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4cyl or the 6cyl Malibu-What's your opinion?


hink12341234
09-26-2008, 04:12 PM
I own a 2004 2dr. Chevy Cavalier and want to possibly buy a 4dr automobile. There are many 4dr cars to choose from but i'm interested in what you Malibu owners think of yours. How does the 4cyl(2.2L) rate against the Malibu 6cyl? My Cavalier has the 2.2 and I think it's the best 4cyl. out there. Plenty of power and on a recent trip we got 36.2 mpg. So I would like your opinion's on the 4 and 6 cyl(mpg,power,etc.)that the Malibu uses. Likes/dislikes?? Thanks for your help!

Johnny R
09-26-2008, 05:45 PM
Well, the Malibu is a bit heavier than a Cavalier. I have always held the opinion that i)I don't want the first year of new model [2nd or 3rd year is my preference] ii)I don't want the smallest available engine [next size up is fine], and iii)I don't want the cheapest tires [a couple price ranges up is just fine] . It's not scientific, but it works for me.

wafrederick
09-26-2008, 07:09 PM
Malibus did come with the 2.4 quad 4 and this one you want to stay away from.The 2.4 is very expensive to repair if it breaks.

wpbharry
09-27-2008, 05:34 AM
The current generation ('08/'09) Malibus are unproven. Despite GMs claims to the contrary, EVERY previous generation has been marginally reliable (LOTS of problems in the first 2 years). Since the new one is heavily based on the prior-gen, I'd be leery.

If I had to buy one, I'd go with the 4 cyl./6-speed combo. The 4cyl./4-speed variety didn't do well in a comparison test earlier this year, because the car is much heavier than competitors. Peppy around town, but not so good for meging/passing, etc.

The gas mileage on the 3.6L V-6 is dreadful.

Resale is being artificially pumped up at the moment, but, like the Saturn Aura, will likely plummet in '09, once the car is no longer the latest in fashion.

I'd look at Japanese and Korean brands. The ONLY Chevy that I'd remotely consider when I replace my '04 Maxx in a year or so is the 2.4L HHR.

I haven't heard that the 2.4L Ecotec (not the ancient "Quad 4") is expensive to repair.

wafrederick
09-27-2008, 09:43 AM
The Japanese and Korean cars have very bad drawbacks.They are both very expensive to repair.The Kias are very expensive for insurance.The Toyotas and Hondas have electrical problems which are verey expensive to repair.Hondas,one certain sensor goes bad,the ecm is toast.The ecotech is a very good engine which is a Saturn engine.You do have buy a special oil filter socket when doing an oil change,an 1 1/4" socket in 3/8" drive.

esch3745
09-28-2008, 04:34 AM
The Ecotec is a very good and robust engine. I have the 2004 Malibu with it. Maintenance like oil changes are very easy. For my purpose there is ample power. I've done many long trips of over 3000 miles without any problems. On the highway I can get up to 37mpg. I have carefully checked this figure.

All small problems I had with the car were sorted out under warranty.

Finally, you cannot compare a 4cyl. with a 6cyl. If you want extra power, go for the 6cyl. I do believe though that the new 2.4L Ecotec will have enough power to satisfy most people.

esch3745
09-28-2008, 04:49 AM
Here is a link that describes how robust the Ecotec engine is.

http://www.solsticegxpowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2325

wpbharry
09-29-2008, 06:47 AM
The Ecotec is a GM engine, not a Saturn engine.

I sold Chevys for most of 2007. The 2.2L Ecotec in the '07 Malibus was great around town but pretty scary when the RPMs got higher (WAY underpowered). The 2.4L Ecotec in the '08 Malibu was pretty much the same - a tad better - because the car is heavier than much of the competition. I don't know if the addition of the 6-speed tranny has helped, but I assume so.

In contrast, the 2.4L HHR was a hoot in all situations. Because it's 500 pounds lighter. Even in the HHR, the 2.4L is noticeably more peppy than the 2.2L.

The above comments about the Japanese brands are absurd. The problem with the Korean brands is that despite much improved quality/reliability, resale values remain in the doghouse.

Personally, I'm starting to track the 2010 Fusion - it's getting a new 2.5L 4-cylinder and it might make the '09 short list for me. Reliability on that car has been spectacular.

wafrederick
09-29-2008, 06:58 PM
It is true about the Japanese cars with electrical problems,My father went to a class,an elctrical by Auto Value parts store and they said this.Honda is worse on vacuum hoses,50 in a bundle.My father saw on on the ground at an auto wrecking yard.The vacuum hoses have connected to the intake intact or the customer will not buy it.

Speedy_1234
10-09-2008, 06:27 PM
I have a 08 nissan altima it does give me 23 city and 31+plus mpg (2.5s)

Speedy_1234
10-09-2008, 06:29 PM
I use to have a 98 malibu 3.1 V6 I would fill the tank up and it would last me about a 2 weeks(my work is about 8 mile away) m-f with AC on

Amboogie
10-13-2008, 06:39 PM
Don't waste your money...google 'lower intake manifold gasket problems malibu' or 'problems with chevy malibu'...and I promise you won't want one...I have an 03' and regret the day I ever traded my eclipse for it....I have a brother in law with an 01' impala...and it has the same engine...he is having the same costly problems with his now that I have with mine, my brother has an 01 grand prix with the same engine as well, and he had the same problems as mine did but didn't catch the leak in time and the coolant leaked into his oil......5000 later he had a new engine replacement bill. I have contacted GM on this problem and a rep told me they were fully aware of the problems, but were not going to do a recall all they did was send out bulletins to all the chevy repair shops so that when customers called and complained about these issues the mechanics would know what it was. I called GM again to talk to someone else to let him know what his rep told me and he told me to never contact them again about these issues... :smile: Anyway...go for a rally edition lancer or something I looked those up and they seem to have no problems...I loved my eclipse...and the toyota fj's are pretty nice as well, and last i looked they had no problems either except for some cracking on the back bumper. If you are insistant on buying a malibu I have a 'wonderful' 2003 6cyl that I would be more than happy for you to take off of my hands.

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