2000 Chevrolet Malibu

I have also owned a Chevy Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire and a Plymouth Sundance -- all considered "school cars," which are great for students who drive to and from school, cheap to replace and fairly safe for a new driver if one is ever in an accident. Any other mention made to a school car will be based on these other 3 cars I have driven.

Reliability I have owned my Malibu for 7 years now, with 85,000 miles on it. I bought this car used in 2002, with less than 30,000 miles on it. Within 3 months of buying the car, the engine DIED. The dealership I bought the car from claimed the extended warranty I bought did not cover the engine. (How convenient for them.) I paid $4,000 for a generic G.M. engine to be installed. After that, I had no major problems with it. Minor repairs and work I have had done in the past are nothing notable: motor on driver's side window replaced, new brake pads, wheel alignment and oil changes.

Pros The ride is smoother than other school cars. My guy friends mention "independent suspension system" or something similar that apparently makes a noticeable difference. A little more mature in taste than my typical school car. Independent suspension system and a V6 engine gave the Malibu better performance than my other vehicles. A little extra performance and comfort go a long way when you're a college student who crosses state lines when traveling home for summer break or Christmas.

The homogeneous sedan design helps to blend in. This car's design isn't flashy, so you don't stand out in a crowd when you're speeding down the Interstate and pass a state patrol officer. They're more likely to target the college kid they see in the Mustang instead.

Mid-size is easy to handle. When I first learned how to drive, it was important to have a car that was small enough to park without looking like a complete idiot. This mid-sized sedan is small enough to fit into tight parking spaces, but large enough to help you get used to controlling a full-sized sedan.

Cons The air conditioner is terrible, especially compared to the Chevy Cavalier. The only time it cools enough to make you feel comfortable on a hot day is if you: 1) are driving on the Highway or Interstate and 2) driving at 60 MPH or higher. Every summer I'm told the freon is low and needs recharged.

The V-6 engine is a little more power than other school cars, too, but you trade fuel efficiency for power. Considering money is usually a factor in buying a school car, this is a downside.

The factory-version CD player sucks. The sound quality is pathetic, even when compared to my Pontiac Sunfire. If you buy this vehicle, do yourself a favor and install an after-market stereo system in it.

This car is great if you're a student who appreciates a few extra features (cruise, tilt, power locks/power windows) rather than the usual tin can (Chevy Cavalier!), but if money is your greatest factor, skip this one. This car is reliable, so long as you can find one with the engine already replaced. I haven't seen any 2000-2001 Malibu owner who did not have to replace the engine, and that is a serious expense you won't want to face unexpectedly.