2 Star Reviews for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
172 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The side curtain airbag option now includes front-seat side-impact airbags.

Pros:
  • Pros: Smooth ride quality, above-average fuel economy with V6, plenty of passenger and cargo space, ample safety and convenience features, innovative remote start feature.
Cons:
  • Lackluster interior, subpar brakes and steering, down on power compared to competitors, no manual transmission available.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 172.00
  • I would never buy this car again - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    When I purchased this car in 2007 I was happy because It looked prtty good. But after a few months past thats when the problems started. First it was the linement which Im still working on getting it corrected. Ive had this problem for years I dont know what it feels like driving a car that has good linement. I cant check my trans fulids I have to go to the dealership which I know will charge me a arm and a leg. Now my engine is shaking when I put the car in P or D. That started when I changed the air filter. the list goes on and on.. I hate this car..

  • Worst car I owned - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I dont know what people see in this car, but it is the worst car I have ever owned in my life. Family always told me to stick with toyota camry or Honda Accord, I wanted something different, and boy did I made the biggest mistake of my life. A hollow car with very bad steering and tie rod ends breaking every 10 to 20k miles. Its started to rust and good luck if you want to do some extra mods on this vehicle because it will make sure to either use stock products or it will make you pay arm and leg to drive around again. GM should be shamed of themselves and I will NEVER, EVER BUYING A GM FOR SURE. And anyone who want to take chances, good luck with disappointment. Youve been warned.

  • Wrong Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought my 2005 Chevy Malibu in May 2006. My chevy has about 68000 thousand miles on it. Within in having it 2 weeks I had to take it back to have the rotors turned. I have had to replace front rotors, the right control arm, have a heating panel remove to stop it from making noise. I have also had the ishaft in the steering fixed three times. The gearing has been replaced, and the water pump has had to be replaced. Most of this was after the warranty expired of course. Now I have complained to GM about the steering issue, and all they are willing to give me is a 15% discount off having it fixed. This car was certified and had low mileage. I will never buy another Chevrolet vehicle.

  • No more please - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Ive owned this car for three, years, will not buy another American owned mfg. Again. Car has clunked since day one like my envoy I traded in, replaced just about everything so far, and now the directional bulbs blow out weekly. The car is joke, buy a 12 pack because you will need them, and now the shifter for the lower gears dont work. Just what you need in tough economic times, more repair bills.

  • I will NEVER buy another Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I purchased my Malibu 14 months ago. 6 cylinder, looked sporty and was roomy. I loved it for one whole month, and then it started to fall apart. In the last year, I have dealt with and replaced the following: power steering module twice, entire steering column, slip joint, lower control arm, tie rod, all four rotors and brake pads. The horn fuse lasts about 1 week before it blows out, and there is a short in the electrical system, and because of it I have replaced all turn signals and head/brake lamps in the last year. And the sun roof pours water into the back seat, and every drop shows on the cheap material. I am looking for a new car, and I will never ever buy another Chevy.

  • Poor Quality - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I leased this car in April of 2004. I really like its looks however the build quality is hoorible. I have 5200 miles and I have had the heater stop working for 2 days, the temp gauge works when it wants to, and I have heard loud sporadic valve noise on occasions. I have more interior rattles tahn my 1990 towncar had-many more. It is usally hard starting especially when hot. _ Keep in mind this car has 5200 miles.

  • Spongebob - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I was given this car as a rental while my trusty VW Golf was in the shop. This Chevy drives like a wet sponge. The steering wheel turns as lightly as a phone dial, but the way you turn it doesnt have much in common with the direction the car will go. Turn the wheel a bit to the side and the car will stoically go straight. According to the manual it comes with a 200hp V6 engine. Those 200 horses have been hidden well. When driving off from a red light the 90hp Golf Diesel feels livelier (and it gets you almost twice as far on one tankload). In terms of design, be informed that what looks like cheap plastic is cheap plastic indeed. The engineers must have slept soundly the past decade.

  • Horrible Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I HATE this car! I bought it with only 2400 miles on it and have had it only 9 months. I have had more problems than I ever had with my 2001 Civic after 120K miles. I now have 19,000 miles and have had to get new rotors at 8,000 miles. I have been to the dealership 5 times because the car randomly turns off when I stop at redlights. The dealerships claims they cant duplicate the problem so they cant fix it. The car jolts real bad when driving at a steady 50 mph. Again the dealership "cant duplicate the problem" I demanded reprogramming of the computer and so far I have not had many problems, but then again it has only been a months since the reprogramming. Paint has also worn off radio.

  • Not a good car but it works. - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    This is the cheapest quality car I have ever owned. We decided to buy this instead of a new Accord because it saved money (a great deal after rebates). I have owned 2 Mazdas, an Altima, and a CR-V and the build quality of this car doesnt even stand up to my old 96 626. After 28k miles this car has several interior rattles, a mushy brake pedal and suspension, and overboosted steering. Everything inside the car feels and sounds cheap to the touch and the doors dont stay open by themselves even on the slightest incline. This is not a great car. It has lots of potential but GM cheaped out again. And some folks wonder why we lose to the Asian car companies. Get the Impala, its better.

  • Never again! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I hate this car! Have had just over a year. Has been to the dealer 4 times since April 2005 when purchased new. Car fails to start at times. Dealer doesnt know why! Not acceptable when a small child is involved here. This is a chronic issue. Noisy right front. Again, no dealer help on this. Gauges suddenly shut off! Back to the dealer for this issue. No help that time either!! Now power steering comes and goes as if possessed! Safety issue! Was at dealer again ....and again no help!!!

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