Overview & Reviews

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.

• Comfortable and roomy interior, low price, ample feature content.

• Poor expected resale value, not as refined as top-selling Japanese family sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 121.00

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  Good Solid Drive - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Essexnj - April 8 - 3:15 pm

  This has been a very solid and reliable car--my experience matches the high JD Power and strong CR ratings for this model year. Lots of interior room and luggage capacity. Fule mileage has been good, with over 30 mpg on highways with cruise control. Strong pickup, decent handling. Brake rotors were turned at around 25,000 miles, which seems normal to me for mostly local stop and go driving. Seating could be better for me on long drives (Im 63" with long legs). All in all, I was pleased enough to get a used model for my college son. Its a good deal for those who keep their cars for a while.

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  2003 Chevy Malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DMS - April 5 - 12:15 pm

  Replaced front brakes and rotors at 6900 milles, again at 30,000 and again at 48,000 including replacing wheel bearings and calipers to the tune of $1200. No, I do not ride the brake! I have been told by several people that GM knows they are installing junk and the only way not to be replacing the brakes and rotors all the time is to replace the wheel bearings to correct the problem. GM should step up. Considering the size and price of the vechile, besides the brake issue, it has been dependable transportation. Mine is a basic model so it lacks in the comfort department.

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  Great gas mileage - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kshont - January 23 - 2:44 pm

  I sold my 2004 Malibu and got a 2003 one becasue the other one had too many problems. I dont know what people are talking about with gas mileage but when I drove to Florida, I got 32 m.p.g. at 85-90 mph with 4 people and trunk full of stuff. Try using fuel injector cleaner a few times, itll help. Mixed driving I, usually get 25 mpg. Drove 30,000 miles in 8 months and the only problem was the horn went bad. Turned out I needed a new fuse but it still doesnt sound the same. Gets the job done though. Cant complain paid $7200 with 38000 miles when it was still less than 2 years old.

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  Chevy Malibu is a must have! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mrs_mcgraw2004 - October 6 - 5:32 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Chevy Malibu early 2005 and it has been the best purchase ever! I love everything the car has to offer from electric start to super fast acceleration. I would definitely buy another one in the future. Oh yeah, And the XM satellite radio factory installed is excellent.

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  Junk1 - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Eric Herbst - September 27 - 10:12 pm

  Plan on replacing brakes and rotors every 22-24000 miles. Roughly $90, if you do it yourself. Lower intake manifold gasket went at 44,000 miles. I have found this is quite common, and look forward to replacing it at least once more before I can get rid of the car. If you are not a mechanic or know a good friend as one, expect to pay between $700-$1100. This will occur roughly every 40-50,000 miles. If you do not catch it in time, your engine will cease to run. Rear window motor is failing. It will roll down, but fails to travel back up. If you are considering purchasing a 97-2003 Malibu, I highly recommend against it. Perhaps you should buy a Ford Edsel instead.

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  Chevies are comfortable - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Judith Greski - September 16 - 10:38 am

  Had unusual repairs on car, i.e. rack and pinion steering replaced, ignition troubles and sunroof malfunctioned.

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  2003 Malibu 4 DR. Sedan - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By LGR14481 - September 8 - 12:22 am

  The 2003 Malibu has been a ok ride. The only major problem since Ive owned it has been the brakes anywheres from 8- 10,000 miles alway needing work, recycled rotors, replace pads etc. I have replaced with remaned calipers, that included new pads, I feel it has done some better with anti-seize on the slides as far as the leangth of time between pad replacement? The brake problems appeare only in the front end,due to poor design, not so much in the rear? I love the 3.1 engine power, it has and pickup is great? The Malibu is a comfortable ride, with pleanty of room for five passengers? The arm rest has a tendency to loosen up over time I believe due to poor design? Told 2004 & 5s are better?

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  Fun and Practical - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lora C - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2003 malibu for a year. I love the power it has to start off. The stereo system is awesome with the automatic volume control and the different preset tones. The trunk is roomy enough to carry alot of stuff. The added net is perfect when you just have a few bags of groceries. The interior in may car is beautiful, it is cloth with the Chevy bowtie embossed in it.

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  Reliable, Comfy Car Overall - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By A.D. - August 27 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my 2003 Chevy Malibu with 11,000 miles on it. I now have 22,000 miles on it. I dont drive long distances (everywhere I go is pretty much within 15 miles of my house), but this car gets me from Point A to Point B safely. I dont worry about breaking down in the middle of the night. Ive had this car for about a year and a half, and the only thing its been at the mechanics shop for is the routine oil change every 3,000. Thats it. This is a very low-maintenance, reliable, comfortable car, great on gas, has sufficient pickup with its V6 engine. Factory stereo/CD system is superior to most factory systems. It rocks. And the car looks nice, too! Im very happy with my Malibu.

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  Need to fix wheel bearings - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Melissa Sutherland - August 16 - 4:37 am

  I love the car in general. Good gas mileage, great factory stereo system, very reliable. I travel a lot, so I love that I can rely on it. My only complaint is Ive only had the car a year and had to replace 2 wheel bearings. Otherwise its a great car.