1997 Chevrolet Malibu

Back in the day a friend had an avocado green tank of a car called a Malibu. Chevrolet still showcases these oldies in more modern, fuel efficient, nicer colored models that are seen in today's market. The Malibu is a sedan made for small families, or older couples who have the grandkids here and there.

The Malibu's style has come a far way from the boxy avocado days, but it’s still plain Jane. Basic body style and tasteful colors are fine and dandy but may leave many wanting more. The interior is also basic and a little cheap; the cloth seats wear badly as do the pleather versions. The front seats are comfortable enough for long drives but the back seats, not so much. Rear seat leg room is fine for children and even shorter teenagers, but if you’re over 5'6" you'll feel cramped. Headroom is decent as is the trunk space.

The car's performance is just ok. Better replacement tires are a must as the originals are cheap and it is worth it to get higher end versions because this car wears them down quicker then it should. The transmission has a tendency to slip in 3rd and 4th gears, which also lessens the performance, as does its lack of power. That being said the ride is nice and comfortable, and even in wet conditions the car handles nicely.

The Malibu does have quite a few issues that range from annoying to expensive. The ignition sticks a bit and you'll find yourself jiggling a lot when turning it, not to mention the tendency to start and stall after fuel filling. The air vents lower speeds seem to fail quickly leaving only the heavy blower settings working. The brakes have problems ranging from the electrical sensors to the backing plates. Also, when (and I do mean when) you have this vehicle towed, make sure the tow driver knows to leave all four tires on the ground to avoid damage to the suspension and the body. General upkeep on the Malibu is pretty easy for the back yard guys and will run between $20-$40 for parts and an additional $30-$40 if having it done somewhere. The mileage is decent, ranging from 23-28 MPG and possible higher if oil changes and tune-ups are done every three months or so.