'97 Chevrolet Malibu LsWe named it '97 Car of the Year, but that didn't stop our long-term Chevrolet Malibu from leaving us stranded when the ignition key mechanism failed. With the key frozen in place, the car was towed to Santa Barbara's friendly Graham Chevrolet, where the ignition lock mechanism was replaced. The Malibu returned to Graham two months later when the left front headlight went out, and a new "function controller" had to be installed. Beyond those annoying warranty-covered frustrations, the Malibu has proven adept and comfortable with a satisfying sound system, a smooth four-speed automatic transmission, strong V-6 engine, and enough room for a quartet of editors radar-locked on IHOP's lunch buffet. The four-door's right sizing and spirited demeanor have made it a constant weekend choice of staff members with small families. MT's 21.1-mpg average fuel economy reflects a stop-and-go weekday commuter life and should improve once the highway miles accrue.
| Base price | $18,190 |
| Price as tested | $19,076 |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 3.1-liter V-6 |
| Transmission/driveline | |
| configuration | 4-speed auto/ |
| front engine, front drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 9.0 |
| EPA mpg, city/highway | 22/36 |
| Total mileage | 4656 |
| Test mileage | 3591 |
| Fuel consumed, gal. | 170.0 |
| Fuel cost | $215.97 |
| Average mpg | 21.1 |
| Additional oil/cost | None |
| Routine maint. | None |
| Additional maint. | Warranty |
| Previous maint. | None |
| Problem areas | Ignition switch, headlamp |
| Total operating cost | $215.97 |
| Operating cost/mile | 6.0 |
...
>>next page