04 Malibu LS

Which of the years and models are having all the steering and brake problems? Many posts say "the newer ones are better", but does an '04 count as one of the newer ones? We're considering buying this car, but reading all the complaints makes me a little nervous. Any advice?

My advice is to stay away from the '04s. Most of the early-build issues were fixed in the '05s (but not all - some front suspension issues weren't remedied until the '06s).

GMs brakes suck, period. No matter what year. I've totally given up on resurfacing the rotors yet again on my '04 Maxx. This has been true with GM (and the same applies to nearly every manufacturer) since the 90s when they made brake components lighter to save weight.

I have had a 99 mali for a couple of years now and have not had many problems with the brakes. I have replaced the front rotors twice now, the first pair were premiums and they rotted through. Put cheapies on this time and they are smmooth again. I put 40k on it last year and has been a good car to me, the best I have ever owned!

You are very lucky indeed. My '98 LS was one of the WORST cars I've ever owned, but GMPP saved me. Judging by the number of issues which continue to be posted in here, the last-gen ('97-'03) was nearly horrible, if not completely so. And the brakes were dreadful - worse for sure compared to my '04.