can you elaborate on the update? what issue does it fix/semi-fix? I sure hope to get rid of 6-4 shift on highway acceleration, 5th gear is there for a reason
Do you still like your Malibu?
I've been looking at the LTZ V6 Malibu, Accord V6, Camry SE V6 and Altima SE V6. Drove all and they are all very well built cars. The Malibu had the quitest ride, period. I don't know what Chevy did but Honda and the rest better follow! I've been lurking on here a while and everyone seems to like their Malibus. Complaints i had was the upgraded stereo. It did not sound good at all. I clunk my head on the front pillar when getting in and thats it. Its been many years since i've had a domestic car (88 Escort). That domestic car gave me many problems. I like the Malibu but do not want to get that feeling again that the other domestic car gave me. So i have some questions
1. Is there any mechanical problems that the Malibu's 3.6 have weather it be yours or what you've read elsewhere? I've searched and can not believe i get hardly no results. It seems that engine is in many GMs.
2. What are you V6 owners getting to a tank of gas?
3. How much is the OnStar service? I have a Garmin, so is it worth it?
4. What makes this car so quite? Wow.
5. What is the uplevel instrument cluster upgrade on the LTZ?
6. How are the grey colored suede/leather combo seats holding up?
Can't think of any more but i'm sure more will come. More than likely i'll get the LT2 V6 for the fact i don't like the wood trim. The aluminum looked nice and can't be had in the LTZ.
1. Is there any mechanical problems that the Malibu's 3.6 have weather it be yours or what you've read elsewhere? I've searched and can not believe i get hardly no results. It seems that engine is in many GMs.
2. What are you V6 owners getting to a tank of gas?
3. How much is the OnStar service? I have a Garmin, so is it worth it?
4. What makes this car so quite? Wow.
5. What is the uplevel instrument cluster upgrade on the LTZ?
6. How are the grey colored suede/leather combo seats holding up?
Can't think of any more but i'm sure more will come. More than likely i'll get the LT2 V6 for the fact i don't like the wood trim. The aluminum looked nice and can't be had in the LTZ.
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It got rid of it for us for the most part. However, we have an Eco. Our main problem was that it was going into 5th with cruise on and then staying in it for WAY too long after a hill. Ours rarely did the 6-4 shift unless I was doing it manually or in auto mode and I slammed the pedal down to the floor.
At first we had some minor issues, first the iss and a bad purge solenoid, all fixed and have had no problems since. no car is perfect, But i have to say that this one has really grown on us. Just passed 15,000 and every time i get behind the wheel the V6 still impresses me with it's power range. Getting over 26 now on the highway and the interior still is as solid as the day i drove it off the lot. Really like this car!!!!
Dude just joined this forum, but thats not the point. Have had my 08 malibu LTZ for all 17,000 miles and its worth tha hype.
1. No mechanical problems as of yet more like errors from aftermarket parts, customizing this car is hard! Great warranty though.
2. On a tank of gas I'll get about 21 MPG average overall although I do step on it a bit.
3. Forget onstar forget garmin, go get yourself an lcd deck in place of the factory deck, navigation deck looks sick and plays dvd's lol. Plus the factory deck is weak so you need some amplification.
4. Quietness was a big step from the maxx version to the new ltz version at least with my experience. As explained above they had more material for the firewall than previous versions. Alot of noise also comes from the tires, so they insulated the wheel wells rather thick. But let me tell you that when you dynamat 1/2 the car it is solid and very quiet from outside noise. I can barely hear a train with windows up.
5.not sure about the cluster, probably gives you more to look at as far as gauges.
6. Have the black/burgundy interior. Leather wipes dont work so well, but I use a non greasy formula to keep them clean. I forgot the brand. Seats are looking they are new still.
1. No mechanical problems as of yet more like errors from aftermarket parts, customizing this car is hard! Great warranty though.
2. On a tank of gas I'll get about 21 MPG average overall although I do step on it a bit.
3. Forget onstar forget garmin, go get yourself an lcd deck in place of the factory deck, navigation deck looks sick and plays dvd's lol. Plus the factory deck is weak so you need some amplification.
4. Quietness was a big step from the maxx version to the new ltz version at least with my experience. As explained above they had more material for the firewall than previous versions. Alot of noise also comes from the tires, so they insulated the wheel wells rather thick. But let me tell you that when you dynamat 1/2 the car it is solid and very quiet from outside noise. I can barely hear a train with windows up.
5.not sure about the cluster, probably gives you more to look at as far as gauges.
6. Have the black/burgundy interior. Leather wipes dont work so well, but I use a non greasy formula to keep them clean. I forgot the brand. Seats are looking they are new still.
I have almost the same car as you - but with build date 4/09. I also have found this situation with the trans, and it is somewhat irritating.It got rid of it for us for the most part. However, we have an Eco. Our main problem was that it was going into 5th with cruise on and then staying in it for WAY too long after a hill. Ours rarely did the 6-4 shift unless I was doing it manually or in auto mode and I slammed the pedal down to the floor.
We have had the car for only 1,200 miles! I know it's early but we still really like it. Even though I have the 4 cyl. I really enjoy driving it. I have changed the oil, love the fact that the oil filter is accessed from above (much less messy).
What I don't like:
1. Visibility. It seems like I'm always afraid that I'm missing spots around me when I'm passing. The pillars are pretty big.
2. Low seat. I'm 6' tall and feel like I need to "fall" into the car. Once I'm in it's fine.
It's a great car. One other car to consider is also the Ford Fusion. It is a big roomier than the Malibu (1" wider I think), but very comparable (I think) with the Malibu.
For the Love of God!, if you haven't bought a Mali/GM/American car then PLZ don't. You will regret it, trust me... i learned that the hard way. (unless the Said GM car was made before 2000)
Sorry helio2, but I guess you can't be trusted. I still love my 08 Malibu, as I did my 04..
luckycat- I agree about the Fusion, especially the new refreshed model. It would've been a drive-off event for me if that car'd have been available back when I was shopping. Ford's done a nice job on it.
luckycat- I agree about the Fusion, especially the new refreshed model. It would've been a drive-off event for me if that car'd have been available back when I was shopping. Ford's done a nice job on it.
You just lost all credibility. Saying that GM's from the 80's & 90's are better than what is offered today is just ignorant. I won't say anything in the last 10 years is without problems, but take a look at Buick, the Malibu, Cadillac, Corvette, etc. and you'll definitely see a huge improvement in innovation and quality.For the Love of God!, if you haven't bought a Mali/GM/American car then PLZ don't. You will regret it, trust me... i learned that the hard way. (unless the Said GM car was made before 2000)
Since you went there, don't buy a Toyota Tundra anytime soon. Chasis rusting through in a matter of years, engines failing, among other things wrong with their entire lineup. Let's not forget Honda, who's been having more issues lately. Do we even want to mention Mitsubishi or Mercedes?
It's really sad that there are ignorant people like yourself out there. You're part of the reason GM isn't doing so well. You have this one sided mindset that Domestic = BAD and Foreign = GOOD. There are good products on both sides, you just have to do your homework first.
It's a shame the latest GM efforts (Malibu, Lamda crossovers, bringing over the G8) really didn't help them avoid the situation they are in now.
Those all are definitely nice and competitive models.
Those all are definitely nice and competitive models.
You just lost all credibility. Saying that GM's from the 80's & 90's are better than what is offered today is just ignorant. I won't say anything in the last 10 years is without problems, but take a look at Buick, the Malibu, Cadillac, Corvette, etc. and you'll definitely see a huge improvement in innovation and quality.
Since you went there, don't buy a Toyota Tundra anytime soon. Chasis rusting through in a matter of years, engines failing, among other things wrong with their entire lineup. Let's not forget Honda, who's been having more issues lately. Do we even want to mention Mitsubishi or Mercedes?
It's really sad that there are ignorant people like yourself out there. You're part of the reason GM isn't doing so well. You have this one sided mindset that Domestic = BAD and Foreign = GOOD. There are good products on both sides, you just have to do your homework first.
To be fair GM, Ford and Chrysler did their part to cement that mindset for the majority of people. They are right to question it and fear American cars, as those same manufacturers haven't done enough, yet, to dig out of that hole, or at least make it known and be trustworthy. However, I do feel things have changed, and when making such an expensive purchase you should do your homework and inform yourself. If this is done, you will find that things have changed, and in some cases for quite a while now, and helio2 likely wouln't have such an opinion.
lucky, i've checked out the ford fusion forums and the fusion has had some very serious problems with engines ticking, oil leaks, interior noise and the best is the transmission coming out of park and rolling away on it's own. it wasn't even a choice when I considering a new car. Malibu is a way better car hands down.
I do not agree with you at all. Gm makes some good cars. Not all are great but the malibus are. I hated mine when I first got it. It grew on me. Now I love it. It's reliable and comfortable. The only thing I would change on it is the ride height, suspension, and power. I am a fan of fast great handling cars. So when I got it I was disappointed. It was a present from my family when my fiance and I were in a really bad spot. I know from experience, there is no reason to make this car fast. Keep it a DD and get a performance car on the side.For the Love of God!, if you haven't bought a Mali/GM/American car then PLZ don't. You will regret it, trust me... i learned that the hard way. (unless the Said GM car was made before 2000)
Second, and I don't mean this negatively.... Most people who hate cars with that much passion are normally the ones who do not take car of their cars. I've seen it a million times.
There are 2 kinds of Vw owners. The ones who will always own them. And those who hate them. And it all comes down to the same result. Those who hate them are the ones who don't take care of them. The reality of it is, there is more to maintaining a car than just an oil change.
Oh trust me, I'm well aware. I owned a '99 Grand Am for 8 years, and my wife had an Alero for 3. I'm well aware of how crappy their cars can be. That's why I bought the Mazda 3, which didn't give me a single problem for the 3yrs/20k miles I had her for.To be fair GM, Ford and Chrysler did their part to cement that mindset for the majority of people. They are right to question it and fear American cars, as those same manufacturers haven't done enough, yet, to dig out of that hole, or at least make it known and be trustworthy. However, I do feel things have changed, and when making such an expensive purchase you should do your homework and inform yourself. If this is done, you will find that things have changed, and in some cases for quite a while now, and helio2 likely wouln't have such an opinion.
I'm all about giving a company a 2nd or 3rd shot, but I will be more cautious.
I liked the Fusion as well but the antique looking radio font and HORRIBLE color killed the car for me. Im a big guy (6'6") and the room wasnt near as useable (if that is the right word) as in the Malibu.
Dont get me wrong. Its a great car for sure. Just wasnt the right one for us.
Dont get me wrong. Its a great car for sure. Just wasnt the right one for us.
I can respect that. It's like me and my friends S2000. I'm 6'2 and it's just not practical. Yeah it's fun to drive around, but to drive it in traffic and daily.... I'd rather not. It's a fun car, but not for me. He even has coil overs on his so I have an extra hard time getting out of it.Dont get me wrong. Its a great car for sure. Just wasnt the right one for us.
Interesting I was not aware of that... thought I heard from various folks (including some GM engineers) that the Fusion is a quality car, of course I could be wrong! And in the end I got a Malibulucky, i've checked out the ford fusion forums and the fusion has had some very serious problems with engines ticking, oil leaks, interior noise and the best is the transmission coming out of park and rolling away on it's own. it wasn't even a choice when I considering a new car. Malibu is a way better car hands down.
From what I read, Ford's also going to manufacturer more Fusions in order to try and capture GM & Chrysler customers. That probably doesn't bode well for resale values.
Only 1200 mi on my 09 but it is the most solid GM car I have ever owned, was actually tighter and quieter than the imports.Hopefully it stays that way. Chevy has a winner here, I just hope it' enough to save them.
I still love my Malibu. I have the 08 LTZ 3.6 v6 . Had it for a year now and I put all highway miles on it. I get the great MPG at usally 33.2mpg going around 65 to 70mph with the cruse control on. I still cant hear any outside noise unless the usally big trucks. My car was a great buy for me with the power and sporty look in and out trust me i still like and love my malibu.
I enjoy driving my Bu every day. I bought it used from carmax Sept, last year. I consider myself lucky as I have not had any single problem with it since then, compare to some bad luck people had on their brand new Bu's.
This is my first American and Chevy car. I have owned Toyota and Honda. Last year, I started shopping for a replacement in March. After tested Camry, Accord and the Bu, I was sold to the Bu for its quietness and luxury look. I got some budget issue at that time when trying to get a brand new: I set out a 21K paid-off limit but all of my local dealers refused to make lower than 22K on the LT 2 model I like. I was thinking to pull the trigger on a brand new Accord LX for 19K. Then I saw CarMax had the car for 19K with 1K miles on it. I test drove it and bought it on the same day.
Since then, the price has been down and up but I never regret about that decision. Some days, I found myself sneaking down to the garage, get on my Bu and drive around town for a break. I really enjoyed it
This is my first American and Chevy car. I have owned Toyota and Honda. Last year, I started shopping for a replacement in March. After tested Camry, Accord and the Bu, I was sold to the Bu for its quietness and luxury look. I got some budget issue at that time when trying to get a brand new: I set out a 21K paid-off limit but all of my local dealers refused to make lower than 22K on the LT 2 model I like. I was thinking to pull the trigger on a brand new Accord LX for 19K. Then I saw CarMax had the car for 19K with 1K miles on it. I test drove it and bought it on the same day.
Since then, the price has been down and up but I never regret about that decision. Some days, I found myself sneaking down to the garage, get on my Bu and drive around town for a break. I really enjoyed it
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