1999 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews

1999 Chevrolet Malibu

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1999 Chevrolet Malibu

Kelley Blue Book Retail $4,775–$5,450  

Average Rating

3.7 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.1 out of 5
Performance:3.8 out of 5
Exterior Styling:3.6 out of 5
Interior Design:3.4 out of 5
Value for the Money:3.3 out of 5
Reliability:3.0 out of 5

6 out of 10 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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A good first car

by First Car
from Tulsa, OK | February 14, 2012

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 2 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 3 out of 5

"Overall, my 1999 Chevrolet Malibu has been a solid vehicle. Here's my personal opinions: Pros: Decent Acceleration (with V6 engine) Comfortable seats Good features for such an old car Fun handling Pretty good speakers (at least on my Malibu) Solid A/C, heating Big trunk Cheap to repair Reliable engine Cons: Poor interior quality Airbags malfunctioned around 120K miles Issues with front Power windows & Windshield washer fluid system Horrible resale value (especially if you don't keep up maintenance or repairs) Daytime running lights (just a personal dislike) May struggle with cold weather if you don't led the engine idle first One unique thing about my Malibu is that it's a flood vehicle. The car was totally fixed (Praise Jesus for insurance) when my parents had it. Since that was when it had 48K miles, my car's engine actually only has about 77K miles (the dash says 125K). As a result, the engine is still running well so I haven't experienced issues that some people may have since it's not an old engine. I've had this car for almost 3 years and I have to say that it's a decent first car for me. I want a newer vehicle, but this one is still running pretty well."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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Steady and sure

by chitownmickeydee
from Chicago, IL | January 14, 2012

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 3 out of 5

"My experience with the 1999 Chevy Malibu has been steady and sure over the years. The vehicle has generally been dependable but had its quirks. A pinhole leak on a steam of the coolant system reservoir led to misty fountain-like mess in the engine compartment. The low cycle settings (1-3) for the A/C & heating system failed because of corrosion to the resistor strip on a PCA near the firewall. Moisture attacked the resistors on that PCA causing it to fail. Thus the climate control settings only worked on high (4-5). Replacement part is relatively inexpensive but you need to be a contortionist to access the area. A large, unsightly rust hole with a 4" circumference formed around the fuel intact door. This was a result of a design flaw. Some other rust areas are forming as the vehicle ages in a rustbelt region of the country. Engine performance and gas mileage have been good as advertised. Spacial aspects including intenal passsenger compartments and truck space are very good ."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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Old Reliable

by The Boss
from Houston, TX | December 30, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"Car ran good had to do a little work on it but was in great condition no big problems out of it yet I like the car very much been driving it around a lot"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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1999 chev malibu

by tollie
from manitowoc wisconsin | March 13, 2011

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"bought this car 6 years ago. with 48000 miles now it has 97000, this is my wifes car and she just love it. outside of the regular up keeps like tires and exhaust and brakes this car great."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

So So

by Chevyman
from Springfield, MO | October 11, 2010

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 3 out of 5

"I have had my '99 Malibu since 2001. It had 17,000 miles on it at that time. It now has 108,000 and for the most part it has been a good car i guess. Until about 20,000 miles ago I hadn't even considered getting rid of it but now it always seems to want something. I did have to replace the intake gasket (done by a friend or would have cost $700) and changed the coolant to regular instead of dexcool. I've only had to replace breaks 3 times. If you use good ceramic pads they last longer. I am constantly having issues with the cooling system and the poor design of the recovery tank I have had to replace it three times (due to the preasure build up busting the seam) at a cost of $40 each. The A/C has the issue of turning off at random but it has always done that so I have gotten used to suddenly being hot and having to press the button again. I had to replace the cat converter which was almost $500. Gas mileage isn't anywhere close to what Chevy claims it to be. The check engine light came on, and I replaced the air filter and that fixed it for about 4 months, now the light is on again, so this time I have decided instead of pouring more money into it I am trading it in on a sweet new ride. Don't get me wrong this car has been one of the best, most reliable cars I have ever had since it has never left me stranded. It's just to that stage of it's life where things start wearing out at a rapid pace."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Love this car

by X
from MN | November 9, 2008

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"Mine has been very reliable, would never sell except for the small backseat-to small for two carseats. Hardly any repairs...at first I was replacing the brake pads often, but ceramic pads kept up VERY well and I haven't changed them for years."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Chevy's corner cuts are your repair bills

by Average Joe
from Winston-Salem, NC | October 28, 2008

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 2 out of 5

"I've heard many complaints about the Malibu and thought I would share my experience. Its widely noted that Chevrolet decided to save money by making the intake gasket out of plastic. The plastic becomes brittle over time and begins to leak, causing you to lose coolant. It's an inexpensive fix if you are handy with cars, but look to spend $500 or more to have a shop replace it. I replaced mine at 74k. Chevy is also known for using undersized brake discs, causing the brakes to work harder to slow your vehicle. Thus, you end up replacing your brakes earlier and more frequently than other cars. Poor design, not poor parts. When replacing them keep in mind that soft brakes stop better, but wear faster. Other problems of note were water pump issues. I had to replace mine at 60k. There is an issue with the AC system randomly turning off. I hear its a fairly expensive fix due to having to remove the dash. Mine has the problem, but I have found that it doesn't stay off long enough to cause me an issue. I just press the AC button again to turn it back on. Other than that I would say that the '99 Malibu has been a good car. It doesn't get the gas milage they claim, but it isn't that bad. It rides well, and its easy to drive. If you find one that has the intake gasket replaced, the water pump replaced, and a new set of brakes, consider it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Okay car

by Teenager's first car
from jersey city, nj | January 24, 2008

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Handling: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 2 out of 5
Value for the Money: 2 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"not the best car, unreliable, burns too much gas. This car always has temperature problems as far as coolant systems go. Always breaks down but sometimes gets the job done."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Most Unreliable Car I've Ever Owned!

by Rev. Marc
from Pittsburgh | May 21, 2007

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Handling: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 2 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"This car's chronic problems with the coolant system, brakes and front suspension make it an absolute nightmare to own. GM never stood behind it even after the faulty intake gasket nearly resulted in a class-action suit. Expensive to repair, even more expensive if you don't. Run, as fast as you can away from any dealer trying to sell you this money pit!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

has been very good car

by jocoalja
from columbus ohio | October 6, 2006

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 2 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I have never put one cent into repairs on my car.I love this car Do wish it would have had other features such as cruise control but over all very good car I am looking at buying a new car and will probely buy a 2007"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

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