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Last post on Feb 09, 2013 at 10:37 AM
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Chevrolet Malibu Forum.
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Chevrolet Malibu, Sedan
#1248 of 4972 Some interesting stuff
by bcmalibu99ls
Nov 07, 2002 (9:24 am)
Got it from the Consumer Guide site:
Antilock brakes are optional instead of standard for 2003 on the base version of Malibu. ABS remains standard on LS, but is now a $400 base-model option.
An all-new Malibu arrives for 2004 on the same front-drive Epsilon platform as the latest 9-3 from GM-owned Saab. Don't worry about price, though: Malibu will remain an affordable, mainstream midsize slotting just under Impala. The '04 gets more angular lines than today's vintage-1997 design, plus more room inside via slight gains in width and height. An unexpected innovation is a second 4-dr body style called Malibu Maxx. Chevy terms it an "extended sedan," but it's actually a hatchback with a 6-inch longer wheelbase than the regular Malibu, though also a similar notchback profile. Like some minivans and SUVs, Maxx features a rear seat that slides for extra rear leg room or cargo space; it can also be folded, of course. Maxx options are said to include a rear-seat sunroof, unique among midsize sedans, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Maxx looks a smart move, as many buyers crave the room and versatility of a midsize wagon but don't like the uncool wagon image. We'll know soon enough how smart Chevy is.
The redesign is timely, as demand for the current Malibu keeps sinking despite 0-percent financing and other lures. On a year-to-year basis, Malibu sales dropped 14.8 percent in calendar 2001 and another 14.5 percent in the first half of '02.
Nov 07, 2002 (12:10 pm)
Current Malibu is pretty stale now. There are so many other choices. I think the Malibu is the best value available in this class, but you need more than just value to sell cars.
Really looking forward to seeing the 04. The Opel Vectra it's based on is beautiful.
Nov 08, 2002 (6:46 pm)
A RELAY AND A SPEED SENSOR ARE TWO DIFFERENT
PARTS. THERE ARE MANY PARTS THAT CAN FAIL IN A CAR
JUST DRIVE IT AND DEAL WITH IT.
#1251 of 4972 Intake manifold gasket too skinny
by albuterol
Nov 12, 2002 (8:30 pm)
Cherokee, sorry to hear about your intake gasket, but I'm not surprised. When I changed the gasket on my '98 Bu, I noticed the rubber material was very narrow and thin compared to other cars I've seen. Unfortunately, the replacement gasket had just as little material.
The rubber on the old gasket was shifted and contorted -- just not enough thickness to handle the normal stress.
Nov 12, 2002 (10:50 pm)
Coworker had a 98 with bugs in it, too. I'd avoid those years if used car shopping.
Also, they should call the 2004 Chevy Classic the 'Corsica', the definitive rental car, next to the Taurus and Geo Metro!
#1253 of 4972 2 minute radio reception repair - no tools required
by albuterol
Nov 13, 2002 (4:12 pm)
Just fixed the radio reception on my '98 Bu today. The antenna cable has a connection just under the carpet in the front passenger foot area.
1) Remove plastic panel from bottom door frame on front passenger side -- it's holding the edge of the rug down. There are no screws, the panel is snapped on and can be removed by hand pulling.
2) The cable connection is just under the rug where the rug meets the frame on the passenger side (right side) of the car just ahead of the door frame. I can see how someone's right foot kicking at the spot can cause the cable connection to loosen over time.
3) The connection is loose, just push together. If you want it to stay together, wrap electrical tape around the connection.
4) Tuck rug back, snap plastic panel back on. You're ready to go!
Nov 14, 2002 (11:12 am)
Dindak, thank you for the links. BTW, the new Bu up front looks like a Dodge Neon. The current Bu's front is much more attractive. What do you folks think?
I have a question about auto parts. After GM starts making new Bu's in a year, would that affect the availability of spare parts for the current Bu version?
Nov 14, 2002 (2:46 pm)
Huh, the 2004 does not have round headlights.
It looks fine and the old Malibu should hit the rental lots only.
Nov 14, 2002 (11:45 pm)
Yes, they are not completely round, but the Neon connection popped up in my head right away. I dunno, just never liked round headlights, I think they scar the face of vehicles, Mercedes has it horribly wrong, imho. Have you seen a bimmer with round headlights? Don't count MINI, it's not a BMW