MALIBU versus STRATUS versus IMPALA

[sailordave]

GM V6 engines of that period have had problems with intake gasket leaks because of dexcool coolant. I've heard some good things about GMs ecotech engine which is what's in that generation Malibu. Go to msn.com, select Autos, and select compare. You can do a side by side comparision of the interior head, shoulder, hip, and leg room. The Impala has a bigger trunk but the interior isn't much bigger than the Impala. Then there's also mpg to consider.

[sailordave]

Chevrolet Malibu Compare - Engines and Performance - MSN Autos
I hope this link works for you. The 3.4 V6 in the Impala is one of the ones with the intake gasket leak. The 3.8 V6 in the Impala was recently recalled for potential engine fire due to oil leaking down to the spark plugs. The interior of the Malibu is virtually the same as the Impala. I'd rather buy a shorter length vehicle that is easier to drive. It's also built on the same foundation as the Saab 9-3.

[Drilco]

2003 impala ls ,bought new,100,000 trouble free miles,except for normal wear items. tires and brakes,battery, etc.