Is a 2006 Chevy Malibu a good car?

Question

I am thinking about buying one. I test drove it, and it is great! Are they good cars? Anyone know what the reputation is with this car? It's an LT. $10,995.

Answer 1

Yes, they are good cars. Offer them $9000, if they counteroffer at $10,000 it's a good deal . Make sure it's not a rebuilt wreck, get them to do a Carfax report.

Answer 2

Yes, they're very nice cars. I like them a lot. Offer them $9500 for it and then they will probably counter back at $10,000, and then you'll save nearly 1000 dollars!

Answer 3

All late model Malibus with the exception of the 'SS' model have electrically assisted power steering as standard equipment.

If your car has electrically assisted power steering it is a weak point on Malibus. The NHTSA is currently investigating a number of complaints and if they do their job right there should be a general recall in the near future. The lawyers from GM are fighting them all the way on this one because it is going to cost GM a shitload of money if the recall comes out. Quite frankly, they are playing with our lives on this one.

There have been cases from steering lockup to pieces actually falling off the car. In a few instances the car actually turned left with no input from the driver. That would put you into oncoming traffic. The dealers don't want to talk about it but mine has. I took my Malibu in for a rattle in the front end and he immediately replaced the intermediate steering shaft. He keeps plenty on hand because in his words "I expect every Malibu that I sold will need one. It's only a matter of time."

The only part of my steering not replaced so far is the steering wheel. The car has sat in the driveway for a month because my wife refuses to drive it.

Answer 4

It’s a great car on the whole, but there is an issue with the power steering system. It’s not as nuts as another poster would have you believe. The steering wheel does not just randomly turn left. It’s not even a problem with every single unit. Some of them will have some issues, but most will be fine. If you want to read more, you can Google “Chevrolet Malibu steering issues” or something similar.

My issue occurred while my warrant was still in place so the car was fixed for free and I’m still very happy with it. The warranty on this car is probably close to running out.  Knowing this problem can occur, I’d take the warranty’s length into consideration.  If you’re buying from a Chevrolet dealer, ask them if they’ll make repairs to the vehicle per the service bulletin on the issue that came out a month or two ago for your piece of mind.  

Answer 5

They are pieces of garbage!!!  If you want to stick with an American make, try a Ford Fusion.  If you don't mind buying foreign, try a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and even a Hyundai Sonata.  All will prove more reliable than a Malibu.