Overview & Reviews
First year for new midsize sedan with classic name.
- Amazing value, standard A/C, standard anti-lock brakes, available V6 engine
- No traction control or integrated child seat available
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 48.00-
Only buy if you need a cheap car - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By K Webb - May 22 - 11:13 pmMultiple problems. Was fine for me for the two years, but buttons fall off in the climate control, intake gasket leaks, and car just isnt built great. If you only have $1500, buy it. Dont expect any money back.
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Could be cheaper to maintain - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By Would I do it again? - January 31 - 11:59 amRebuilt transmission $2,500, replaced steering rack $800. Rear brake adjusters seem not to work well on this model which causes high front brake wear. Have put two sets of rotors on and many pads on front. Have replaced the water pump twice. Due to the way the water pump is driven from the timing chain. It has a long shaft. That is subject to a high side load on the front bearing from the oil pressure activated chain tensioner .Chevy dealer here wants $800 plus to do the repair. Spring rates on the front struts are high which causes the front shocks ride at a extended height that causes early front shock failure. Replaced 3 sets. The car now has 166k and still going
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Never buy the 1st model year of anything - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By iluvtigr - July 17 - 2:00 amAs a long time GM owner,(11 to date),I was looking for a reliable, four- door "familymobile". Based upon Motor Trend "Car of the Year" status and use of a drive-train with a solid history I bought the first model year of the resurected Malibu nameplate. BIG mistake! Eleven dealer visits during warranty for various finish and mechanical items. The following items replaced OUT of warranty: Head gaskets (twice), ignition switch, A/C control head, ball joints & bushings. Nine sets of front brake pads and six rotors in 80,000 miles. Its time for a new car, but, sadly, this time it will be an import.
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Fixer upper! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By stranded in PITT - May 19 - 2:00 amLOTS of things broke. In for linkage work throughout entire first year. Elec problems leaves in fan - several blown switches wipers severed from frame air blows in through handles tires do NOT HOLD air (alum rims???)
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Perhaps the worst car ever made - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By StevenSouthwell - June 11 - 2:00 amThis was the worst car I have ever owned. I purchased it brand new off the lot in 97. It was completely unreliable. I had too many problems to mention them all here. The biggest problems were electrical and the front end. Chevy did not stand behind this product and did nothing to fix the problems. They did get really good at saying "that is not covered under warranty." I spent close to $6,000 on repairs in two years of ownership. (This was a brand new car.) This is actually lower than some people I have talked to who also purchased one.
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okay - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By Verrell Haywood - April 22 - 2:00 amA lot of issues, except with the engine and transmission.
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not to bad - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By huff_daddy456 - October 3 - 2:00 amGot a 1997 in April of 2001. I found one with only 30K and got a decent aftermarket warranty.(7 years or 100K miles bumper to bumper) Thank god I paid the extra money for this warrenty because in the past year its only fun me about $200 to get over $4000 of work done. The intire front electronics system went out and I lost all my speed sensors, power everything, and the factory standard alttenator has gone out 3 times. Even though this stuff has happened I love this car. Because of the V6 and heavier car its a great ride and I have to drive 21 hours to visit family and believe me its been a life saver.
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Not happy - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By BadMalibu - September 23 - 2:00 amBought car used with 30K miles. Everything fine for the first 10K, then just fell apart. Nothing but problems - wheel bearing went, front end and motor was so loose the car would actually stall from the wires being pulled out when stopping or starting out. Ignition switch went and burned out starter at the same time. Way too many problems for a car with under 60K miles on it. Very noisy, feel every bump in the road.
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No problems....but one... - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By MS - September 12 - 2:00 amThis car has been good to me. It has only been in the shop once. The intake gasket was leaking coolant. I realized that this was probably happening from the 2nd year on and could have gotten it fixed under the warranty, but now have to pay $600. So warning to new Malibu owners to have it tested. Again, besides this I have no complaints, it has been a reliable car that still looks good.
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Not buying another Chevy - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By WontBuy2ndMalibu - July 4 - 2:00 amWe bought this car used a year ago with 52k. Since then have put over $4k in maintenance. Its been in the shop 30% of the time since purchase.
