible as it may seem, that's what I get on a long trip with the cruise control on. With the 200hp v-6 it's very fun to drive! It's been a long time since I've been in a car of this quality, at this price! It's exciting!
Going on my 5th year of ownnership
Overall I have been happy with my purchase, the car is fun to drive and handles well. Not crazy about the dashboard, and the Onstar is worthless to me. I cancelled them after a 2 hour wait for a battery that died in 102* temps...Ride is pleasant but somewhat noisy on highways. Front and Rear seats are comfortable. Gas mileage is is great on interstates. I feel this car is excellent competition to the foreign manufactures. I now have a little over 50K miles and have not really had to use the extended warranty I paid for for the amount it cost me. Don't recommend buying it.
Da-Da-Daymm
I love my moms mali..we just got it a week ago and since she has her Corolla i get to drive her car to school. Take the Back twisty road and find the longest possible way to get to school. C mon chevy..tell the truth..i know its not 200 hp..cuz it feels like more..Its especailly great to cruz at night and follow your friends around with their cars..the thumb shifter is soo cool..my cousin even asked my mom to take it to the military ball to impress her friends. Now I Need a defender against people wanting a ride because they see alot of room in the back...she thinks its crip (Nice,Cool)..2 thumbs and 2 toes up for chevy..
2004 Malibu isn't poo
Old school car. Well equipped. Power everything. Hard finding parts now. Handles extremely well on ice and snow. Large trunk for vehicles size. Front seats have plenty of room.
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Chevy Malibu 2004
This car is super spacious, easy to drive, and a great option for a first-time car owner. On the down side, the car shuts off randomly when braking, The tire rods extensions are not the most durable, the traction when braking pretty unreliable (the cars skids easily when braking in rain and snow
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Plesantly Suprised
I traded a 5 speed Escort for a used 4 cylinder Mailubu LS. Used to a sluggish car, I was expecting more of the same, but need good mileage given the number of miles I drive and the increasing price of gas. I was also unsure if I'd like the extra noise at cruise from a 4 speed auto compared to a 5-speed manual. I must say I have been impressed all round, this is NOT just another hum drum commuter car. I have rejected Malibus in the past because of engine noise. The 2004 is much better. The car handles very well indeed. The biggest suprise? Very, very quiet at 70Mph, only 2600 revs or so with power to spare. Changes gears intelligently and smoothly. I am more than pleased - great car.
I love my 2nd Malibu
I first owned a 2003 Malibu, which I liked as well, although, my 2004 held out better in frontal impact collision. My 2003 was totalled and my 2004 was salvageable. I like the Malibu and I enjoy driving this car immensely. I would recommend this car to anyone with 1-2 children. Any more in the family could be a little uncomfortable.
I LOVE MY MALIBU....
My first brand new car, and I am loving every minute of driving time! I did have some problems, but the dealership took care of me and my Malibu. My parents just purchased a LS Malibu!
GREAT CAR ABOUT TIME
LOVE THIS CAR BEEN IN HONDAS FOR YEARS WAY TO GO CHEVY
WORST CAR EVER
I HAVE HAD 3 SETS OF BRAKES, 2 WATER PUMPS NEW TIMING BELT, LEFT AXLE, WHEEL BEARING HUB,ALTERNATOR RADIOTOR SENSOR 2X. AND ONLY 20K ON TIERS I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF TIRES.
I like the Malibu.
I like the style and feel of this car. It turns and drives nicely. Love the gas mileage this vehicle gets (better than the camary). It also has a very quite ride. Overall a very good car.
The Camry Killer
This vehicle is redesigned inside and out. I brought back my 2002 Malibu which was a marginal car, for the newer 2004 Malibu. My 2004 Malibu ($20,500) has remote start, satellite radio, 6 CD changer, the same undercarriage as the much more expensive Saab 9-3, and an engine with more horsepower than the Accord and Camry. The Malibu has telescope steering, which you won't find in vehicles under $33,000. It also has electronically assisted steering, something else you won't find in cars within its class.
Buyer Beware
This is one of the most fun, comfortable cars that I have ever purchased from GM. It is unfortunate that the quality is horrible. I have had the steering replaced 3 times, the radio doesn't work properly, the ignition has been replaced, the transmission gaskets have been replaced. The sun visor has been replaced because the glue that holds it together melts in the sun. GM does not stand behind its products. After 22 years of owning nothing but GM products, I wouldn't purchase another one. Nice ride, but horrible workmanship.
Last American Car
Bought this car new. Gas cap pressure seal has broke twice. At 300 miles and at 36001 miles (dealer wouldnt cover second .1 mile over ) Stock tires went off at only 15000 miles Blows turn signal bulbs a lot (24 in 7 years) Rear caliper broke (left hand side) 20, 000 miles Left hand ball joint (cant replace just ball joint have to replace lower control arm) 40,000 miles Lots of bugs, turned on car with remote start radio came on, has never done it again. Remote start used to start at 100 yards, today it wont at 10 feet ..battery changed in remote .still 10 feet Remote broke three times (poorly made) Passenger seat heater ..comes on by its self Gas mileage used to be 32 highway,
excellent value
We have now had this car for a year 17,000 miles and it has not disappointed. The ride is excellent and the gas mileage for a v-6 w power is great, about 25 in city and 35-38 highway. The 4 cylinder Accord we had in the past never got this kind of mileage and the power was not in the same league as the Malibu. The price is also much less than the imports.
de Mexico
I love driving my 2004 malibu, but I found some annoying noise when in bumpy roads
I just love my new Malibu!
The car dealer was wonderful and very informative. The car handles well and is so quiet... it is a dream to drive, especially in Miami traffic!
This time Chevrolet has set the standard
I spent several months researching and test driving midsize sedans, and found this car to be the best. It ran smoother than the Accord and quieter than the Camry. The suspension and handling are comparable to the other cars in its class, and the standard features on the LT model make it a joy to drive. Many added safety features from last year's model also set this car apart from the rest. If you're looking for a well-built, dependable, and economic midsize sedan, it would be VERY worth your while to check this one out!