Things you dont like about your car [Archive] - Chevy Malibu Forum: Chevrolet Malibu Forums

yyz_ltz

09-21-2009, 01:16 PM

The question was "what YOU don't like about your car" No, I don't like the covers, and yes I was fully aware of them, but I was also fully aware of the cost and options of the next level up, and what new wheels would cost. I just figure some day I'll change them out(I've been running without the covers for several weeks, and just painted the steelies white yesterday. Kinda like the look, so probably won't mess with wheels anytime soon.). I still think a car of this caliber and price deserves better... I knew the car had a little trunk opening, and wasn't 4WD, and couldn't tow much of a trailer, and has poor offroad ground clearance, and no bed, and no auto wipers, and no heated mirrors, and and and, but I still like it, and still bought it... :)

and I never said the cup holders in the silly location were BAD. I said I don't like them. Let's not be playing wife tricks here, and twisting what I say, please. but actually, since I don't like them, and they're in my car, and are kinda in my way, that does sorta make them bad...

Funny you mention wife things, personally I didn't even notice the cup holders in the door, I tend you look for the console cupholders which are in the common location. My wife noticed the door ones and thought it would be a great spot for her water bottle(that she has with her everywhere she goes) just can't figure out how they "get in the way".

The trunk opening is a valid dislike (built in design that affects the users ability to load/unload larger items) but with no offense intended, the wheel issue is of the purchasers control. I totally agree that the plastic covers, even though they look fairly realistic, are tacky and cheap. Alloy wheels have always been important to myself and when I purchase/lease I like to make sure I get them.

I just think that it is important to be fair and clear with our particular items as there will be many potential customers browsing this forum. (Sorry, being a 25 year GM employee, I tend to get defensive :o )

Make sure to post a photo when you get the new rims :)

Malibu Glow

09-22-2009, 05:37 PM

GM has been using plastic hub caps since around 1990 on cars equipped with steel wheels. In fact many manufacturers have gone to plstic hub caps on steel wheels since it's an inexpensive way to dress up their models.

Malibu Glow

09-22-2009, 05:55 PM

4 wheels disc + up sized rotors for the older Malibu's would've been nice. There's tons of room on my 03 and it's only running 15" wheels!

There is a way to get rear disc brakes on the N-body Malibu, it requires getting the rear disc assembly from a Grand Am or Alero from 2000 to 2004. As far as bigger brakes with 15 inch wheels, No you won't be able to put larger brakes up front without changing to larger diameter wheels. There have been a few who've adapted Camaro calipers, rotors and mounts up front but had to go with at least 17 inch wheels. This is something that's been covered on United Malibu's website as well as a couple other sites on upgrading the brakes for better stopping power and pedal feel. I have a rear disc assembly from an Alero that will be going on mine this winter.

closer9

09-23-2009, 11:07 AM

Funny you mention wife things, personally I didn't even notice the cup holders in the door, I tend you look for the console cupholders which are in the common location. My wife noticed the door ones and thought it would be a great spot for her water bottle(that she has with her everywhere she goes) just can't figure out how they "get in the way".

The trunk opening is a valid dislike (built in design that affects the users ability to load/unload larger items) but with no offense intended, the wheel issue is of the purchasers control. I totally agree that the plastic covers, even though they look fairly realistic, are tacky and cheap. Alloy wheels have always been important to myself and when I purchase/lease I like to make sure I get them.

I just think that it is important to be fair and clear with our particular items as there will be many potential customers browsing this forum. (Sorry, being a 25 year GM employee, I tend to get defensive :o )

Make sure to post a photo when you get the new rims :)

Hey, no offense taken. We're here to discuss our cars and offer our opinions, and that's just what we're doing.

So, on that note I still disagree with the wheels being of the purchaser's control. I wanted all the options that are available with the 1LT INCLUDING the price. I did not want all the options on the 2LT and especially the LTZ. So, since the 1LT is only available with plastic wheel covers or outrageously expensive dealer installed wheels of designs I don't care for either... That's not really fair. I chose the car I wanted, but the lesser of two "evils" (not the best word there, but...) for wheels. and yes I know they've been doing it for a long time, but they also screwed me out of a transmission dipstick, and all the manufacturer's are doing that. Doesn't mean I like it. Doesn't mean it's right. Doesn't mean I won't buy or find a way to make my own rather than take it to a dealer... I don't like the plastic wheel covers. For a Cobalt that's great, but a car like the malibu just deserves better... I've owned more than 20 cars and this is the first one with wheel covers. However, I still really like the car overall, and am happy with my purchase. I checked out all the cars in this class, and none could compete for various reasons. Eventually I'll find some wheels I like, but for now I'll live with the painted steelies, and may put the covers back on from time to time just for a different look. (again I will say for plastic wheel covers they are pretty nice and convincing. Nothin worse than a 5 star wheel cover over a black steely full of holes)

and the issue I have with the cup holders is they stick out and I kick them. Especially when I get somewhere I can't fully open the door... Plus anything you put in them is going to get sloshed around pretty good opening and closing the door... I just feel it's a bad place for a cup holder, but then I never store things in the door pockets either... just me and my $.02

Malibu Glow

09-23-2009, 06:26 PM

Hey, no offense taken. We're here to discuss our cars and offer our opinions, and that's just what we're doing.

So, on that note I still disagree with the wheels being of the purchaser's control. I wanted all the options that are available with the 1LT INCLUDING the price. I did not want all the options on the 2LT and especially the LTZ. So, since the 1LT is only available with plastic wheel covers or outrageously expensive dealer installed wheels of designs I don't care for either... That's not really fair. I chose the car I wanted, but the lesser of two "evils" (not the best word there, but...) for wheels. and yes I know they've been doing it for a long time, but they also screwed me out of a transmission dipstick, and all the manufacturer's are doing that. Doesn't mean I like it. Doesn't mean it's right. Doesn't mean I won't buy or find a way to make my own rather than take it to a dealer... I don't like the plastic wheel covers. For a Cobalt that's great, but a car like the malibu just deserves better...

Bad thing is that GM has done away with having the customer pick and choose the options they want in a car, you'll just have to live with it. And you'll see this with other makes as well, it's a cost saving measure for one.
As for the transmission not having a dipstick, yes it's odd that GM did this on several models, it's just an inconvenience. Doubt that you'll be able to come up with a way to make something that will work. There is a way to check the level on the passenger side of the transmission, but you'd need the car on a lift and running to check the level, from a sight plug just above the trans pan. GM and other manufacturers have been trying for years to make things more difficult for the average person to do maintenance other than the basic oil change and tune up, in fact they'd rather entice yo into bringing your vehicle to the dealer and have it serviced with them while you own the car, anything for them to make some money.

Silver LTZ

09-23-2009, 06:59 PM

Okay, I officially hate my Eagle LS2's. I mean I have had them all Road Force balanced and so on and the ride is fine. But they are noisy and rough IMO for "touring" tires. But I just rode in a co-workers '08 LTZ which he just put new tires on (40K). OMG, what a difference. He put on Yokohomas, in the same size. Car rides so much better then mine with the Goodyears. Smoother, quieter and they stick better too. He hated his Goodyears too. I can't wait for my POS Eagle LS2's to wear out....

closer9

09-23-2009, 07:41 PM

Bad thing is that GM has done away with having the customer pick and choose the options they want in a car, you'll just have to live with it. And you'll see this with other makes as well, it's a cost saving measure for one.
As for the transmission not having a dipstick, yes it's odd that GM did this on several models, it's just an inconvenience. Doubt that you'll be able to come up with a way to make something that will work. There is a way to check the level on the passenger side of the transmission, but you'd need the car on a lift and running to check the level, from a sight plug just above the trans pan. GM and other manufacturers have been trying for years to make things more difficult for the average person to do maintenance other than the basic oil change and tune up, in fact they'd rather entice yo into bringing your vehicle to the dealer and have it serviced with them while you own the car, anything for them to make some money.

Oh, if I don't figure out a way someone will. I'm not worried about it. The day they start selling a dealer only serviceable vehicle is the day I stop buying new vehicles. I only go to the dealer for warranty work. Things like this and removing a large portion of the car for changing a light bulb really bug me. I can say that had I known those things before purchasing I "might" have thought twice about it... probably would have still bought the car, but would have worried more over it... :)

Manufacturers these days really make me appreciate my older iron when it comes to maintenance and repairs... :)

Yury

09-24-2009, 08:18 AM

dbdave

10-03-2009, 08:20 AM

'08 LTZ 4cyl

1. Trunk opening size.
2. Triangle shaped plastic 'hip jabber' near door pillar.
3. Outside temp should be in rear view mirror instead of in DIC.
4. Tilt wheel is not really a tilt wheel, just goes up and down.
5. Gas door on right side.
6. Rear seats don't fold flat.

Overall a very nice vehicle. :)

mm1515

10-03-2009, 09:32 AM

'08 LTZ 4cyl

5. Gas door on right side.

Overall a very nice vehicle. :)

I certainly agree with you on the right side gas fill. Those nitwits at GM Corp. decided to put fuel fill up on the right side for those extremely rare times a vehicle needs fuel on the side of the freeway; while sacrificing the convenience of 99.99% of the fuel fills that occur at a gas station.

John Gorbe

05-06-2010, 07:19 AM

The main thing they discontinued on the new styling tat annoys me is the flat folding passenger seat. I used this option ALL the time in my '04 Bu. It was GREAT as a changing tgable for my daughter when we were on a family drive and had to do a quick change.

I also used it a lot for loading cargo. It opened up the inside of the car for loading stuff without any concern of damaging the seats.

I do love the new car...had it for 3 days now but I already miss this seat folding feature. Oh yea, the back seats don't lay flat so the idea is kinda useless. Anybody have thoughts on this?

Randy_S

05-06-2010, 09:18 AM

I realized last night that I don't like the location of the windshield washer fluid outlets on the hood. Those should be on the arms of the blades. They bugged me as I was driving last night. I also don't like the idea of having to completely remove the bumper to change bulbs

Starship

05-06-2010, 10:03 AM

Oh yea, the back seats don't lay flat so the idea is kinda useless. Anybody have thoughts on this?

The rear seat cushion can be removed easily (gently lift the front edge straight up) and is very light (basically a piece of foam). The seatback can then be folded down flat.

Richard

05-06-2010, 12:58 PM

Hmmm... Aside from the service issues, which two of the three are fixed...

5. Cup holders in the doors. Seriously, does anyone use this for anything other than something to catch your foot on?

That's so funny you mentioned that, but I didn't only catch my foot on it, it caused a pretty nice bruise on my shin. I was getting out and my shin hit the cupholder. Talk about pain. There are plenty of cupholders on the console. I don't know why they added them on the doors.

phantom1584

05-06-2010, 03:04 PM

I've had my 2010 Malibu LTZ for about a week now, here's my list on things that somewhat annoy me. None are that huge of deal, but minor nitpicks. Obviously if I had hated any one of them too much, I wouldn't have bought the car :)...

1. Trunk opening small
2. Compass on review view mirrow (should be on dash). To each his own, but for me, the only thing on a rear view mirror should be the reflection of what is behind me. Mirror only, nothing else.
3. Side cup holders in door. Does anyone ever actually put a drink down there? They haven't gotten in my way yet, but time will tell.
4. View out the rear. Always feels like I don't have good visiblity when backing up.
5. Manual paddle shifters on wheel. I just don't use them. Maybe if I did (and learned how) it'd be different. They don't get in the way, so no big deal.
6. USB rubber insert can easily disapper or get lost. If they were going to put a rubber insert into the port, I'd think it'd come with a way to attach it elsewhere. I see this thing getting lost the second I use the port.
7. I followed my wife in another car while she was driving it, and I noticed for the brake lights, only the white of the rear lights came on, and not the red of a normal brake light. Maybe I'm missing something, or never noticed, but aren't brakes normally the red lights? I think I saw that the white center light was both for braking, and blink for turn signal.

Silver LTZ

05-06-2010, 03:44 PM

7. I followed my wife in another car while she was driving it, and I noticed for the brake lights, only the white of the rear lights came on, and not the red of a normal brake light. Maybe I'm missing something, or never noticed, but aren't brakes normally the red lights? I think I saw that the white center light was both for braking, and blink for turn signal.

The two inner circles are the reverse lamps, the two outer circles are your tail/brake/signal lamps.

Richard

05-06-2010, 05:18 PM

My one and only complaint concerns the wheels used on the LTZ. With all the chrome used around the car you would think the wheels would be chromed or at least have a brighter look.

That's one of the things I liked about the LT2. For 2010, the standard wheel is a chrome over aluminum wheel. It really does look nice, especially against the red tintcoat paint. Interestly enough, the upgraded wheel is a polished aluminum wheel, not chrome. But the upgraded wheel is 18 inches, the standard wheel is 17 inches.

My only real complaints / negative observations are:

1. No memory package. There are so many high tech features on the Malibu, this wouldn't have been a big deal to offer this feature.

2. Headrests - Canted way too far forward leaving your head in an uncomfortable position. From what I heard, this was exagerated for the 2010 model year. I raised mine up which helped the cause, but I never had to do this on my previous cars.

3. No "fuel used" on DIC. They give you all the critical fuel and mpg data. They should have added a fuel used output.

4. The steering wheel buttons are ridiculously small. The point of the steering wheel buttons is you shouldn't have to take your eyes off of the road. The buttons on the radio itself are very large and much easier to use.

5. They should have designed a separate door pull handle to close the door inside the car. They molded an opening into the armrest and when I pull the door closed, you can feel the armrest pull away a bit.

Regarding the trunk opening, I don't find this to be a problem. The trunk lid opens very wide, so I don't have problems loading packages into the trunk.

Overall, I find the fit and finish to be excellent. And it's a great value. My last car was a Caddy CTS and I feel that the Malibu has a more luxurious and impressive feel to it. And there are many more standard features on the LT2 than the Caddy had for a much lower price.

Richard

05-06-2010, 05:41 PM

I've had my 2010 Malibu LTZ for about a week now, here's my list on things that somewhat annoy me. None are that huge of deal, but minor nitpicks. Obviously if I had hated any one of them too much, I wouldn't have bought the car :)...

2. Compass on review view mirrow (should be on dash). To each his own, but for me, the only thing on a rear view mirror should be the reflection of what is behind me. Mirror only, nothing else.
big deal.
6. USB rubber insert can easily disapper or get lost. If they were going to put a rubber insert into the port, I'd think it'd come with a way to attach it elsewhere. I see this thing getting lost the second I use the port.

1. Almost every car that offers a compass has it in the rearview mirror. Every car that I've had with a compass had it in the rearview mirror. It's way off to the side, so it doesn't bother me. As a matter of fact, unless I'm looking for it, I don't even know it's there. And if you find it distracting, you can turn it off. There's a button right on the rearview mirror to turn it off and on.

2. When I use the USB Port, I put the insert inside the "fake ashtray". If you put it in there, it won't get lost. I have my car over a month now and the insert has never popped out on its own. In any case, the rubber insert for the USB Port isn't really necessary. If it does get lost, nothing will happen to the port. My computer has multiple USB Ports without inserts and they work fine. Be happy you have the USB Port. I believe this is a new feature for 2010 with the Bose Radio. At first, I was upset there is no 6 disc CD Player. I hooked up a USB Flash Drive and I can listen to music forever.

phantom1584

05-07-2010, 06:52 AM

1. Almost every car that offers a compass has it in the rearview mirror. Every car that I've had with a compass had it in the rearview mirror. It's way off to the side, so it doesn't bother me. As a matter of fact, unless I'm looking for it, I don't even know it's there. And if you find it distracting, you can turn it off. There's a button right on the rearview mirror to turn it off and on.

I had no idea there was such a button. I just tried to find it, but couldn't. What side is it on? I don't really find it that distracting myself really, just something I wish was on the center console like on my Traverse.

Silver LTZ

05-07-2010, 07:53 AM

I had no idea there was such a button. I just tried to find it, but couldn't. What side is it on?

Right on the front next to the OnStar buttons. It has the power symbol on it.

phantom1584

05-07-2010, 07:55 AM

Ah that power button. Thought that was onstar related. I kept looking for some small switch on the side or back. I just looked it up in the manual. It says that power button would also turn off the auto dimming on the rearview mirror. Can you turn off the compass, but not the auto dimming feature?

Richard

05-07-2010, 10:08 AM

Can you turn off the compass, but not the auto dimming feature?

I was wondering the same thing. I had other cars where you can turn off the compass without turning off the autodimming feature. I believe there were 2 separate buttons though. With the Malibu, maybe one push turns off the compass and the 2nd push turns off the autodimming. If you can only turn off both features, you can add that to the list of items that I don't like.

I do like that the compass stays on with the Retained Accessory Power. It's nice to know what direction I'm pointing in while my wife is shopping.

Bedbug

05-07-2010, 12:02 PM

How about the fact that you have to take the whole front bumper just to change a light bulb.:mad:

I agree ! Its a bunch of crap that you have to take off the bumper to change a dam headlight.

This is nothing but a ploy by GM to make money on there customers. Most customers wont know how to do this and will go to the dealer to have it done, thus gauranting the dealer makes money.

GM should do this for a standard/ straight fee. Its a disgrace !

And of course it was never mentioned when you bought your car.If i knew that I would not have bought the car. Its BullCrap !

Seriously thinking of traing this car in for a dam Ford !!!

Silver LTZ

05-07-2010, 04:32 PM

I agree ! Its a bunch of crap that you have to take off the bumper to change a dam headlight.

This is nothing but a ploy by GM to make money on there customers. Most customers wont know how to do this and will go to the dealer to have it done, thus gauranting the dealer makes money.

GM should do this for a standard/ straight fee. Its a disgrace !

And of course it was never mentioned when you bought your car.If i knew that I would not have bought the car. Its BullCrap !

Seriously thinking of traing this car in for a dam Ford !!!

FYI, it is very common for the bumper to have to come off of many new cars now for bulb changes....

Starship

05-08-2010, 06:58 PM

FYI, it is very common for the bumper to have to come off of many new cars now for bulb changes....

I know you're trying to inject objectivity here. I do realize they all seem to be jumping on the bandwagon but I really don't see a reason for it other than to discourage the casual DIYer. What happens several years down the road after all the crud and rust set in? Given that techs take short-cuts, I don't see how I can trust the shop to put the bumper back correctly without compromising the safety design.

Silver LTZ

05-08-2010, 07:18 PM

I know you're trying to inject objectivity here. I do realize they all seem to be jumping on the bandwagon but I really don't see a reason for it other than to discourage the casual DIYer. What happens several years down the road after all the crud and rust set in? Given that techs take short-cuts, I don't see how I can trust the shop to put the bumper back correctly without compromising the safety design.

There is a reason the bumpers have to come off. One is Cd. They can get the assemblies closer to the bumper which is better for airflow. Second is crash testing. Everything on the front end has to pass tests now. Including the headlamp assembles.

Starship

05-08-2010, 10:19 PM

There is a reason the bumpers have to come off. One is Cd. They can get the assemblies closer to the bumper which is better for airflow. Second is crash testing. Everything on the front end has to pass tests now. Including the headlamp assembles.

These are all valid reasons (albeit mildly circular:)). Even so, they should have found a way to avoid dropping the bumper exactly for the safety reasons. Once all the crud and rust set in, a lot can go wrong in the R&R process including stripped fastners and broken clips. Most techs will then jury-rig something and thus compromise the integrity of the safety design. Not arguing, just venting.

jeepgrady

05-09-2010, 05:08 AM

The bigger problem is that the probability is 100% that the bumper will be scratched and/or not reinstalled correctly when taking it to the dealer.

Silver LTZ

05-09-2010, 09:48 AM

The bigger problem is that the probability is 100% that the bumper will be scratched and/or not reinstalled correctly when taking it to the dealer.

Agreed. So I plan on doing it myself.

dabeertender

06-17-2010, 11:12 AM

RaineMan

06-17-2010, 01:41 PM

Hmmm Ok, 2008 2LT (every option),

1. Power - 4 Cyl is a dog, I push the accelerator and the car lumbers forward. After you hit 5k rpm it takes off like a banshee, but I shouldn't have to hit 5k rpm to pull out in traffic.

2. Bluetooth or Lack thereof, WTF, you cannot simply upgrade the GM system to get Bluetooth. Incredibly stupid GM, I would pay money to you if you sold an upgrade system, instead I am buying an aftermarket. GM do you really think I am going to those ridiculous rates for your "cellular service".

3. Shake, Rattle, and Roll - 18k miles on the car, it makes more noise then my 87 Corvette. The car rattles at idle, shakes and rattles over bumps, I know it isn't a CTS but damn, the car should be quieter. I mean that is what you marketed with the new revised model.

4. Fuel Economy - WTF, window sticker says 31 on highway. I cannot break 28 on highway in Florida with no hills, nuff said.

5. Depreciation - My fault for buying the damn car! I paid full retail when GM needed car sales, now I am 10K+ upside down in this freaking car and cannot get out of it. Not a lot of incentive to buy another GM product.

6. 6 Disk-changer - Some buttons just cease functioning, take it to dealer and it works again....Extremely frustrating as I cannot get it replaced or fixed.

7. Engine Rough Shutdown - Just started a couple weeks ago, turn off motor and it continues to run for 2 or 3 seconds, no engine codes. I know everyone will say fuel, but I have only run Premium in it from Day 1.

8. Power steering shimy, when parking the car the power steering jerks the steering wheel.

9. TPIS - One wheel always reads 5 lbs off, rotate tires and problem still exists.

10. Most of all - Getting Rid of my 2004 Chevy Silverado Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 for this damn eco-&^*(Box....

Any one interested in buying an incredible 2008 Malibu 2LT fully loaded, silver, Black leather/suede, Power Sun Roof, Power Pedals, Power Windows/Locks, Rear Sun Screen, Remote Start, Heated Seats, 6 Disc CD Changer, Steering Wheel Controls, Power Inverter, 4cyl, 4 Spd Auto, with only 18,500 Miles?

Incredible car looking for an incredible owner......"I am not it"....:)

I'll address these one at a time.

1: ~170hp isn't a lot for a big car such as this one... and the 4-speed only exacerbates the problem. But, you could have opted for the V6/6-speed combo and not sacrificed much in fuel economy.

2: I know the 09+ models have integrated bluetooth... sounds like you should have waited a year.

3: My car has 37xxx mi and so far the ride is smooth, solid, and quiet. Surely it rattles less than that truck you had.

4: If you didn't rev it to 5000 every time, you'd be getting better mileage. Try keeping it under 3000RPM and that little 2.4 may surprise you.

5: I bet your trade in value is crap... with the 6-speed available now nobody wants a 4.

6: Mine doesn't have that... can't help ya' there.

7: The key and the motor aren't physically connected, never experienced that problem myself but it is probably relatively normal.

8: There have been several recalls for the malfunctioning power steering units in many GM cars with the Ecotec... I believe it was a case of bad electronics.

9: That needs more explanation. Is it always the same tire reading as off? Sounds like you may have a bad sensor.

10: Everybody makes mistakes. I traded in a pristine 06 Cobalt SS for mine, I still regret it.

All in all, sounds like you should have waited and bought an 09.

Personally, the only thing that really gets me about this car is the lack of a real manual transmission. The paddles are OK for holding a gear, but they don't give you that "pop" that a real stick does. If this car had a manual I would be a lot happier.

dduke0890

06-17-2010, 02:39 PM

My 10 LTZ is nice for american made. my gripes are:

1. No dome override light
2. Headlamp delay can only be set at 20secs
3. No manual trans. option
4. Some parts of vehicle look/feel really cheap (i.e. can remove the backseat with one hand)
5. the "Bose" radio i dont believe is truly Bose
6. the brakes on this car is too small for a vehicle with that much power
if you arent careful and drive it wrong they warp VERY easily

7. there arent really any aftermarket products to customize with.

these are all petty i guess you would say but with an MSRP of $30k you'd think they would try to make it look not as cheap

but for being a Malibu its a nice ride. i really do like my car though

nutcrunch

06-17-2010, 09:49 PM

Wow I can't believe you can't break 28mpg on the highway daberretender. My wife's 06 Malibu LT has the 4 cylinder and we just took a 1500 mile trip each way from Virginia to Oklahoma. Going there the car averaged about 35.5mpg. On the way back for some reason it was around 37mpg. Damn good I think.
It's also got about 45,000 miles on it now and it rides smoothly and quietly.

CAR MAN

06-17-2010, 11:00 PM

I have just 3 minor probs.

I read before hand that the visibility out the windows wasn't too good and to watch your blind side. That is true in my LS. The rear window isn't that big at all and I have to be more careful with the blind side. No problem with the front window.

When you push the info button to see how much fuel is left, if it says 50 miles left before running out of gas, it is only 25 miles, so I figure accordingly.

The speakers are just a tad off my Boston's on the old car. Not as clear, crisp or as loud. That will be remedied shortly with new Alpines.

So far the LS is even quieter and smoother than my Camry which was really smooth. The firestone tires are quiet too and the LS has much more pick up and is faster than my 99 4 cylinder automatic Camry but the LS only has 860 miles on it.

I don't care about blue tooth since I refuse to buy a cell phone.

I'm in love with this vehicle.

dabeertender

06-18-2010, 05:09 AM

I'll address these one at a time.

1: ~170hp isn't a lot for a big car such as this one... and the 4-speed only exacerbates the problem. But, you could have opted for the V6/6-speed combo and not sacrificed much in fuel economy.

2: I know the 09+ models have integrated bluetooth... sounds like you should have waited a year.

3: My car has 37xxx mi and so far the ride is smooth, solid, and quiet. Surely it rattles less than that truck you had.

4: If you didn't rev it to 5000 every time, you'd be getting better mileage. Try keeping it under 3000RPM and that little 2.4 may surprise you.

5: I bet your trade in value is crap... with the 6-speed available now nobody wants a 4.

6: Mine doesn't have that... can't help ya' there.

7: The key and the motor aren't physically connected, never experienced that problem myself but it is probably relatively normal.

8: There have been several recalls for the malfunctioning power steering units in many GM cars with the Ecotec... I believe it was a case of bad electronics.

9: That needs more explanation. Is it always the same tire reading as off? Sounds like you may have a bad sensor.

10: Everybody makes mistakes. I traded in a pristine 06 Cobalt SS for mine, I still regret it.

All in all, sounds like you should have waited and bought an 09.

Personally, the only thing that really gets me about this car is the lack of a real manual transmission. The paddles are OK for holding a gear, but they don't give you that "pop" that a real stick does. If this car had a manual I would be a lot happier.

All good valid points, except number 4. I don't like pushing the gas peddle to the floor and revving the engine to 5k that was the point. But at 3k or less the car is a dog, it litterally is that old joke 0-60 yea. The car just will not take off, and do not pull out in front of a truck or you will be headed to the recycle bin like a used beer can.

As for the statement about being quieter than my truck, not really. The car has lots of plastic rattle noise, if your not experiencing it then your lucky.

Bottom line, for me, this car is the worst automotive mistake I ever made and I truly regret buying it. I know others love their cars and I wish them the best, but me, I would just as soon drive it in a lake and not look back. But I would end up with a littering citation....so it ain't worth it.....

E_Net_Rider

06-18-2010, 06:10 AM

Hmmm Ok, 2008 2LT (every option),

1. Power - 4 Cyl is a dog, I push the accelerator and the car lumbers forward. After you hit 5k rpm it takes off like a banshee, but I shouldn't have to hit 5k rpm to pull out in traffic.

2. Bluetooth or Lack thereof, WTF, you cannot simply upgrade the GM system to get Bluetooth. Incredibly stupid GM, I would pay money to you if you sold an upgrade system, instead I am buying an aftermarket. GM do you really think I am going to those ridiculous rates for your "cellular service".

3. Shake, Rattle, and Roll - 18k miles on the car, it makes more noise then my 87 Corvette. The car rattles at idle, shakes and rattles over bumps, I know it isn't a CTS but damn, the car should be quieter. I mean that is what you marketed with the new revised model.

4. Fuel Economy - WTF, window sticker says 31 on highway. I cannot break 28 on highway in Florida with no hills, nuff said.

5. Depreciation - My fault for buying the damn car! I paid full retail when GM needed car sales, now I am 10K+ upside down in this freaking car and cannot get out of it. Not a lot of incentive to buy another GM product.

6. 6 Disk-changer - Some buttons just cease functioning, take it to dealer and it works again....Extremely frustrating as I cannot get it replaced or fixed.

7. Engine Rough Shutdown - Just started a couple weeks ago, turn off motor and it continues to run for 2 or 3 seconds, no engine codes. I know everyone will say fuel, but I have only run Premium in it from Day 1.

8. Power steering shimy, when parking the car the power steering jerks the steering wheel.

9. TPIS - One wheel always reads 5 lbs off, rotate tires and problem still exists.

10. Most of all - Getting Rid of my 2004 Chevy Silverado Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 for this damn eco-&^*(Box....

Any one interested in buying an incredible 2008 Malibu 2LT fully loaded, silver, Black leather/suede, Power Sun Roof, Power Pedals, Power Windows/Locks, Rear Sun Screen, Remote Start, Heated Seats, 6 Disc CD Changer, Steering Wheel Controls, Power Inverter, 4cyl, 4 Spd Auto, with only 18,500 Miles?

Incredible car looking for an incredible owner......"I am not it"....:)

As to 5K, how does that compare to rated HP & torque RPM's?
Maybe you have a problem that the computer has not picked up on. Especially when tieing power to engine run-on.
As to MPG, I'd say that is about right for a 4 speed unless you monitor instantaneous MPG and drive at the sweet spot. On a long trip, 2500M, the computer said I averaged 31.4 and knowing that the computer has always figured it somewhat low, 32MPG is likely correct. Speed varied widely, up to 85MPH and as slow as being stuck in stop and go traffic back up on Chicago expressways.
That steering wheel jerk is interesting to me. On several occasions I've had an instantaneous jerk of the wheel. It was quite strong but still I started ignoring it. About 300M into this trip it did it in an alarming way. It was not the instantaneous and it lasted about a second. The wheel is too hard for me and I end up with painful hands so I usually wear insulated leather gloves which help absorb vibrations and give me a stickier grip on the wheel for better control. It was a good thing I had both hands on the wheel, cruising at 70MPH, or it would have come around on me. The force was so great it jammed my right shoulder causing a tenderness pain for a few hours.
A few hundred miles later it did that instantaneous moment jerk that I had previously experienced. I would bet they are from the same source and think this is a NHTSA recall problem unless the dealer looks into it and locates the problem. I feel certain that the EPS had actuated full power for a right turn.

My experience with the 4 speeds that were loaners is that they are dogs.
As to the TPS, that sounds a bit much and hopefully they will replace the offending unit for you. I know that I see a difference of as much as two pounds on the dash when all are inflated equally.
My list of complaints on the vehicle are too numerous to list here.

E_Net_Rider

06-18-2010, 06:50 AM

1. Numb and unintuitive steering (I am talking about the hydraulic version here). That was my biggest complaint. Also, it's way too crown sensitive.
2. Trunk shape and opening size.
3. Tranny logic at highway speeds, hard to get it to drop down to 5th instead of 4th when you need moderate acceleration.
4. Rear visibility is bad. Among the worst out of all cars I've driven.

... and yes, the turn signals are quiet. I attribute that to the fact that the sound comes from the speakers, where as with the conventional hardware clicker the sound comes from a different location, which, I think makes a difference.

Hydraulic PS? You should see what the EPS is like. More than just crown sensitive, it will throw you across the line with some road imperfections, normal ones. If they use the same alignment specs for hydraulic and electric, you input makes me more suspicious than ever of alignment issues or just plain bad suspension design. When cornering, that is curve at highway speeds, it feels like the back end responds better in one direction than the other and the front end feels like it is set for driving a counter clockwise track.
I did learn something during my third check of alignment hoping someone would figure this awful handling out. I can't gurantee the accuracy of his statement, but he said that these vehicles have no camber or caster adjustments from the factory but GM has eccentric bolts that can be added if camber is out. To adjust the caster the whole subframe, engine tranny cradle, has to be loosened and shifted. Now that is definitely crap. In trying to see what might be causing the insanely poor handling, I was looking under the hood and the fact the two big rubber bushings to frame near the front seemed to be slightly distorted in shape relative to frame. This was long before he told me about the caster adjusting.
Having those big rubber doughnuts preloaded by trying to shift the subframe means there will be unequal responses to forces applied during driving.
GM seems to have idiot engineers and suspect some now work for BP in the Gulf.
As to the tranny logic, I've seen this complaint quite a few times. I suspect that everyone is misinterpreting the downshift. What you are seeing is not fourth gear but fifth with torque converter unlocked. I don't know the programming of the torque converter but can tell you it locks at varying speeds according to load and sometimes that is under 35MPH. I have not paid close attention to interpreting the sensed two upshifts, but suspect it is the torque converter relocking and then upshifting from fifth to sixth if over 50MPH.

RaineMan

06-18-2010, 07:26 AM

I have the same issue with downshifting. This car won't do a 6-5 drop... it is always 6-4, which ends up being too much power for what needs to be done, so it kills the fuel econ. That drove me crazy when I was driving through Colorado and Wyoming... I would come to a hill where 5th would have been sufficient to get up it without losing speed, but the car would hold 6th until it had dropped 10MPH or more, then drop to 4th and speed up 15MPH. I finally remedied the problem by putting it in manual mode and using the paddles to select 5th.

E_Net_Rider

06-18-2010, 08:50 AM

Likes and dislikes.
01 Headrests banging the back of my head when sitting in proper position. I've learned they can be turned around by pushing second catch to release, but they will not lock in position then.
02 Cheap design of seals along roof line. They are easily dislodged and will turn inside out. A little wider seal would have cured that.
03 Crappy rake system instead of true tilt that will get out of your way when entering or exiting vehicle.
04 Crappy contour of steering wheel surface. Not being round it creates pressure points on hands and one of them is at joint of thumb and hand.
05 Hardness of steering wheel.
06 Small size of steering wheel. It needs to be at least 1" larger diameter, I'd prefer 2". I'm broad at the shoulders.
07 Fixing number six would allow larger buttons on wheel.
08 How about centering the wheel with the drivers seat. Maybe they need to make a special edition for those who drive from the center of the vehicle and laydown at the same time (see number 01).
09 I was cheated on tires. Window sticker said touring tires and I hate these Firestone FR710, not touring tires. They need to start putting quality tires on vehicles. Besides lacking many of the qualities you'd expect in a good touring tire, they also respond badly to temperature changes. Bad handling issue seems amplified by these tires. When cold, they are a lot stiffer than when temperature rises and they warm up. With 30PSI on a cool day, cold tire, if it warms enough that the driven tire pressure rises to 35PSI they get mushy like driving on balloons.
10 Poor selection of interior colors for southern hot climate. Black is just plain unreasonable, and having brown I'm reminded of what I read several years back when planning to repaint my house. It said that brown absorbed more heat than any other color. I'm not sure of the reasoning, maybe people don't paint houses black? But now suspect it might have something to do with brown having more red and possibly absorbing IR spectrum which is just invisible heat. I suspect black would be cooler. That brown dash throws heat like a furnace when the sun is on it. Gray has to be a better choice.
11 Shoot the idiot that limited range of dash vents. When needing AC, it is much more comfortable to aim them above your head voiding the hot air at the top of the vehicle. The cool air descends on you. You can avoid putting it in your face causing dry eyes.
12 Shoot the idiot that designed those dash air deflectors with unparallel vanes. There is no way you can direct them to rear compartment so it cools the back seat well under direct sunlight entering there. If rear cooling ducts were provided?
13 As to that tremendous amount of heat coming from dash when sun is on it, why did they do away with the upper tint area on the windshield? If I were keeping this POS I'd install some sunblock above the limit lines located either side of windshield.
14 Recirculate is not. It is only a partial it seems with offensive odors entering. It certainly is not a well sealed compartment. I suspect it does not have a door that seals off outside air, in part because of yankee thinking. The owners manual makes statements concerning driving in recirculate air mode. Something about not doing it constantly as the air will get too dry. He certainly has no experience of driving in the south on hot summer days where humidity frequently is 90% or more. Having cold damp air blown on you is very uncomfortable.
15 Inadequacy of AC system. If the car has been parked in sun, you have to drive 20 miles or more, fan on high in recirculate to get it to cool down. That is annoyingly noisey! Suspect it is part of partial recirculate and maybe undersized.
16 Inadequacy of AC system -noisy. Only four speeds on fan? When it has cooled down and temps are 90+, speed 2 is inadequate to keep up. In recirculate because of high humidity, 3 is too noisy and makes using bluetooth phone not recognize commands. Four speeds, cheap, cheap.
17 I'm not tall, 5'8", short legs, but with electric seat mechanisms it seems the seat will not be as low as without. And with those added buttons along bottom of rearview, it creates a blindspot for me. Either mirror should be raised or buttons moved. (back part of seat all the way down).
18 Several short term or one time safety annoyances.
a) rear went into sideways slide when cornering on damp surface. Crappy tires? And TCS did not activate to counter the slide!
b) after the first thousand miles the rear brakes seemed inadequate causing too much forward pitch when braking. Stopped, I pressed the pedal to the floor and this made it brake properly for awhile. I had to repeat this process a dozen times or so before they continued to work properly.
c) with only a couple of thousand miles, the right front caliper stuck on the slide causing inadequate braking as I approached a red light. It also shook quite hard.
d) at 7K, it started to shake badly like a wheel weight thrown off. I let off the gas and it quit. Apply power and it would reappear. I did this quite a few times over three miles while driving cautiously and it suddenly quit. I suspect this phantom issue is related to CV joints. It was around 3K miles that I had a mild vibration show up on an upgrade with power or decel on a downgrade. On the flat it was not noticeable. It went away after about 1K miles.
e) I have noticed several split seconds jerks at the steering wheel that seemed to be EPS related. At 8K miles, it was not that split second jerk but a hard constant pull to the right for about a second. I nearly always drive with gloves for comfort and better grip. And was lucky I had both hands on wheel. It still almost got away on me and the force was enough to jam my right shoulder joint.
19 Cheap paint job. First, they don't seem to be able to match the body color to the plastic front and back most of the time. Second, whatever they put on as final coats that resists dirt, they should put under the trunk lid outside the seal area as well as the body at this area. Dirt and road grime accumulate in these areas and it takes frequent hand washing to fight it. Also with high humidity it grows a fungus or mold into the paint. Very unsightly.

I know there has been other issues but as of this moment I don't remember all of them.
Good points. Acceleration and mileage are quite good for a four cylinder with 6 speed transmission.

Starship

06-18-2010, 09:45 AM

RaineMan

06-18-2010, 01:43 PM

Um... dude... the headrests are designed to be angled that way for safety, it helps reduce whiplash if you are rear-ended. Turning them around = not smart.

And about the A/C, ever since they did away with Freon all the A/C systems SUCK. My 91 Nissan Pickup was the last car I had where the A/C would actually make the interior cold. All the rest of this stuff is just crap... you drive around for hours with it dialed full to cold with the fan on 3 or 4 and it won't help.

Of course part of the car's interior getting so hot I will blame on the huge plastic dashboard. That thing just radiates heat in the summer. I got a set of sunshades to put in the windshield and those help some.

Where the paint is concerned... my bumpers don't match the rest of the car either at certain angles, it's b/c the bumpers are plastic and the rest of the car is metal.

As far as washing... apparently we don't wash cars here in UT. My apartment complex doesn't allow it and I won't take it into a drive-through wash, so if I want to clean it I have to drag all my stuff down to the local car-wash and drop $10 in quarters to use the pressure washer. I have washed this car twice since I've owned it... if the windows or mirrors get too dirty I'll just toss a bucket of water on them or clean them with the squeegee at the gas station when I fill up, that's as clean as mine gets.

CAR MAN

06-18-2010, 05:58 PM

I had two passengers complain about the head rest. My mom actually said it hurther head and my nephew didnt like it. They were both up when I got the car so
I lowered them.

Prob solved.

DrivenDaily

06-18-2010, 06:29 PM

GadgetGuy1981

06-18-2010, 07:38 PM

So my complaints are similar to the above, with one "bolt-on" to the gripe from Driven's #7 above:

The sunroof shade is TERRIBLE! The finish when you first see the top of the thing makes me want to take it in and have someone upholster that thing! I bet that would keep it from rattling around up there when its open. I find myself "shoving" it back as it rattles its way forward when the 'roof is open.

I can't complain about much else - My brand new LTZ Taupe is about to turn over 1K miles.

- The tires do suck. Goodyear used to be the "gold standard" but these are ballz. I think I need a balance at 958 mi.

- My A6 is shifty as hell, but the latest TCM flash helped significantly. Abut 90% of the time Its all good.

This ride is a beauty, and the LTZ turns heads. Especially when the V6 roars and people see that sweet dual chrome out my back end. Stellar looks on this thing.

My big hope is that the tires don't wear prematurely because they suck (although part of me wants rid of them, so maybe not a bad thing), and the tranny doesn't fail prematurely due to it's hunt-and-peck quirks.

I bought a Chevy for the "value" and expected quality and fit-and-finish in the premium LTZ model. I'm still waiting to see if I am getting what I paid for.

E_Net_Rider

06-19-2010, 03:35 AM

GM engineers are no less bright and hardworking than any others. They certainly do not deserve to be called an "idiot." It sounds like it all started with the EPS problems that couldn't be resolved to your satisfaction and then everything went downhill. I can understand that sometimes a vehicle turns out to be a true lemon but it can and does happen to other brands.

I was going to apologize for using that derogatory word, but I've had second thoughts. I think I've had enough of tip-toeing in a PC fashion and say if the word fits, wear it.
They do likely fit "no less bright and hardworking than any others". And that is unfortunate. It does seem they have gotten better in some areas such as reliability of powertrain. GM has had some major blunders such as the Nadir mobile and Fiero. That diesel converted from gas. And their blunders of attempting to build aluminum block and head engines. I guess they finally learned, but stopped trying when the new corvette was introduced (the year after none were built). To build that high performance aluminum engine they had another company do it. A company that knew aluminum, Mercury Marine. I was told by a salesman recently that is still being done for that engine. Maybe they learned some tricks from Mercury.
It is not hard for someone to come up with ideas, it is important they be functional. In designing the first nuclear subs, someone came up with the bright idea of putting a screen inline with the blow valve to catch any debris that might be present. The blow valve was for emergency surface. They overlooked the fact that compressed air acts like a refrigerant when decompressed. The screen got blocked with ice and she went to the bottom during tests.
BP engineers should have taken into account that methane gas turns to ice at those depths and pressures and thus foiled their first attempt at stemming the leak. I held my breath and hoped the news was inaccurate when they were describing how they would attempt cutting the pipe. I knew the chance of that saw binding in the cut were high. And add the fact the pipe was under tension because it was twisted and bent over, it made the chance of binding extremely high. The work around was quite simple. Was there not a single person in that company the knew that and guts enough to tell their boss, "if you procede in this way you will look like an idiot!"

E_Net_Rider

06-19-2010, 03:50 AM

E_Net_Rider

06-19-2010, 05:38 AM

I have very few gripes with mine. I'm 5'6".

1. "Tilt" and telescope wheel isn't really tilt - it just lifts a little. Not far enough to allow easy exit with the seat's deep bolsters. Toyota and others have had a memory version with a second lever. It lets you lift the wheel up and then it easily pulls back into your preset. With this one you have to undo your setting and there's no way to get it back where it was, so I just leave it alone.

2. Door opening is too short. When I first got this car I bumped my head a number of times. I've since gotten into a pattern to eliminate that. A dude in the local camera club got in my front passenger seat and had to get in slowly to keep from hitting his head, and he's only 5'2"! I also had a guy that's 6' nearly bump his. The top of the door is just too low. I think it has to do with the design of the safety cage, but it needs to be higher or further inboard.

3. Paddle shifters don't really shift, they just tell the transmission to locate the next gear and set an appointment to have it selected. Sarcasm aside, I have several friends with paddles on less expensive cars and theirs shift smartly. Why can't mine?

4. WTF with the headlights? Remove the bumper? I've already done it; it isn't hard, just insane! I helped a friend change the lights on his '98 Olds Intrigue. Two plastic thingies, entire HL assembly comes out, change bulbs, reverse. 5 minutes for both, and that included the turn signals as well! My old '97 Pontiac Grand Prix took 2 bolts per HL. 5 minutes for both as well. These are all GM products, so who dropped the ball?

5. The trunk sticks when I try to open it. No product I've found makes it possible for the seal to release easily from the trunk paint. And when I first got the car (Dec. '08) it actually froze shut! And has a few times since. But it is always hard to open in any weather due to the sticking.

6. The front of the seat (electric 6-way) will not go down far enough to flatten out enough, so I have to raise the rear, and then I end up with a dent in the sunroof! (Hyperbole.)

7. Sunroof sunshade rattles and the dealership says they can't replicate it. The design needs a little help. When the panel is tilted up you can see the inside of the shade and it isn't finished very well. And when the panel is fully open you see grease all over the mechanism. Hmmm, what happens when you mix grease and dirt/dust? Slippery sandpaper!

8. Moan from suspension when turning while stopped or just barely moving. GM tells the dealership to say it's normal. I don't care WHY it's making the noise. I just think that if I had kept my old '97 GP I could send it in as an example of how to turn the wheels and not make noise. But I bought a car, my first-ever new one, and they have the audacity to tell me that the noise is normal. Since when? Do they think I'm an idiot, or just that they have better lawyers? I'll wager the latter!

9. The engine will hit redline and bounce off it several times, with the engine controls keeping it from revving higher, while the transmission decides to wake up and shift. When they switched over to electronic controls it seems they didn't anticipate the tranny needing some kind of anticipator. Digital is great for a lot of things, and probably even trannies, but that means that they also need to be programmed well to work well. This one wasn't, and it doesn't.

10. The cheap @$$ tires. Goodyear LS2. Too scary when it's wet out, need balancing at 17K miles. I've driven other tires past 40K with no need to rebalance. And I've driven some that needed it after only 5K. Chucked those, too! Gonna put some real tires on when these shred themselves, which will probably be around 30K.

And after all that I still really like my car. You could even say I still love it. When I snap the pedal it goes after a longer delay than I'd like, but when it goes it flat out boogies! Those who ride in it think it's a much more expensive car than it is. All I tell them is I didn't design it, I just bought it. I really like the gauges. Would like to actually see or own the '08 LTZ ones that SilverLTZ has and talks about. The car handles like a friggin' sled on rails (to me). I wish the steering wheel was smaller in diameter (contrary to the broad-shouldered fella above). That would let me steer more quickly AND egress would be easier as well! Love the ESC, too!

01) The memory thing would not seem to hard to do. The latch in this thing requires some effort. They could at least put a spring on it so that it stays up when unlatched so you don't have to lock it up and allow it to go farther up.
02) there has been some complaints of people banging themselves when exiting upon the rear edge of body. It does make you wonder why the electric seat goes so far back to only end up with body in your way.
03) it might have something to do with acheiving the 100K powertrain warranty. They would not want you slamming gears at unreasonable RPM. The paddle shift is a waste and I don't use mine. There is a delayed acceleration sometimes when flooring. I would hope the computer is faster than what this seems to indicate so I have no idea why.
This transmission was built to save GM engineering and development money. It was designed to be used across a wide range of engines. More power, just add more clutch discs and change the computer program. I would bet this transmission is eventually replaced with a smaller one for lower power four cylinders. As higher MPG are required they will have to trim fat and that will likely include the excess aluminum in this tranny when it is coupled with smaller engines.
04) If it is easy once you know the tricks, I'll go that way. Many will take to shop and flatrate may give them an hour, for each bulb! $100/hr, that gets expensive.
05) I have not seen that problem, but then I have not been that cold. If sticking to paint, have you tried some pure transluscent silicone grease? Just a little on surface of seal. It might turn opaque with time. We used it a lot on aircraft but it reached the point you almost needed a permit to use. Peeling paint being the reason. Even after a thorough prep sanding and washing with solvents they claimed residue remained. Company did not like giving away replacement paint jobs at 70K each. You are probably not planning on a repaint so that should not be an issue, but also shows how good it is at breaking bonds over an extreme temperature range.
06) The seat does have unwanted limitations for some. I lower the back as much as possible to get my CG as close to axle as possible, best ride. Seat forward so foot is on the incline and then match the front of seat to that so my knees and feet a bit elevated, good posture, especially better for long drives. I have to be careful to not elevate front too much because the seat depth is a little long for me and will cut in behind knees. Then I adjust the back of seat, for me near vertical. I make sure my buttocks is pushed firmly against seat back and then adjust lumbar. I've limited my adjustments once set to only move forward and back for vehicle egress. It is hard to hit the exact spot every time, especially for so many things and makes me think that seat memory should be an option on any vehicle that has electric seats.
At this point I adjust the final item, that annoyance in number 1, tilt and telescope.
07) one of many reasons I don't want a sunroof.
08)Apparently infrequent noises are not high on priority. Judging by the number of complaints they might move it up a little.
09) That does not sound good. The anticipation should be part of programming. Judging from the number and diversity of complaints involving shifting, something is out of whack. My first guess would be too wide of tolerances for sensors or parts mating machined surfaces.
Mine shows a much delayed upshift going into gear 3 for the first couple of miles when temps are cold. Watching the tach, it looks like it is slipping then finally engages. It also looks like it might be starting with warm weather and will have to look closer.
10) Tires indeed. With GM's claims related to all their special testing of tires to create TPC's you would think they have rocket scientists doing this work. Instead I suggest their backsides be tested on the asphalt as they are kicked out the door.
I have driven a Lacrosse with Michelins and that is a fine riding car. But the Impala rode well too, with Goodyears. However I hear those tires will give trouble by 10K, especially cupping and getting noisier. I did not get a chance to check overall performance of either tire.

However, I now note that every strutted vehicle I've driven that performed to expections of handling for that vehicle not only had quality tires of at least touring type, also had a particular suspension type and adjustment for alignment.
On the front, except for toe, camber and caster was adjusted at the top of the strut, unlike GM shade tree methods for smaller vehicles. KIA also does this for some.
And the rear suspension all had four arms in H pattern with eccentric bushings on inner end for adjusting camber and toe.
This was the type used on recent Impala up to at least 09. Oddly, the new design of Lacrosse had two designs according to web site of build your own at the beginning of year. The base CX had one design and the H was standard on CXL and CXS. Then for a short time the only available was the cheaper. Shortly the H showed up again, but only as an option on the CXS only with touring package that included a sport mode adjustment.
I was at a buick site yesterday and they claim the H is now available on CXL and CXS as an option. I have not checked out ordering, but it may be for 2011. And believe it or not, the standard engine for the base model, 2011, is the BU's 4 banger! The 3.0 is gone, but the bigger engine is available as option on lower model.

E_Net_Rider

06-19-2010, 05:48 AM

I had two passengers complain about the head rest. My mom actually said it hurther head and my nephew didnt like it. They were both up when I got the car so
I lowered them.

Prob solved.

For some people, likely torso length, there is no comfortable position. And if you are sitting upright as you are supposed to be, it is a problem, that thing constantly banging you on the back of the head at every slight bump in road is inducing whiplash type injuries. Mostly those who lay down while driving are happy with it and there was likely one or more of them on design team.

With mine turned around there is only about 1" of space between head and headrest. If that short distance is a concern, then they need to fill them with that temperpedic foam used on space shuttle or other absorbing material.

Starship

06-19-2010, 10:54 AM

I was going to apologize for using that derogatory word, but I've had second thoughts. I think I've had enough of tip-toeing in a PC fashion and say if the word fits, wear it.
They do likely fit "no less bright and hardworking than any others". And that is unfortunate. It does seem they have gotten better in some areas such as reliability of powertrain. GM has had some major blunders such as the Nadir mobile and Fiero. That diesel converted from gas. And their blunders of attempting to build aluminum block and head engines. I guess they finally learned, but stopped trying when the new corvette was introduced (the year after none were built). To build that high performance aluminum engine they had another company do it. A company that knew aluminum, Mercury Marine. I was told by a salesman recently that is still being done for that engine. Maybe they learned some tricks from Mercury.
It is not hard for someone to come up with ideas, it is important they be functional. In designing the first nuclear subs, someone came up with the bright idea of putting a screen inline with the blow valve to catch any debris that might be present. The blow valve was for emergency surface. They overlooked the fact that compressed air acts like a refrigerant when decompressed. The screen got blocked with ice and she went to the bottom during tests.
BP engineers should have taken into account that methane gas turns to ice at those depths and pressures and thus foiled their first attempt at stemming the leak. I held my breath and hoped the news was inaccurate when they were describing how they would attempt cutting the pipe. I knew the chance of that saw binding in the cut were high. And add the fact the pipe was under tension because it was twisted and bent over, it made the chance of binding extremely high. The work around was quite simple. Was there not a single person in that company the knew that and guts enough to tell their boss, "if you procede in this way you will look like an idiot!"

With all due respect, "the word fits, wear it" doesn't follow. It's not correct, politically or not, to resort to name calling based mostly subjective issues. I don't get the relevance of all that disconnnected trivia but I'll concede that GM as an entity (not to be confused with the engineering organizations within) has had mishaps. What automobile manufacturers haven't? Often the culprit lies higher up or other factors (cost, competition, economy, politics).

Mechanical issues aside, based on the laundry list, I think your Malibu doesn't really fit you. It happens with mass market anything. In my case, I drive a lot of rentals and found the G6/Malibu growing on me. When I got my Malibu, it was like coming home. I don't know how you came to your Malibu but is it possible that your reference vehicle has not been built at the price point you're willing to pay?

Again, my point is, GM engineers do not deserve to be called an "idiot." In fact, if GM were to survive, much of the credit would go to them who are doing their best under the circumstances.

RaineMan

06-21-2010, 09:47 AM

After reading some more of these... I am also annoyed that with all the features they gave us (like built in bluetooth) they forgot to add a simple 2 setting seat memory feature that has been present in most vehicles with power seats since the late 90's. This is our only car, and while I do 75% of the driving my fiancee has very long legs... so we have to fiddle with adjusting and readjusting the seat every time she drives it.

DrivenDaily

06-21-2010, 05:34 PM

And that's another thing! MINE didn't come with a fiancee!

nutcrunch

06-21-2010, 09:24 PM

Isn't that a good thing though DrivenDaily? ;)

Starship

06-21-2010, 09:37 PM

I think he's being too choosy. I don't believe there're many eligible young ladies with very long legs in Kain-tuck-ee.:p

DrivenDaily

06-22-2010, 03:50 AM

Isn't that a good thing though DrivenDaily? ;)

Not from where I sit! I feel almost like I'm gonna have to change my name to Bob's bin Lookin'.

Disclaimer: I am not a terrorist!

DrivenDaily

06-22-2010, 03:53 AM

I think he's being too choosy. I don't believe there're many eligible young ladies with very long legs in Kain-tuck-ee.:p

I'm not particularly lookin' for the long legs as I'm only 5'6", but how tall she is is not the criteria, either! We need to be compatible is most important.

normanst

06-22-2010, 08:08 AM

I bought a 2010 Diamond edition LT, 4I two weeks ago to replace my 2004 LS Malibu. Driving around town in stop and go traffic the transmission sure does a lot of shifting as you try to maintain 30,35,40 MPH. I sure hope the transmission and cv joints were designed to take this. The slightest touch of the throttle or brakes will cause a shift.I guess I will have to use the paddles. I'm one of those people who like to keep an eye on my engine.Keeping an eye out for leaks, loose parts or connections etc. so I really dislike the plastic covers on everything. Open the hood and all you see is black plastic , a shame. I don't like it. I'll also join in on the hatred of the lamp changing on the front end. I've been driving for many years and the only headlight I ever changed was one that was broken by a rock. And I don't think I've ever changed a front turn signal lamp.Plenty of tail lights. Now I will probably have burned out front lights.

RaineMan

06-22-2010, 11:00 AM

DrivenDaily

06-22-2010, 06:01 PM

Well, I can assure you that the transmission will take it. The 6-speed unit was co-developed by GM and Ford, and it also used in the Ford Fusion. I don't imagine that the two largest automakers in the US collaborating on technology would result in a bad product.

I don't necessarily disbelieve you, but the top two competitors working together in America (or elsewhere) would surely cause judges' eyebrows to curl and lawyers to chase ambulances as they were taking them in and possibly being charged with monopolizing.

If you can direct us to some credulous facts then I'll accept it totally, and everyone else will make up their own minds. It's just a little to fancy to believe it at face value for me.

awdwhip

06-22-2010, 08:37 PM

You guys complain too much! I have zero issues and complaints about my Bu thus far. I love it!:D

GadgetGuy1981

06-23-2010, 06:00 AM

Yo, Driven - I didn't believe him either, then I found this:

http://wardsauto.com/ar/ford_gm_automatic/

RaineMan

06-23-2010, 09:10 AM

Also, Wiki provides a pretty good explanation and list of vehicles that the transmission was shared in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM-Ford_6-speed_automatic_transmission

Basically GM and Ford both recognized the need for a 6-speed automatic to be used in main-line vehicles in order to help meet new fuel economy standards. So in a brilliant move they decided to share R&D to keep costs down.

CuLaTerZ

06-24-2010, 07:21 AM

Yo, Driven - I didn't believe him either, then I found this:

http://wardsauto.com/ar/ford_gm_automatic/

Hey thanks for that Link. Interesting info about the 6 speed automatic in my 2009 LTZ 6 cyl. When I first bought the car a year ago it seemed to want to down-shift at odd times. As I have put 21,000 miles on the car I don't notice the downshifts so much. Overall the car runs better as I have "broken it in." Acceleration is great and the engine is smooth and quiet.

All in all I really like this car and I have gotten alot of nice compliments about it!

araizal

06-28-2010, 09:24 PM

Have a 2010 LTZ and i dont like the steering noise..

DrivenDaily

06-29-2010, 03:33 AM

yo, driven - i didn't believe him either, then i found this:

http://wardsauto.com/ar/ford_gm_automatic/

also, wiki provides a pretty good explanation and list of vehicles that the transmission was shared in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gm-ford...c_transmission

basically gm and ford both recognized the need for a 6-speed automatic to be used in main-line vehicles in order to help meet new fuel economy standards. So in a brilliant move they decided to share r&d to keep costs down.

Thanks for the info! I can now say I'm convinced. And amazed! Who'd've ever thought they'd set aside their professional rivalries to do this? Wow!

GadgetGuy1981

06-29-2010, 07:16 AM

Thanks for the info! I can now say I'm convinced. And amazed! Who'd've ever thought they'd set aside their professional rivalries to do this? Wow!

Just goes to show what a need, and competition from Korea, Europe, and Japan will do to the "Big two" (Two since Chrysler hardly counts anymore :-).

RaineMan

06-29-2010, 07:46 AM

Have a 2010 LTZ and i dont like the steering noise..

I too noticed that the power steering pump is kinda loud in these cars. Of course my last vehicle had the (dreaded) electric power steering, which didn't make a sound... so maybe my ears are just overly sensitive.

Just goes to show what a need, and competition from Korea, Europe, and Japan will do to the "Big two" (Two since Chrysler hardly counts anymore :-).

Definitely the "Big Two"... Chrysler is now foreign owned. Of course it has really been just GM and Ford since the Daimler/Chrysler split, nobody takes Chrysler seriously anymore.

ucantcme57

09-04-2010, 01:34 PM

I like my car alot..

2011 LTZ 3.6 / 6spd

I like the cup holders in the door, better case to not have fluids spilled in my console..

I don't like that the USB and AUX Jack aren't in the console under the armrest as well as a power port down there..

My leather is soft, my doors sound full and give a definable thud solid sounding when closing..

I wish I could have got NAVI for what I paid with the BOSE.. Love the Bluetooth!!!!

Wish for what I paid I could have gotten some chrome 18's... Goodyears are better than bridgestones..

I have 4 wheel disc.. Wish for some Slotted rotors and EBC pads for the front...

Maybe one day they will have something for the transmission to fixing the jumping, Even my shutters when slowing to a stop..

Courtesy lights under the side marker mirrors some call the puddle lights.. those and maybe some mirror blinkers would have been nice..

My Wifes Envoy has on the drivers door automatic down/up window switches for all 4 windows.. It's nice.. I wish she also has memory seat positions for up to 2 drivers.. I wish..

And that's it for now..

I found a place that will exchange your painted wheels for chrome ones..

http://uswheelexchange.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=yagendoo_VaMazing_1.tpl&product_id=439&category_id=34&manufacturer_id=19&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=4

ChevyMgr

09-04-2010, 03:00 PM

Is there a "Things you like about your malibu" thread? I searched but couldn't locate one.

Jay Armstrong

09-04-2010, 03:18 PM

I miss having a replaceable 'cabin filter'. My previous car (Mazda RX-8) had one, and I was surprised how dirty the filter became after a years use.

I'm wondering if the new Cruze will incorporate a 'cabin filter' in the interior design.

Silver LTZ

09-04-2010, 03:18 PM

Is there a "Things you like about your malibu" thread? I searched but couldn't locate one.

Don't think so, feel free to start one.

boohoo

09-04-2010, 06:04 PM

i have an 06 malibu lt 4 cylinder

i dont like not having a usb port
i dont like having a quiet car (both stereo and exhaust)
i dont like that it would sound like crap with an exhaust
i dont like going slow

thats about it really

Starship

09-04-2010, 07:14 PM

I don't know why the "I could have had a V8!" commercial pops into mind.:D

gopedxr7

09-04-2010, 08:42 PM

the huge A pillars (limits vision)
the high windows (cant have my arm out when the window is down)
no dual climate control (impala had it on the base model)
small trunk
chrome rims (chrome tech, basically a glued on chrome hub cap)

Alan

boohoo

09-05-2010, 07:09 AM

my malibu has a huge trunk....

Silver LTZ

09-05-2010, 10:33 AM

my malibu has a huge trunk....

This thread is in the Generation 7 section. You have a Gen 6....

MsDiamondWhiteLTZ

09-05-2010, 06:10 PM

The only complaint I have is about the door locks...I wished when the door was locked that the lock was flush with door panel, like our GMC truck. It's bothersome to my arm when I place it up there, lol. Mine sounds soooo minor to all of the rest of the complaints!

labtech09

09-05-2010, 07:28 PM

First of all I would like to say I LOVE my car and there are definitely far more pros than cons, but here are my minor pet peeves:

1. the cupholders in the center console are very awkward, you have to reach back to get your drink and they are a little on the small side.

2. because the car sits low it is a little hard to get out of, however, i had a SUV before this car, so I am probably just not used to it anymore

3. the fact that you can't disable the automatic door locks (according to the owners manual) this does not bother me too much, but it seems to drive my husband insane, lol

closer9

09-05-2010, 09:19 PM

wjjeepman34

09-06-2010, 08:54 PM

1. Lack of aftermarket support (but it's expected, since its a family car more or less)
2. Lack of power (yes, I do have the 4cyl, I wanted mpg's over power when I bought it, but the 4cyl is a real dog!)
3. Steering wheel tilt (doesnt tilt all the way down so the top and bottom are the same distance from you. All the way down the top of steering wheel is still further away, and I dislike that feeling.)
4. Headrests on front seats (sometimes I like to flip my hat around and wear it backwards ((prepares for flaming... :) )) but the headrest is tilted so far forward I cant wear it that way in the car.)
5. Automatic door locks

So far thats it, hopefully the list doesnt grow much longer!

wjjeepman34

09-06-2010, 08:58 PM

Are you sure about the door locks? I was really thinking you could adjust if and when they locked in the advanced settings of the DIC.

The door lock settings are to unlock either once in park or when car is turned off. They will automatically lock when shifted out of park no matter what....also a gripe of mine.

ishrios

09-06-2010, 09:09 PM

Ive had my Bu now for a full month and after putting 3,100 miles on it these are a few of my pet peeves.

#1 - The 4cylinder is a bit laggy especially when trying to get up to speed while entering the highway. but its great on the MPG's so it evens out.

#2 That Bluetooth is only standard on the 2Lt models.. GRRRRRRRRR!!

#3 - Cup holders dont feel sturdy to me. I also hate that they are both different sizes so only one drink fits snug at a time.

#4 - Not alot of front space for storage for the driver and front passanger. And i hate how hard it is to grab something if it falls down the side of the driver seat.

#5- how the car kinda sways a bit when driving between 50-70mph.

Other than these my Car is Great!!

Hope this helps.

ucantcme57

09-09-2010, 02:11 PM

I love how the LTZ has tilt and telescoping steering wheel.. When I go to the car wash I push it all the way in and up and the steering wheel doesn't even look like the driver can touch it, it's so far away!

LTZ Malibu

09-09-2010, 05:13 PM

I love my V6 LTZ, but I don't like not having rear a/c vent to aid in cooling and circulating the air more efficiently, and the trunk, who the f##k wants a big trunk for a family car? :mad:

closer9

09-09-2010, 08:24 PM

I love my V6 LTZ, but I don't like not having rear a/c vent to aid in cooling and circulating the air more efficiently, and the trunk, who the f##k wants a big trunk for a family car? :mad:

There should be A/C vents under the front seats, and you saying you think the trunk is too big, or not big enough? I think it's just the right size, but the opening is too small to make it useful. I've had to break out the truck for several things that fit in the trunk of our old Civic Coupe. :(

engineer25

09-11-2010, 02:19 PM

#3 - Cup holders dont feel sturdy to me.

The center console cup holder is removable for ease of cleaning. Perhaps this is why it doesn't feel sturdy?

LTZ Malibu

09-12-2010, 10:20 AM

There should be A/C vents under the front seats, and you saying you think the trunk is too big, or not big enough? I think it's just the right size, but the opening is too small to make it useful. I've had to break out the truck for several things that fit in the trunk of our old Civic Coupe. :(

The trunk is just too small, it's not deep and the opening is also too small..

Silver LTZ

09-12-2010, 03:42 PM

The trunk is just too small, it's not deep and the opening is also too small..

See, I think the trunk is huge, it just has a small opening. But that is in the name of style and if anyone doesn't like that they should not have bought the car....

LTZ Malibu

09-12-2010, 04:54 PM

Comparing to other cars in the same class, the trunk is on the smalish size, but IMO it's the best looking car in it's class/price range and that's why I bought it.

EEEJAY

09-12-2010, 07:49 PM

The drooping cover in the trunk hanging under the rear speakers. Why is that there? It baffles the air trying to get to the speakers; so I removed it!

Other than that, I knew what I was getting into and love the car.

CADGenius

09-14-2010, 01:18 PM

I don't like:

I wish there was an indicator light (like the cruise control light symbol) when putting the driving (fog) lights on. I came from an Impala and they had that indicator so I don't have to squat down to see if the little LED light is on.
Cup holders in the middle cannot accommodate 2 hot cups with handles.

Door cup holders are only good for holding a bottle of water with the cap on.
Paddle shifters are never going to be used by me.

I wish there was a way to change the radio from xm to fm to am or aux. My previous impala had that option.

Trunk is smaller than the impala but the rear seating area is a lot more roomier. No more knees in my back. :)

Wife misses the handle that was above the passenger window. But I understand that it now has side airbags so they eliminated the handle. Wish they could figure out a way to put it back.

Other than those little tidbits, the car is sleek and sexy looking.

I have the 2010 Malibu LTZ, black granite.

Silver LTZ

09-14-2010, 01:43 PM

Wife misses the handle that was above the passenger window. But I understand that it now has side airbags so they eliminated the handle. Wish they could figure out a way to put it back.[/LIST]

It can be done. My new Mazdaspeed3 has it, three actually.

biff

09-14-2010, 07:36 PM

Small trunk opening, low beam headlights, thick A-pillar, no dual zone climate control, a little narrow, and torque management. I wish it came with selectable driving modes.

I really like how the car looks, handles, and drives though.

Arjay67

10-09-2010, 03:27 AM

Only having the vehicle for one month I'm sure my list will be longer 3 years down the road. But for now:

1. No rear center armrest.
2. Tranny has significant lag shifting between 2nd and 3rd. Once it shifts there is a power "brown out" and then surge.

Silver LTZ

10-09-2010, 09:48 AM

E_Net_Rider

10-10-2010, 06:31 AM

Do you know what those handles were originally for?
And only recently I've seen a vehicle that had one for the driver.

I learned because I saw them in use in Japan, 1973.
They are there because of the kamakazee drivers. Looked like a Japanese version of Keystone Cops.

08chevymalibultz

10-10-2010, 07:32 AM

E_Net_Rider

10-10-2010, 08:30 AM

Like most of us I really like my Malibu but there are a few things that bother me,

1.) The plastic on the inside of the doors. “They scratch too easy”

2.) The over size steering wheel, it is one I had to get adjusted to for a mid-size car.

3.) Seats are not the most comfortable/wide enough seats in it class and the leather seems to be on the cheap-side. Put a more expensive leather “real” that is more softer and a seat that is more wider and plush.

4.) Trunk Opening, is too small for a family sedan.

5.) Suspension, needs to be upgraded like the Buick Lacross. “I like the cars ability to handle corners better than the most cars and like the Stability feeling of the car when driving on the highway but would like a more smooth ride when going over bumps.”

6.) Bad Blind spots.

Note :# 3 is my most dislike for me, following is #4 & #5.

My wife’s most dislike is #3 & #6 following # 4

1) and are scratchy. For long drives I threw a small bead pillow, like a neck roll, on the armrest.
2) I felt just the opposite but then I'm pretty broad in the shoulders. Also because of handling issues that never were figured out and EPS issue.
3)Seating could have been different. LT2. The seats were very firm and cradled me nicely. I do wonder if the suede was real leather. Long rides yielded perspiration wet behind. Seems like they need some wicking material just below the covering. I hated the headrest as installed. And felt a better lumbar support would be nice.
4) no opinion except trunk could really hold a lot.
5)Caution when comparing to Lacrosse. They have more than one suspension system. I have the top setup and have complaints as well. Many are blaming the step up including 19" wheels compared to the 18". They are 40 profile versus 50. I feel the problem is the stock tire that comes on that wheel. And apparently a lot of others do as well according to user reviews which spans all sizes the model of tire is made in.
Knowing many came with Firestone, you can get a much better tire which should address most of your ride concern. If it came with Good Year, run, don't walk to a tire dealer. There was one tire that most seemed happy with and it may have been Hankook.
Don't forget to take into consideration that depending upon the exact model of Malibu, it could have different components such as wheel size, spring, & strut or shock.
6) any blind spot can be bad. That I could not raise the mirror higher and the seat lower irritated me. Surely did not want a kid darting in front of me. I learned to cope with front pillars by moving head a bit while looking. The rest I tuned out by mirror adjustment. I was not terribly concerned about what was behind me, or alongside, unless coming to an unexpected stop or intending to change lanes. I swung the outside mirrors wide, but not so wide that a vehicle could easily slip into the space between my car and what the mirror was seeing. And the rearview I swung right so to get a good look rear side window and to the rear from the middle of the lane to the right. With a little shifting of the head I had full view of anything behind me, the driver, not necessarily vehicle. If changing lane left, a slight shift of head would reveal if anyone was in that narrow otherwise blind spot. Same thing for the right lane change. Quick check of rearview which would reveal if someone was in that area and then rs mirror.
The only time I needed to get a good look at what was immediately behind my head was in abrupt stops. And that was to put eyes on the driver behind me to make sure he was paying attention and stopping. I wish I could achieve the same adjustment in Lacrosse, but will figure coping method.
In reverse, plan accordingly. Night driving, I lowered the mirrors so I did not get reflected bright lights. You could tell someone was there because of their lights. If I needed a good look, again I shifted my head.

08chevymalibultz

10-10-2010, 09:18 AM

Silver LTZ

10-10-2010, 10:15 AM

Silver LTZ

10-10-2010, 10:22 AM

E net rider, sorry, I added a few more! I could have even added a few more than that, like the Sun-Roof sliding cover inside that rattles, Steering ,Transmission issues and ect. but I don't want everybody to think I have turned into a Malibu hater. Lol!

There is a TSB for the sunroof rattle, go get it fixed.

Don't even get me started on the steering and tranny issues. I have had two racks, finally seems fixed. I have had the reflash, the programming still sucks and is the worst feature of the car. Doesn't seem to really bother the wife though, and she drives it 75% of the time.

08chevymalibultz

10-10-2010, 12:30 PM

1.) The trunk opening was a concern at the dealership when I was looking but again like you had said I knew this but does not mean I like it. All in all the space is good size, it is just the opening of the trunk that many wish it was a little bigger. Most of us guys that have kids in the back seat probably tend to use the trunk more than you guys with no kids. 2.) MPG, Our cars are starting to get out class with more horsepower and better or same MPG. The 3.6 has the potential of producing more horsepower. 3.) Here in New England we have hills and it is not flat like some places in the South. I was pertaining MPG toward more Horsepower that the 3.6 should get. Many cars are producing the better horsepower with the same or better MPG! 4.) There has been some complaints as for Paint chips/dings on the this site. I have five cars that park in my driveway and the Malibu has a few dings from nuts from the trees while the other vehicles have nothing. I know the next smart thing is to cover it, I am now looking for a solution for this problem. Paint chips, move here to the colder climates with the sand and salt in the winter time and your perfect paint won’t be perfect anymore. Most of our cars will get beat-up with this problem "mostly in the front end" but I have found that the Malibu has been more prone to the paint chip problem. 5) Blind Spots, I can say for myself that I did not find this in the test drive and have over looked this as many do get caught up with the new car buying moment but I have heard others say the same thing. Many of us find these problems after some time owning a car not at the time at the dealership when buying. That would be like me saying why did buy the Malibu if you knew it had cheap and flimsy door panels along with lateral support issue or you knew about this when you looked at it and test drove it? Everybody finds their own personal likes and dislikes of the car and their has been a lot of the same comments from one owner to the other while some are different. Thanks for the TSB information.

Silver LTZ

10-10-2010, 01:49 PM

That would be like me saying why did buy the Malibu if you knew it had cheap and flimsy door panels along with lateral support issue or you knew about this when you looked at it and test drove it?.

Not really. I knew the door panels were flimsy, heck, it is a 20-25K at most Chevy, and I knew the seats didn't have good lateral support. As I said, it is not a sports car so I was fine with that.

If the trunk opening was so important to me due to using it alot, or what not that is a different issue that can effect how you use the car on a daily basis. Two different things if you ask me.

Starship

10-10-2010, 04:45 PM

5)Caution when comparing to Lacrosse. They have more than one suspension system. I have the top setup and have complaints as well. Many are blaming the step up including 19" wheels compared to the 18". They are 40 profile versus 50. I feel the problem is the stock tire that comes on that wheel. And apparently a lot of others do as well according to user reviews which spans all sizes the model of tire is made in.
Knowing many came with Firestone, you can get a much better tire which should address most of your ride concern. If it came with Good Year, run, don't walk to a tire dealer. There was one tire that most seemed happy with and it may have been Hankook.
Don't forget to take into consideration that depending upon the exact model of Malibu, it could have different components such as wheel size, spring, & strut or shock.

Am I to understand that you went from a 2009 Malibu LT2 to a LaCrosse? What year, trim, and the nature of this suspension problem? I've more than a passing interest since I keep looking at the new Regal.

1.) The trunk opening was a concern at the dealership when I was looking but again like you had said I knew this but does not mean I like it. All in all the space is good size, it is just the opening of the trunk that many wish it was a little bigger. Most of us guys that have kids in the back seat probably tend to use the trunk more than you guys with no kids.

What do you mean by "bigger," in which dimension?

Not really. I knew the door panels were flimsy, heck, it is a 20-25K at most Chevy, and I knew the seats didn't have good lateral support. As I said, it is not a sports car so I was fine with that.

If the trunk opening was so important to me due to using it alot, or what not that is a different issue that can effect how you use the car on a daily basis. Two different things if you ask me.

I don't know but you sound grouchy. Is something going on we shouldn't know?

Silver LTZ

10-10-2010, 05:06 PM

I don't know but you sound grouchy. Is something going on we shouldn't know?
Huh, your statement makes no sense? I am not afraid to point out things that some others beat around the bush about, simple as that.

Plus, some things people complain about are outlandish. No car will be perfect for everyone, and it is not a "high-end" car either. Some people need to realize that.

Starship

10-10-2010, 05:31 PM

Hey, I'm the one who plays the Malibu apologist around here (not saying you are, watch for the smiley).:D He did say it was a "concern at the dealership." And, I missed including a smiley in my previous post. I was just trying to make light.

DrivenDaily

10-10-2010, 06:11 PM

Silver LTZ

10-10-2010, 06:13 PM

HoosierRon

10-10-2010, 06:23 PM

savatage

10-10-2010, 06:38 PM

Here is one I don't think anyone else has mentioned yet -

My rearview mirror does not adjust high enough. I am scared to push it any further since I may break it.

Does anyone else have this problem? Maybe this has something to do with the fact that I have yet to find a comfortable driving position and I am sitting all wrong but don't realize it.

DrivenDaily

10-10-2010, 06:50 PM

In my old '09 and my new '11 what I did/have done is firmly push the mirror up as high as it will go, then hold the connecting tube and pivot the mirror at the mirror end only. Keeps it up as high as it will go, but I agree, I wish it would go higher.

08chevymalibultz

10-10-2010, 07:55 PM

@ SILVER STAR, I don’t know what your problem is but I sure don’t have to take your rude comments and digs. I sure am not afraid to speak up when I have too. I have been trying to be very level headed and respectful to others with some of the comments and digs on this site but when you the administrator starts bagging me with stupid comments, it’s time to call it quit. You may not like what you hear about the Malibu from me or others, that is not my problem it is yours! We all have our own opinion not just yours. The post was asking things you don’t like about your car? Everything was just fine until you jumped in and made it hostile. You don’t like a title subject you should block/lock or just stay out of it and don’t make a comment on it if you feel you can’t handle it. Have a good night, I am out of this Forum. PS. DRIVEN DAILY congratulations on your new car. Very nice. It looks just like mine!

BlinkQS

10-10-2010, 09:59 PM

E_Net_Rider

10-11-2010, 02:56 AM

I almost wish sales were so bad, as they were some time back, they'd bring you the car or let you keep it for a couple of days. It is that type of experience you need to find most of the qualities or lack thereof. Not a drive on a route that is convenient to the dealership.

Yes, from 09 Malibu LT2 4 cylinder 6 speed to 11 Lacrosse CSX 3.6. All factory options except sunroof, backseat displays, & inflator kit. Red Jewel Tint with slate interior.

As to suspensions, I wanted the H-arm suspension on the rear which was standard on CXL & CXS early 2010. Around April it was no longer listed on build it site. A couple of months later it came back as option on CXS only and then only as part of touring package. That included the full time variable suspension and 19" wheels.
Checking owners forum, you will see that quite a few think that the touring package makes the car ride harsher and noisier. I would certainly like to know if the touring package was designed around the 19" wheel or that was an afterthought. Quite a few believe it is because of the 19" wheel, the tire being a lower profile.
I can tell you that the Lucernne, Regal, & Lacrosse on the lot all had Michelin, except for those with Lacrosse touring package. These have Goodyear Eagle RSA and at tirerack it scores 15th by owners, all sizes.
As I recall, no one was happy with Goodyears on Malibu.
I believe it is the tire that is the source of irritation and tried to work a deal through dealer to upgrade. No one wanted the Eagles.
And new for 2011, I think, hyper-strut system on front which is supposed to further cut road noise and fight torque steer. Comparing to Malibu, I'd say it is failure. But then I did not do a test run in 2011 CSX without touring package.
Remember, many of our opinions are relative to other experience, as well as knowledge gleened.
And experience across many vehicles, I've only seen one Goodyear tire that come close to my wants. I think it was a Regal and was on used vehicle. They may have been OE. They may have been a bit loose for those who drive very hard, that is a little soft in sidewall allowing some tread roll during extreme maneuvers. But they were an excellent quiet ride, pretty good on light snow, and very good on wet road, at least for the first portion of thread. Sidewall sipes disappeared at 5/32" wear, so if tire is considered worn out at 2/32, I'd say hydroplane resistance probably started dropping quickly at 7/32" of rubber left.

I have no experience with new Regal, but salesman thought it was a bit underpowered and by forums many are holding out for turbo version. Also what few options there are seem to be lumped into packages. I don't want sunroof, but to get some of the nicer options a few months back you had to get sunroof package. BS.

I think you just identified all of the differences between a Malibu and a LaCrosse.

Door panels are cheap compared to nice ones. Armrest is worse. I suspect most of those rubber liners at bottom of door handle are now in vacuum at car wash. Lacrosse door pockets are so small they are of little use.

I thought small, but more importantly the shape and comfort was horrible with just slight road vibration. Lacrosse wheel seems same size but wins hands on with comfort and no sense of vibration.

The suede seats in Malibu seem to be in the top for vehicles near it or close sized seats. With 12000 miles, the support that there is seems like new, no sag what so ever with my 210#. To improve, real leather might be nice. A bit more bolster. Real lumbar supports, 2 of them. And for all newer vehicles, fix the headrests so that to avoid getting my head beat all the time I don't have to drive laying down. Lacrosse, real leather. A bit of plushy, soft feel, but wonder how supportive they will be after many miles. One electric lumbar, driver only, 4-way adjustable. I'd rather have 2 and what about passenger seat. More bolster, not better than Malibu and likely more needed with slick leather.
Trunk. I can see it could be an issue with baby buggy. Might still be with Lacrosse. The distance from bottom of trunk opening to floor is less. More height to trunk lid. Trunk seems to be much like that of my old Aurora.

Blind spots. They did fix the mirror height thing for me, being able to see under it. The rearview camera is highly recommended. So are the side blind spot alerts. Front pillars are at least a couple of inches wider than Malibu. And I don't like the extra height they added to the inner side of outside mirrors. Possibly for aerodynamics or esthetics but definitely adds to blind area. Adjusting rearview to cover what is important behind you and see rear side is no longer possible. Headrest is in the way.

MPG That remains to be seen. I had 4 cylinder and was getting about 25 local driving. The LaX 3.6 is rated 27 highway. I think that is down 1 MPG from last year and don't know why. But shocked that owners manual recommends premium. It is not E85 capable.

Paint The Malibu was gold. No dings or dents or chips in 12000 miles, except those that were there when I drove it off the lot. I did dislike the color mismatch at front and rear when moving from metal to plastic.
Maybe you got a color that is more sensitive or just poorly done at factory?

Overall the suspension seemed OK on LT2 and am sure better tires would have gone a long way toward some issues. LTZ likely has different springs, shocks, struts, & wheels or some combination there of. I did notice that recently the back end was a bit bouncey like the first 1" of shock movement was doing nothing. May have been tires, poor match for rear. Better tires may have gotten rid of much of the vibration/road imperfections felt at steering wheel.
And issues pertaining to mine and at least one other complainer, control. Roads that were in good shape and gave no visual clues as to why, it would dart unexpectedly. It also drifted to left with good alignment. Never figured the issue out but definitely felt unsafe. Not long ago the seam where my lane merged with main flow, darted the front under the body of tractor trailer. If I was not at same speed his rear wheels would have torn front off.
And there was the issue of something in EPS where the power would turn the wheel to the right. Only happened about once every thousand miles and so intermittant, nearly impossible to fix. Really glad I'm out of that Malibu.
Where is that lemon icon?

In my old '09 and my new '11 what I did/have done is firmly push the mirror up as high as it will go, then hold the connecting tube and pivot the mirror at the mirror end only. Keeps it up as high as it will go, but I agree, I wish it would go higher.

And /or move that row of buttons to a different location. This design is likely from the beginning of use when in bigger full sized vehicles like coupe or sedan deville.

Arjay67

10-11-2010, 04:16 AM

Silver LTZ

10-11-2010, 05:35 AM

E_Net_Rider

10-11-2010, 06:48 AM

Transmission is by far the worst aspect of this car. It is very jerky in slow speed traffic. It has an annoying tendency in very slow, bumper to bumper traffic to "hook up" abruptly. I can replicate it and annoy the heck out of my passengers. Reprogramming it did not help. GM needs to fix this. Cars have been built for over 100 years, how can GM still produce a vehicle with a transmission that can frustrate a driver? It is just not acceptable this day and age.

**First, which engine, 4 or 6 speed. 4 speed I suspect.

Drive-train vibrates, so the car does not operate smoothly while cruising.

**Is it the drive train or poor tires? Need to isolate problem a bit. How many miles on vehicle?

I don’t understand all the reviews about this car and it’s great steering, mine is NOT great. It is very heavy to turn (service department says its normal). It is even heavier than our Audi A4, which I thought had heavy steering to begin with.

**Hydraulic or electric. If electric, I would think that you should have gotten or are about to get recall.

There is a groan when I steer the car into or out of a parking spot (service department says its normal).

**Many hydraulic systems have some groan in the steering. If electric, then look toward bushings or strut bearings.

And speaking of steering, the car no longer feels safe at high speeds. If I turn the wheel going fast on an onramp, I feel like something is gonna snap. Definitely not confidence inducing.

**What is the speed limit at that point. Many ramps around here are posted 25 in the loop of it. You could push a little and be safe if roads are dry, but why strain the suspension. Yet I see idiots trying to run 40 or 45.

Lots of popping and clunking from the suspension/steering in the front, either it’s the suspension or the steering rack. I was driving in a grassy parking lot at a forest preserve, and by golly, you would have thought that the car was made out of wood, nails, and some glue. The horse drawn hayride I was on was smoother than my car.

**With all these issues, I'd say get this to a shop and if you don't like what they say, get second or third opinion. Hopefully they will locate any safety issues.

All of my windows creak when they are rolled down halfway or so.

**Not desireable, but not really surprising. Cheap window tracks? Rubber dirty, drying, or maybe getting hard?

Air conditioner smells when it is running for the first 10 minutes, then the smell subsides (or the passengers and I just get used to the smell). This is an unacceptable problem for a car like this. GM has been making cars for over a hundred years, why did they eff up something like this up on THIS car? Smells like moldy socks.

**This is a common enough problem that fixes are well known, but not necessarily easy. Do you park under trees? Debris of all sorts gets past the inlet screen from outside. Some of it makes it all the way to the evaporator and gets caught there. But in all of these moist locations it can start to rot or grow fungus.
First I'd try to clean as much as possible, removing outside cover if you can and any access covers on inside. Maybe even pull fan motor. Cover carpet in case of water or cleaner leakage. There are spray cans of cleaner/deoderizer for A/C. Hopefully you pick a good one that cleans well, especially the evaporator core.
Once clean, use the recirculate as much as possible so you don't suck a new load of crap in.

Interior gets too hot, and it stays hot for a while as the air conditioner tries so hard to cool. The cheap interior panels take a while to cool off.

**I found the same and mine was not black. Maybe there is not enough insulation between metal and interior panels, but mostly AC seemed weak. Even once cooled, 90+ degree days often required at least the 3rd fan speed which is noisy. Suspects? Low charge, poor design, not a full recirculate (some outside air entering), too much heat being generated by sun on dash and no tinting to aid.

The car came with those crappy (in my opinion) Goodyear LS2 tires. Which I had balanced at one point because the car drove wobbly. I was amazed at how smooth the ride was after the balance, and it was worth the 75 bucks…. BUT, after a couple of DAYS, seriously, the smoothness went away, and the car came back with a shaky drive. I don’t feel like spending 700 to 800 bucks on good tires on this car (the LS2 are barely worn still), because it is just not worth it, I’d rather sell the whole car as is, instead of put more of my hard earned money into it.

**Oops! Just read ahead and saw the rest of your post. But will continue for others interest.
No argument about Goodyear. I even saw a post where someone wanted Goodyears because they build a nice blimp. My opinion is they should not be allowed on bicycles or baby buggies.

What is up with the “Leather Appointed” seating surfaces on these Malibus? The leather on this car is by far the worst quality I’ve ever seen. BMW’s VYNIL seats feel better than the so-called “LEATHER APPOINTED” on my Malibu. The leather on my friend’s Avalanche and the Impala’s that I’ve seen feels softer. GM effed this up on these Malibu’s too.

**Don't know what leather appointed means but often said that way. I was led to believe surface was real leather, but suede. I'm beginning to wonder if that was true.

After 40,000 miles, and 2.5 years after birth, the seat on my car is starting to make a very annoying POP every time I begin to accelerate, or stop. It moves ever so slightly too, in the opposite direction of vehicle travel. This can drive someone up the wall, and really ruins the driving experience. I’ve tried moving the seat into different positions to no avail. And I only weigh 160 lbs.

**That does not sound good. Electric I presume? Have you checked to make sure there is nothing obstructing anywhere such as in tracks? Loose change or bottle caps could be issue or maybe something of deeper concern like weak parts.

Sunroof rattle has come back, even though the dealer had fixed the problem at the sixth month after purchase.

**Another reason I said no to sunroof.

I dread the approaching winter coming, because last year my rear speaker deck would creak and rattle like no other. Made me so mad that I wanted to throw stuff at it.

**Have any of these creaking areas been opened for access?
With any quality concern at all they should have put something at the joints of these plastic parts. A soft bead of foam or something to keep them from rubbing. Adding such or 3M doublesided tape might fix.

I have had four major mechanical issues (although none of them caused me to get stranded) with my car within the first 2 years of ownership which gave me enough reason that I will not be keeping this car for very long.

Needless to say, this car is the reason I will never purchase another GM car (even though I’ve had two before this one).

Now, I don’t want to hear any critiquing of my post with…. “Oh, there’s a TSB for this”… or “You should have the dealer look at that.” I’ll just say that GM shouldn’t have built such a POS from the get-go. This 7th Generation Malibu isn’t hyped out to what it is supposed to be. Was fine when new, after 2.5 years, drives horribly, and the cheapness of mostly everything on this car really shows now.

**I heard on news a time back that survey opinions indicated the best built cars were in the late '80's. I see no reason to disagree at this point, even with new Lacrosse so far.

I'm sure EPA and safety issues have been eating a lot of resources, but is that any reason to overlook quality?

E_Net_Rider

10-11-2010, 06:53 AM

Not sure where you're located but the two GM dealers that I do business with will still let you do this. They are "small town" dealerships and they don't even accompany you on the ride. They just hand you the keys and say, "bring it back when you're done."

Small town explains a lot.

Silver LTZ

10-11-2010, 07:08 AM

**I heard on news a time back that survey opinions indicated the best built cars were in the late '80's. I see no reason to disagree at this point, even with new Lacrosse so far.

That can't be right, if anything some of the worst cars were built during that period as a whole.
Although I had a '86 Olds 442 that was super solid.

One issue I have with some new cars are all the gadets and gizmos. Some of them are great to have, but they are gonna be a real headache down the road.

Silver LTZ

10-11-2010, 07:53 AM

I know there has been some animosity in here, which happens when talking about “your” car. But some things some of you need to realize is that not everyone will agree, and since this is a public forum members can and will say what they want. Some members post the same things over and over, and I have gotten a few PM’s about that and I will watch that. Also, if you sold your Malibu, and don’t post anywhere else on the forum, don’t come in here posting all the “issues” you had over and over like a broken record please. It gets old and doesn’t help anyone. Furthermore, if you can’t take someone not agreeing with you, or calling you out on something or even offering advice, then don’t post in this thread.

Thanks.

malibudragon

10-11-2010, 07:53 AM

I'm just now hitting the two year mark on my bu.. I have had a few issues here and there with mine.. A lot of the same others had, brakes squeaking even when not worn down, shudder at certain speeds.

I wish the transmissions would shift better like most have said and i wish the interior plastics and leather trim was better but overall I have been extremely happy with mine. I know at one point I was looking at getting something bigger but I am glad I stuck with the Malibu.

Fueller

10-11-2010, 10:50 AM

I have bounced around reading this thread and so far, my 2010 "Bu" has me quite satisfied. The car is presently at the dealer for the "Brake Shudder" problem. More on that in the other thread later, when I get it back today.:)

A couple of things though...

1). Feels as though the turn signal arm is a little farther away from the steering wheel than I'm use to. The turn signal lever on the Silverado I had was close enough to hook my thumb and forefinger around the steering wheel and still hit it with my middle finger. It's a little more of a stretch for me in the Bu.
2). Also saw earlier in the thread, about the door locks not going flush with the door panel. I too hate banging my arm on them when I want to hang my arm out the window (or getting to the ATM for that matter) :eek:.

DrivenDaily

10-11-2010, 07:14 PM

bandit

10-12-2010, 11:25 PM

Interior gets too hot, and it stays hot for a while as the air conditioner tries so hard to cool. The cheap interior panels take a while to cool off.

That seems really picky. You have a black car. It gets hot. Do you think it gets hotter than any other car? That would be bizarre. You live in a cold climate (Chicago) so are you happy that the interior stays warmer in the winter? I actually have found that the A/C works very quickly. You don't seem to be searching for suggestions but my recommendation is to leave the windows open a crack or the sunroof if you have one and if you're sure it isn't going to rain. Actually, one feature I wish we had is powering open all the windows by holding down the unlock button on the key fob. Hondas have that feature and it's nice in the summer to open all the windows a few minutes before hopping into the oven.

DrivenDaily

10-13-2010, 03:42 AM

I've already written a how-to on remote express down/up of the "other" three windows but will be trying to improve a feature and update the write-up. I did it on my '09 and it worked great. I'll eventually do it to my '11 (traded the '09). See the link in my sig below if you're interested in doing it to yours.

Northern Bu

10-13-2010, 08:44 AM

It's been a month and so far I find:

-the glove box is kind of awkward. If I leave my owner's manual in there and put something on top of it, the manual gets all bent because the bottom of the glove box is not flat due to the handle being in the way. If they moved the handle to the side or something, it would be more functional.

- the seat belts twist more easily due to the way it's connected between the seat and door panels. Sometimes, the bottom part gets wedged and I have to open the door again to release it.

- the "passenger airbag is off" light stays lit when there is no passenger

elcompaLalo

10-13-2010, 10:01 AM

closer9

10-13-2010, 10:53 AM

Hmmm... Aside from the service issues, which two of the three are fixed...

1. Steering wheel and controls SUCK. I usually have to take my hand off the wheel to use the controls which defeats the purpose. I loved the wheel in my Avalanche which was the same as the previous body style Malibu.
2. You can't clean the back window behind the brake light, and the sides where the plastic "package tray"/back dash curves up.
3. Plastic wheel covers.
4. Small trunk opening.
5. Cup holders in the doors. Seriously, does anyone use this for anything other than something to catch your foot on?

Wow, I really sound like a nag, don't I? I really like this car. It's very smooth, quiet and plenty of power... and great economy for a V6... I've never cared for 4 doors, but I'm changing my mind on that. The things above are nothing I can't live with...

Well, had the car over a year now, figured I'd go back over the list...
1. still very valid. Being in the car quite often, this is my biggest complaint, but really not that bad. 10 years ago radio controls on the wheel was a luxory, now it's almost standard.
2. since I only do this once a month or so, still an annoyance, but I get by.
3. I got over this pretty quick. Best looking plastic wheels covers I've ever seen (especially since the wheel is shaped as it is), plus I have G6 GT 18's waiting for me to need new tires, which doesn't appear to be anytime soon.
4. Having a child with a large stroller (which is usually in the wife's Jeep) this is a big one. When it's time to load the car up with the family this one far out weighs the radio controls. Medium size boxes won't even fit. It sucks, and has been the main point when discussing trading off the Malibu (probably not going to happen, but been talked about)
5. Got over this, learned to get in/out without kicking them. Forgot they were even there, till I noticed the wife started leaving stuff in the passenger side one.
and now I would like to add...
6. headlight bulb change. While I haven't had to do this yet, had I known this when sitting in the dealership, I would have gone with the Honda. Seriously, this is rediculous.
7. Brakes are starting to squeal. I remember someone solved this, so I'll go find that thread, and take care of it.

Okay, now I feel I need to say a few things good about my car...
1. It's super quiet for midlevel sedan even with the windows down.
2. Very smooth ride.
3. 3.5 has plenty of power for a family sedan, and with fuel economy averaging in the upper 20's (30 or more on nice flat roads), I'm very happy with my choice of drivetrains.
4. Considering all the chatter about the 6-spd shifting, I love my 4-spd.
5. Roomy, comfy interior; long trips are no problem.
6. Dashing good looks... :)
7. Oil filter is so easy to get to! Why couldn't they have mounted the headlights down there? :)

Okay, that's all for now...

I got my old Plymouth back on the road, so now I want to do a few things with the family cruiser. Get my 18's on it (or maybe find a cool set of aftermarket 17's), tint the windows, in-channel window visors, trunk lip spoiler, mud guards and maybe an indash navigation unit, and upgrade the speakers.

Overall it's a good car...