2004 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Satisfaction

Overall Owner Satisfaction

Consumer Reports’ Annual Owner Satisfaction Survey can improve the chances of finding a compatible car match. How? Our survey data reveals whether, all things considered, owners would buy the same car again. The answer to that question is what determines our owner-satisfaction rating, which is a powerful piece of intel because it predicts how well a particular model will satisfy other owners.

Overall Owner Satisfaction

Owner Satisfaction with:

Driving Experience

Includes acceleration and handling

What Owners Say

"It is small but fairly comfortable and not a bad riding car"

Salvatore B., NY (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"The handling is stiff and makes you feel like you're driving a tank. Acceleration is abrupt and jerky as it changes gears."

Anonymous, TN (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"I have always been impressed by the acceleration of this car from the beginning. It responds well and has good pick-up for a 4 cylinder engine. The handling has deteriorated a bit over the years. It is showing it's wear and tear."

David H., IA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Good"

Anonymous, NY (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"It is very responsive for a 4 cylinder engine. On the road, the car handles more like a sports car than a "family" car. Very good handling on curvy roads and open highway."

David H., IA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Accelerates and handles very well"

Anonymous, WI (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Strong acceleration - Decent ride comfort"

Anonymous, MN (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"The Maxx version of the Malibu is the least expensive car from 2004 with a six cylinder engine. It is a speed demon."

ERIC L., NY (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"good power and handling; but I had to replace the center console infotainment system, due to a faulty cd player."

Anonymous, CA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"The v6 Malibu Maxx handles , stops and accelerates very well and gets very good highway mileage, low to mid 30's."

RICHARD B., NY (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Great acceleration and handling for a 3 cylinder engine. Brakes wear out prematurely. Often with only 5,000 to 10,000 highway miles."

RON K., PA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"car rides good, gets fab mileage on trips (32+) and has been cheap to maintain, plenty of power, handling is fine for our level of driving"

D R., NJ (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"With a V6 engine, the car has a quick pickup and passing is quite easy"

Anonymous, OR (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

Comfort

Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride

What Owners Say

"After almost a quarter million miles it is still a comfortable ride. The noise levels have increased a small amount, but not enough to be bothersome. The seats, while comfortable, are showing signs of wear and tear. The drivers seat especially is showing some collapsing of the cushion."

David H., IA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Good"

Anonymous, NY (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Power drivers seat has broken twice: --- First time while under warranty. Seat was totally replaced --- 2nd time during past year. Forward/Rearward seat movement has stopped. Unsafe to drive for short drivers. Only solution (according to dealer) is to replace the seat altogether."

FLOYD H., TX (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Seat support hardware is not sufficient."

Anonymous, NC (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Heated seats work well"

R S., MI (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Like that the brake pedal can be adjusted. I am 5' and have problems reaching the pedals in most cars. All cars have bucket seats now which make it difficult to exit the car."

JOAN F., PA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Good front and rear seat room. Good storage space. Easy entry"

LEE S., CT (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Very uncomfortable seating compared to my previous Buick La Saber"

K K., CO (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

Value

Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?

What Owners Say

"We bought it at quite a discount. In addition we had, at the time, a chevrolet credit card on which we had accumulated several thousand dollars bonus towards Chevrolet car. Additional discount for borrowing from Chevrolet (we paid it back within a few weeks)"

Anonymous, CA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Few repair expenses over 13 years."

Anonymous, WA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Poor quality - engine, interior. Had to pay for repairs that were covered for other Maxxs under recalls"

Anonymous, NC (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"This vehicle has been an absolute amazing value. We have had very few issues with this car for its whole life. Regular maintenance is all that we have done with the exception of replacing the electric steering under warranty.... almost 14 years and 200k miles...simply amazing! Very satisfied."

Bruce R., NC (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"It has been almost trouble-free for 12 years. I really like he hatchback design (Malibu Maxx), and have easily hauled countless items."

Anonymous, IL (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"I would love to have a new Malibu LTZ or LS or an Impala"

SUSAN B., MI (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

Styling

How it looks inside and out

What Owners Say

"paint job great"

H D., CA (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"This vehicle is about as 'plane Jane' as you can get from Chevrolet. It has no 'modern' styling points that came out in 2005 or 2006. I needed a sedan that allows me to carry elderly passengers. I like that it's smaller at 188 inches than virtually every other 'mid-size sedan' in its class; it lets me park in a few more spaces in the City than longer cars would. I hope to find a shorter car in my next vehicle."

MARTIN B., IL (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

"Headlights are made of poor plastic and are disclorered and cracked."

DAVID L., NJ (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

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