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 11 through 20 of 121.00

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  Lots of money in repairs - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Angryowner - December 26 - 4:24 pm

  Purchased at decent price with rebates. Glad I bought the extended warranty from 36 month to 5 yr or 75k miles cause fuel pump quit= $900 , water pump-head gasket=$900 all happened under warranty. Now at 91k miles needs a complete new head. Stripped rocker arm bolt out of head and have no idea why. Will cost me $1,500. 48 year old woman drives this car easy, and I kept it serviced with care. This will turn me away and I will buy a foreign car made here in America next time.

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  Pretty Good - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By scooter1 - November 2 - 12:50 pm

  Car now has 90K miles on it. The car is reliable and has never broken down on me. Gas mileage is pretty good. Responsive car. OK to drive. Had brake problems in the early year. I replaced the rotors with quality rotors and replaced both wheel bearings. Since those replacements, I have not had problems with the rotors or stopping power. Dont use lifetime pads on this car. At 70K miles I replaced the intake manifold gasket. THis is the only major repair.

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  2 redeeming qualities - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Rambler - August 9 - 2:46 pm

  The only reason we purchased this car was to tow behind our Class A motorhome. The Malibu is one of only a few cars with automatic transmission that can be towed without expensive modifications. The build quality being a GM product is questionable at best of course. Not much acceleration. A mundane "bread and butter" auto.

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  OK for long distance driving - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By lagrp394 - November 21 - 12:04 pm

  Stiff, uncomfortable seats. Lack of lumbar controls. Has a tendency to hestiate on start. Overall a good car. Could have better gas mileage and more comfortable seats.

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By meganscar - October 7 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had numerous problems with this vehicle. So far, Ive had the flywheel replaced due to noises when the vehicle started(this was one month into ownership), the entire fan/blower system replaced (one year into ownership, power steering gear replaced and lower intake gasket replaced (2 1/2 years into ownership). Now that I am out of warranty, the fan system that was replaced does not work - again. This is not to mention that this V6 vehicle has no power or pickup. I would not recommend that anyone buy a Malibu.

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  Bad on brakes, power windows and fans - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dave - August 1 - 8:33 pm

  One thing after another. Front brakes and rotors. Tire sizes hard to find, never on sale like others. Driver side window loose. Blower motor resistor just went. Back of driver seat broke earlier. CD player does not eject fully anymore. Plus, the CDs get extremely hot after a short play time. Not the best on gas either. Just my opinion. Hard to resell.

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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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  Cheap - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Rick - August 1 - 1:27 am

  I bought it new, and have only put 20k miles on it in over 2 years. A wheel bearing went bad at 8k miles. The stereo stopped working at 13k, the horn stopped working at 18k, engine belt had to be replaced at 20k. Brakes are shot now at 20k, tires are wearing pretty badly as well, and nope, I dont do any jerky driving or high speed turns. I also get random weird vibrations and noises. i have noticed tiny spots of rust forming on the roof and trunk. The rust is under the trunk lid as well, so Im wondering what is going on there. The car feels cheap in general, but I think I would have gotten my moneys worth if it werent for these annoying problems. Im afraid of many more problems happening after the warranty is up.

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  OK replacement for Accord - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By wildbill - April 20 - 5:27 pm

  I replaced my beloved 91 Honda Accord EX with the Malibu LS, with fear and trepidation. So far so good! Got a killer deal, too. Handles great, comfortable, and gas mileage of 26/32 like my Accord, after 25K miles. No service needed other than routine. It aint a Honda, but itll do for commuting in safety and comfort.

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  not happy with car - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By joe santagado - August 6 - 2:00 am

  little things breaking, air conditon broke, then streeing, battery replaced by dealer, problem with a valve, dealer fixed