My family owns a 1998 2.4L Malibu, a 1997 Cavalier, a 1993 Saturn SL1, and a 1998 Saturn SL1. I have had alternator problems on the Malibu (2 times in 52K), the Cavalier (2 Times in 70K), and the 93 SL1 (3 times in 130K). Based on my experence, GM alternators fail as early as 26K miles and are a weakness in their design. I just changed one on the Malibu 2 weeks ago - not a hard job after you figure it out. I just didn't want to pay the dealer $400 for a 90 day warranteed unit when I could get a lifetime guaranteed unit for $100 after core return at my local auto parts store. If I get 25K miles out of i before replace, i's it's a breaeven with Chevy.t