Overview & Reviews

The side curtain airbag option now includes front-seat side-impact airbags.

• Pros: Smooth ride quality, above-average fuel economy with V6, plenty of passenger and cargo space, ample safety and convenience features, innovative remote start feature.

• Lackluster interior, subpar brakes and steering, down on power compared to competitors, no manual transmission available.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 172.00

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  Needs Work - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Trish - September 2 - 2:07 pm

  I purchased this car with 26K miles on it and now has 70K. It has had a starter issue since purchase keep saying nothing wrong and wont fix. Lights burn out constantly, now the body control module has gone out. Great fuel economy, smooth ride, fun car, just has to many problems for the price I paid. Im hoping the body control module solves all the electrical problems going on because I could not even drive the car while waiting the last 3 weeks for the backordered part to come into the dealer. Also this part can only be installed by the dealer because of programing my cheaper mechanic can not do it. Im not thrilled, most likely will go foreign next time around.

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  Best for My Money - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bigbassdrum60 - August 1 - 3:25 pm

  I bought this Malibu in 2005 right off the lot new. It has never ever failed me. Great on mileage and I am averaging over 28 mpg with it. It owes me nothing. Comfortable, built well and except for the brakes, Disc in front and Drums in rear getting hard spots and will need to be turned)I have no issues with this car. Best car I bought for the money. Last year it got me through the snow when my wifes Volvo S-80 wouldnt. Great traction with the tires I am using in snow. I suggest using Bridgestone Blizack tires on this car for added snow performance.

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  Had for 3 years - Great car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Garry D - July 31 - 4:16 pm

  I see a lot of the negative reviews, and the only things I agree with are the ease at which the cloth seats stain and the lamps burning out. Apart from these two issues I have put about 70K miles on the vehicle and no issues. Car runs smooth and has pep as a result of the V6. Fuel economy is great and while the looks are now a little outdated I am happy enough.

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  EPS Should be recalled! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Kate - June 28 - 9:07 am

  There are many things I love about the Malibu, but the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is not high on my list. I have heard that the component was purchased from Toyota (which should automatically raise suspicion). After many embarrassing noise episodes, the EPS finally went on my Malibu while on the Highway doing 65 mph. The fact that I have strong arms and the traffic was light is the only thing that saved me from a major accident. When is this hazard going to get enough attention to warrant a recall? Who do we complain to, (other than Chevy, they are useless).

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  Comfortable Driving - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sueATL - June 23 - 6:13 pm

  Bought this car in 2006. Normal wear and tear, service regularly and get good mileage. Had to change rotors and no other parts so far. However was very disappointed to pay over $200 to exchange steering fluid. this should be change with regular oil change and not hit with high bill at 100,000 miles. Also dash light went out and cost $200 to replaced according to mechanic because of location. Small changes can reduce service cost. Overall good road experience. Will buy another Malibu.

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  Car has issues - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Cal - April 2 - 9:52 am

  I must say the car drove and performed nice when new.I have the 2.2 4cyl. And must say this motor for the size out performs most V6 engines I have had. Chev made one powerful little engine with excellent fuel economy.

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  Think Twice Before Buying - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By my 2nd malibu - January 28 - 7:52 pm

  I have owned my malibu for approx. three years. I was very disappointed at the fact that I have had my car in the shop for the same problem three times with service techs not knowing what was wrong with the car. I have also had to replace every single exterior light on my car, even the L.E.D. break light that was supposed to never go out. Its sad to say that the previous malibu I owned a 99 model has never had any problems and continues to run great.

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  One of Two Best Cars Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ann - January 22 - 1:41 pm

  Ive owned five cars. One of them a Honda Accord (bought new. It was a miserable lemon.) This is one of the two best cars Ive ever owned (other was an Olds Cutlass Supreme). Reliable, runs great, no big maintenance or performance issues. Not as stylish as Id like, but I got features I never dreamed Id have on a car. Including: remote engine ignition (Ive never scrapped ice off the windshield / I can get in a warm car on a 12-degree morning), OnStar (excellent response time and personnel for flat tire / dead battery), great gas mileage, comfortable seats, great brakes, satellite radio, exact temperature control. Would buy another Malibu if I needed a new car.

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  First car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chris - October 1 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car used, and the main purpose is to get me from work and back. This is my first car, and after training in other vehicles I can say that I fit in this car very comfortably, more so than my folks old Cougar, my friends new Solara, or the last Sentra I sat in. Ive had other Chevy owners (mostly pickups) call it cute, and then look shocked when they see a 62" football build guy come out of it. The sound is great, everything works just fine. Passing cars in Upstate NYs hilly roads is an everyday thing so I love the V6 engine and the power behind it. The safety features (ABS, Traction Control, Multiple airbags, passive anti-theft, etc) assured the folks that Id be just fine.

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  Great car for midwest weather - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brajesh - August 22 - 10:34 pm

  Bought my Malibu with 19K miles on it. I now have 58K on it. I bought Malibu as I always wanted to try an American car. I have not been disappointed. In last 4 yrs I never had any maintenance job on this car. I have driven to places like Green Bay from Chicago with heavy snow but the car has done very well. With outside temp of -40 F, the car starts in 1-2 try. I was amazed by it. I dont know about other GM cars but I would surely recommend Malibu to anyone who wants a midsize.