Great all around versatility with decent fuel economy Pretty good replacement for the Chevrolet Corsica.  Aerodynamic styling with rain gutter features so water does not drip when opening the door.  The side mirrors are reflexible, if in case it is hit by a pole, it springs back to position.  All 1997 - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with ABS.  The car is a decent size and have convenient features on a budget.   

I like the left side cupholder on the dashboard, unfortunately it makes exiting the car more difficult when used.  I would of liked more shoulder room in the front and more leg room in the rear if the front seats are slided about 3/4 of seating track towards the back.

Surprisingly the car handles curves very well with some body leans (noticed using Goodyear Eagle GT HR tires).

Unfortuantely the 3.1L/3.4L engines have been known for leaking intake manifold gaskets.  Now available are the revised gaskets to correct the situation.  Even worse was the fact that the amount of parts to remove just to get to the old gaskets.  In other words, I wished the car was more mechanic friendly.

I wished the car came with a transmission fluid level dipstick.  The 4T40E/4T45E only uses a fluid level plug, which requires you to go under the car while engine is running and all four wheels need to be on jack stands or vehicle lift.  

Blower motor resistor block are known to burn out.  This created the symptom of not getting fan speed 1 or 2.  Knock on wood, I only had to replace it once.  It is under the front passenger footwell held in by two bolt and you unplug the electrical connector.   

Other than the leaking intake manifold gaskets (could not repair in one weekend at first) and damage to the front right suspension/axle (shop had to wait on parts), the car was able to spend most of the time on the road.

Pretty good replacement for the Chevrolet Corsica that it replaces.  Aerodynamic styling with rain gutter features so water does not drip when opening the door.  The side mirrors are reflexible, if in case it is hit by a pole, it springs back to position.  All 1997 - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with ABS.  The car is a decent size and have convenient features on a budget.  

Liked this car alot. It was a good, economical car. Had a V6 and still had decent MPG. Started to show it's age though at 60K miles. Very poor trade in value. Changing wheels from stock improved handling significantly.

It's ok.  A number of problems w/ it since November ... when I got it.   NOW, my radio died.. just shut itself off and won't turn back on. No clock, no lights, no nothing.  Have no idea why.

Many ppl don't like US cars - At least those who I know. However, I'd say this car is absolutly the one you should have a glance at.
He has a very strong body, with black shining skin: ) so sexy! Riding on it, you will feel safe much more than some other Jap cars.
But I still need to tell you that things are not perfect. There are some issues you need to pay attention to which are beneath that nice look. Engine, brake, fuel pump strainer, coolant, gasket, etc. However, you are lucky that most of them are not big problem to you and the cost on them is reasonable.
So, in summary, nice car, deserve your considering.