2005 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews

Good and reliable

Written by: Matt on 09/01/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I've had this car for about three years now. It's at about 70 thousand miles and still running great. I have the base model, so there isn't a lot of power, but the gas mileage is great and it's got a decent amount of pep for a four cylinder. The ride is smooth and the transmission is fluid. It has plenty of leg room and the interior, while not made of top grade materials, has held up nicely to a 4 and 1 year old.

Favorite Features

A lot of features for a base model, like keyless entry and power everything. For the gas mileage, this car puts out some nice performance.

Suggested Improvements

The motor can be a little noisy when it's working hard.

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The right decision

Written by: April on 08/29/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my Malibu after a month and a half of searching for a vehicle after I totaled mine. I was a bit skeptical on this purchase because I know what kind of problems Malibus have had in the past. I work with cars everyday so I get to see first hand what kind of problems come thru my door. Once I saw the car's sleek design and I was able to test drive it, I was sold. This Malibu was far past my expectations of a Malibu. I love the 3.5L V6, which my dad says is too big for me and my lead foot! I purchased this car used with 80000 miles on it. I have put almost 6000 on it since I bought it and I have very few complaints. There are a few bumps here and there, but thats normal for a used car.

Favorite Features

I love the 3.5L V6, the moon roof, the 6 disc changed (which doesn't like burned cd's sometimes) the leather/suede interior, the huge trunk. I just love this car all around.

Suggested Improvements

Ok, what is up with the plastic clip on the windshield on the drivers side inside? Was this something GM left on accidentally or intentionally?

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Excellent Value

Written by: JD on 08/22/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Terribly disappointed in my two Toyotas. Went back to Chevy and wow what a car. Great gas mileage, very good road handling, and competitively priced. Am getting ready to buy a new car and it will be another Chevrolet product.

Favorite Features

Like the trim size. The road handling. The radio.

Suggested Improvements

Too much wind noise when the moonroof is open.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Should have known better

Written by: Mike on 08/13/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Should have known better than to buy another Malibu after having problems with an '01 model. With the exception of the steering column recall, this car seemed very good until about 3 years in. CD changer doesn't work. Interior shotty. Power steering started acting up, numerous squeaks. Then the starting began sticking, and the ignition in the dash had to be replaced at a cost of over $500. Finally traded the thing when the entire electrical system went haywire and blew the turn signals. Chevy makes good trucks; why can't they make a car? I will never own another GM car.

Favorite Features

Fuel mileage great for a V-6.

Suggested Improvements

Electronic and interior were incredibly poorly made. Obvious Chevy used cheap parts to try to compete with foreign brands. It didn't work!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2005 Malibu LT 6-cylinder

Written by: Carguy999 on 07/12/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I originally bought this car to commute 76 miles roundtrip to work. Very comfortable, very reliable, very fuel- efficient. 70% highway driving has yielded an average of 28mpg. The only repairs needed have been a couple of recalls and a steering fix common for this generation of Malibus; otherwise just oil changes and tire rotations. Not an exciting car, but very, very practical. I had intended to sell it now that I'm retired, but I'm re- thinking that. A far better value, and a much better car, than my wife's 2006 Toyota Camry.

Favorite Features

Reliability, fuel economy, comfort, interior space.

Suggested Improvements

More exciting styling might have been nice, but its utilitarian look has grown on me.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My Malibu LS

Written by: Chevyman on 07/05/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased my Malibu after a long 3 year battle with my 2001 Saturn L-200. Great car only issue is a slight dash rattle between 50-62 mph other than that it's great. Fuel economy is awesome. Great power. Roomy interior. I noticed one individual stated that Chevys are junk and that he was going back to Toyota well go, buy foreign and push our country into more of a recession. This car is a good value no matter what way you look at it.

Favorite Features

Price, comfort, economy, power

Suggested Improvements

Chevy has improved the Malibu in all aspects just look at the 2008 Malibu. Don't see any Toyotas that sweet.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Safety nightmare

Written by: Sheila on 07/02/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Since I purchased the car brand new I have been to the dealer for the following problems: New rack and pinion replaced twice, 2 bald tires replaced from bad alignment, heated seats go on randomly, the radio switch on the steering wheel stopped working, and now the seat brackets broke on the drivers seat and the car was never involved in an accident. GM showed no concern for my safety and said it was not under warranty anymore! The car only has 34000 miles on it. the interior is a fake leather and shows all spots and water drops. they do not come clean. On the highway you cannot have the back windows open or there is a tunnel sound in your ears.

Favorite Features

Interior is roomy.

Suggested Improvements

Need to work on the quality of the workmanship!

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2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4 dr 3.5l6cyl

Written by: Kelly123 on 06/21/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Just had my Malibu 2 weeks. So far I really like it. I had to bring it back to the dealer for a steering rack. Hope that fixes the noise. We took a 200 mile road trip and I got 36.8 miles per gallon. Back and forth to work (about 70% highway) I get about 31. I'm fairly pleased with that. I think the onboard computer is right on. What people don't realize is that you have to check the Department of Weights & Measures rating on the pump when you get gas. ou don't always get a gallon for a gallon. The closer it is to 12, the more accurate. I always try to fill up at stations that are rated at a 10 12. I find that the car's MPG computer seems to be really close then.

Favorite Features

6 airbags & remote start! I know I'll love that once winter hits. I traded my minivan for this car. I lost money in the deal, but will more than make up for it in the gas savings.

Suggested Improvements

Seat cover fabric - gets dirty way too easily. Could spruce up the front end a bit, but I believe they've done that on the '08's.

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Better than any Import, Toyota look out!

Written by: gindelm7 on 06/13/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Bought this car new after looking for a replacement for my 1999 Malibu. This is the 4cyl with XM satellite radio and remote start. I took the car back to replace a visor and check out steering noise. Outstanding service. Said the steering noise was normal. Now I have 90,000 miles and just replaced front brake pads (no rotors) for the first time. Nothing else has gone wrong with this car! Tires at 63,000 miles and regular oil changes. My radio/computer says 33 mpg but my calculations indicate I get 35.7 mpg. Can the new malibu be any better? Great drive quality at 75 mph, no noise. no vibrations. Paint looks great, A/C is fantastic. Plenty of room in back seat for 3 kids. Get one!

Favorite Features

Favorite feature is 35 mpg especially with gas at $4.00/gal. Then it is XM radio, and remote start. Great visibility driving. This car has been a dream to own. I use synthetic Mobil 1 and change oil when the computer says, about 9000 miles. The car does not use any oil between changes!

Suggested Improvements

I can't think of anything. I was concerned about the steering noise when new. But now with 90,000 miles I haven't replaced any rods or other equipment. I think the noise is normal for this car. Chevrolet has a winner here. I hope the new Malibu is nicer, but I don't see how.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Wish I'd Known What I Know Now

Written by: Michelle on 06/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my Malibu brand new from the dealership and it has all the bells and whistles. It's been 3 years this month and I've had the steering column replaced due to a recall(after taking it 2 times to have it checked before the recall). I've had the 6 disc cd changer replaced because my disks were stuck in it, I've had to buy touch up paint because the paint jobs so thin that any brush against an object scrapes to the grey plastic and now the battery's dead in my key fob & they have to order a whole kit to replace it!! Oh, & my sunroof rattles when it's open. I'm just afraid that when my factory warranty's up, I'll be up the creek with this car!

Favorite Features

GM logo. Through good & bad I am an all-American girl! But, good gas mileage, remote start and the seat warmers are also a plus. Just hope they keep working!

Suggested Improvements

Really hope the re-designed Malibu doesn't just have a sleek new look, but also is efficient & dependable! GM, you've got to pull it together or Honda, Toyota & Nissan will continue to outshine & outsell you!

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