2002 Chevrolet Malibu Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
20 City / 29 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
170
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kelsey G
They are not allowed to drive it. And it has a great heater!
My car has air conditioning problems. And it does not accelerate very fast. Other than those my car is in pretty good shape. I love everything about it, nice color and very well taken care of.
accountCircle Jennifer D
Anti-theft feature comes on
Only issue is the Theft feature coming on. Usually when it's humid or wet out. Having to wait ten minutes for it to go off is a pain.
accountCircle Darrell H
I bought it new and it has lasted almost 17 years with a minimum of non-routine repairs.
My main problem is that it is 16 years old. I like that it is roomy and comfortable but gets almost 30 mpg on the highway. The only thing that I don't like is that to adjust the heat/air conditioning, you have to look at the controls. You can't do it by feel like the old fashioned mechanical levers.
accountCircle Elizabeth W
Very comfortable, economical ride. It gets great fuel mileage and it is an easy car to maintain.
It surprised me when we first purchased it with it's get up and go. The fuel economy is great and it is a very comfortable ride.
accountCircle Marty S
MS
My Malibu is an 02 and has over 294,000 miles and yes it runs pretty good, ive had to put a lot of parts on it due to the previous owner neglecting the car, right now I’m having issues with it overheating while in idle and when accelerating it hesitates , I’m pretty sure I know the fix,overall it’s a good car for having that many miles on it, body isn’t in the best shape but I’m keeping it, it’s going to be my restore project car…
accountCircle Joyce L
I love my car even though it is old. I can't afford a new one.
I like my vehicle because it has lasted for 16 years and low maintenance.
accountCircle James B
It will run until the wheels fall off. Front wheel drive makes snow driving better.
Good performance. Gas mileage could be better. Prefer A-frame technology. Original tires sucked.
accountCircle Donna C
It runs great seat wipe clean no matter what?s on them and the car is solid.
My alarm system has to keep needing to be reset. And the ignition does not work right and the shifter has to click when you put in part or the car is still on.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Scott M
It is old, does not run very well and does not seem to be 100% reliable.
The vehicle I currently own is old, in terrible condition and the air conditioning does not work. The radiator constantly overheats and need to be refilled with coolant.
accountCircle Andrea B
Rusting on spots and has an exhaust issue
Do not like the vehicle, has a lot of problems with the brakes and rotors and rust very easily and I see it on a lot of the vehicles would not recommend this vehicle for anyone
accountCircle Kim C
Engine runs great...body is rough
You didn't have my model. 2002 Pontiac grand prix. I've had more problems with this car than any other I've ever owned
accountCircle Jeff B
A car that won't start and a mechanic can't figure out the problem.
It has a starting problem that my mechanic has not been able to figure out. I have been stranded multiple times, and on long trips won't even shut the car off just in case it won't start again. The only way to start it is to have a can of starting fluid just in case it won't start.
accountCircle Josue R
That is works. It is not flashy like other cars but it works.
It is an old car. It does not have Bluetooth or an aux cord. It does not have tinted windows.
accountCircle Jasmine B
The Chevy Malibu is very reliable
I've had problems with the Starter but no other major problems, the air conditioning has went out before and I lost steering. Tires have been changed, no problems with the engine or transmission, it does start to feel shaken going about 75 miles per hour
accountCircle Lou S
It has to many unreliable plastic brackets and connectors.
A/c problems constantly. Comfortable ride. Have had intermittent starting problems. Mileage is good and it has a good amount of power, it handles good on windy roads. Have had problems with power window motor failure. We also have had problems with the mud flaps coming off. The headliner is deteriorating. We have had various failures with electrical fixtures: tail light brackets and head light sockets.
accountCircle Phillip V
It is old but it gets the job done.
Feels like it's on it's last leg. Many problems fixed in the last few months, but multiple new problems come after that. Scared to take it onto the thruway.

Chevrolet Malibu Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base
170 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
LS
170 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Reviews

3.75
79 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 24%
4 stars 41%
3 stars 25%
2 stars 6%
1 star 4%
accountCircle Woody D. on July 19, 2021
Very reliable car.
I had the car for a couple of years now. The only problems I have had out of it was overheating while in idle for a while and some hesitation on accelerating ( like a little delay ) , the car has over 250,000 miles on it and the previous owner neglected it. I changed averything to new when I got it ( tune up ) and have not had any problems out of it sience.
accountCircle Woody D. again on July 19, 2021
Engine oil
Be sure you use 5w30 synthetic oil and not regular oil. If you put regular oil in it it will starve the engine for the right lubrication. I used regular oil when I first got the car and come to find out you are supposted to use synthetic. Anyway the values and rocker arms on start up started to chatter I immediately changed the oil and the car is doing fine now. Over 250,000 miles and run's like a new engine.
View All Reviews (79) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #11 Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has an average owner rating of 3.94 out of 5 which ranks it #11 of 15 other Midsize Cars.

1
Tie
car
2002 Honda Accord
4.26
1
Tie
car
2002 Toyota Camry
4.26
11
car
2002 Chevrolet Malibu
3.76

Ranks #3 Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has a combined MPG of 29 which ranks it #3 of 15 other Midsize Cars.

1
car
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
32 MPG
2
car
2002 Honda Accord
30 MPG
3
Tie
car
2002 Chevrolet Malibu
29 MPG

Is The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu A Good Car?

Yes. The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is a very reliable vehicle. It gets me everywhere I need to go effectively with little to no problems. I would buy a newer Malibu because they are such good vehicles.
Jennifer L.
Yes it is a good vehicle. I like the quick response in acceleration. Maintenance is reasonable. Safety is also a good reason to purchase a Malibu.
Jean R.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is mostly a good reliable vehicle. Sometimes it gives me a few problems but nothing that is not a quick fix.
Dallas O.
It is very reliable. The only problem is the security feature that prevents car from starting. Have to reset and wait. Then restart
Scott R.

Is The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu A Good Value?

I am not sure of the cost but I believe it would be reasonable. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone for a good price.
Cherie T.
I believe 20-30 thousand. It's a good value. The value is in the better make a premium purchase. It has good acceleration and minimum repair
Joyce G.

Related Articles for 2002 Chevrolet Malibu

From the Vehicle History blog

car
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Review: Affordable Midsize Sedan With Decent Reliability Ratings
car
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Review: One of the Best All-Around Mid-Sizes Available, Despite Electrical Concerns
car
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Review: A Pretty Good Mid-Size Car Plagued by Electrical Problems
car
2003 Chevrolet Malibu Review: A Decent Mid-Size Car Outclassed by a Whole Bunch of Great Ones
car
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Review: Spacious Midsize Sedan With Decent Reliability As It Ages

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2002 Chevy Malibu thermostat location?

Answer: The 2002 Chevy Malibu thermostat location can be found by watching: https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=AEcPHjT7Nbg You will come across many issues with an engine. A spark plug may pop off, causing engine trouble....

Where is the 2002 chevy malibu oil pressure switch?

Answer: On the passenger side of the engine compartment, You can see the 2002 Chevy Malibu oil pressure switch at the back of the firewall by the alternator. When attempting to replace it, You can reach the sensor from...

What type of antifreeze does the 2002 chevy malibu use?

Answer: The type of antifreeze that should be used in the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is Dex-cool and the recommended strength iS50/50. The capacity for the vehicle is 13.7 quarts for the initial fill. Dex-cool is a type of...

What are the 2002 chevy malibu overheating problems?

Answer: The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has no issues with overheating that You wouldn't encounter in many other vehicles -- that is to say that it's not particularly susceptible to any one problem that would cause...

How do I reset theft system on 2002 chevy malibu?

Answer: To reset the alarm on the 2002 Chevy Malibu You have two options. You can pop the hood and disconnect the positive battery cable, then leave it off for about 30 minutes. This will make the power in the CPU...
openInNew See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety