2006 Chevrolet Malibu Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.18/5 Average
101 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Chevrolet Malibu gets a few updates for 2006. Most interesting is a new performance-oriented SS trim level that features a 240-horsepower V6 engine. Chevy has also juggled the existing trim levels: the base model is now called the LS, the former LS is now the LT, and last year's LT is now the LTZ. Other minor changes include freshened front-end styling, new wheel designs, flashier trim pieces for the instrument panel, a new four-spoke steering wheel and standard child security rear door locks on every trim level.

Pros:
  • Smooth ride quality, fuel-efficient engines, plenty of passenger and cargo space, outstanding crash test scores, ample safety and convenience features, innovative remote-start feature.
Cons:
  • Lackluster interior, subpar brakes and steering, base four-cylinder down on power for this class, no stability control or manual gearbox.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 101.00
  • Worth the money - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought this car in July 2006 with 13,000 miles. I now have 87,000 miles and am looking at my first set of brakes and new tires. I have had some front end work done both under warranty and last year for tie rods. This car gets about 34 miles to the gallon on rural roads. The interior controls are well placed and good to use when driving. The seats are comfortable in the front and serviceable in the back. Trunk room is good and the rear seats fold down for extra cargo room. I paid $13,500 used and I am pleased with the car.

  • Like it a lot! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Interior could use some spicing up, it handles very well, kinda BAD on gas averaging 19.5 mpg (city & highway)but I guess that comes with those SS badges. Very fun to drive! Did have some issues with the intake manifold gaskets, be sure to have them checked out b4 purchase or be SURE to get an extended warranty that covers gaskets and other small inside of the engine parts.

  • well I wish I had a ... - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Got 153,000 on this 06 Malibu beginning to have steering problems and other issues still owe so if cant resolve might see how safe in a high speed crash

  • electiric power steering - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I just dont understand why the Malibu was built so cheap.I had to replace the I shaft twice and replace both inner tie rod end and bought at least three sets of tires. Why is that I bought the new Malibu because was tired of working on cars all the time, but guest what I still am. There is no reason for this. When my steering was going out I had to shut the car off to reset, unless I was driving down the road. This is a safety issue but the general motors will not recall this darn problem. Both I and my wife been fighting with gm but not response back to us. But I will turn this problem to nhsta. Some one needs to get this problem taken care of.

  • Its A Sad Story - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Purchased this car in July of 2006 brand new.When I took it for a test drive I instantly fell in love.Little did I know what I was headed for. Turned into a full blown relationship with the dealership.I dont blame them.The service department is great!!! 9/06-Rustproofing was done. Its rusting. 1/07-Crankshaft was replaced. 11/07-Need new tires already. 10/08-Steering I-Shaft replaced, new rear brakes. 11/08-I-Shaft replaced again! 8/09-Replaced strut mounts, bearings and ball joints. 3/10-I-Shaft,ball joint,shaft kit and alignment.Tires are "Cupped" and need replacing due to road conditions. Bull, researched and found the problem is due to the struts and suspension.

  • Good car, but a pain - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Well it does get 33 mpg, it is safe, runs great. Everyone fights to drive it the radio is good. The price was right, bought as a demo. Had a steering clunk had it fixed under warranty at 20k now at 48k having the same issue. The service notice is 06-02-32-007f. And if it hasnt happened to you just wait every Malibu owner has had the same issue and it cost $400.00 to fix and the service manger at my dealership said it last about 5k to 20k miles depending on driving habits.

  • excellent crash safety - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I had my chevy malibu for only 3 days when I was involved in a head on collision at highway speed. I was able to correct the skid almost completely before I realized the cruise was still set at 65mph. I tapped the brake to deactivate it, which caused the car to spin into the other lane of traffic. I was hit head on by another car with no injury at all whatsoever (I didnt even get whiplash). The airbags didnt go off, which was probably a good thing in my case. Although the car was totaled, I was safe.

  • HORRIBLE!!! STAY AWAY!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought this car for my wife with 25,000 miles on it. Within the first 3-6 months, the car began falling apart. We noticed that the entire front steering/suspension would dangerously shake when braking The electric power steering now locks/unlocks at its own behest(EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!) which is a lawsuit waiting to happen the front tires wear down at a ridiculous rate the windshield/dashboard make a very annoying rattle when going b/w 45-65 mph, the CD player overheats the sun visor wont stay upright the dome light switch is very difficult to deal with I love old classic chevys, but what a pile of dung for this day and age. Extremely disappointed.

  • Love this car! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Im happily surprised with the performance of my used Malibu. I bought it with about 60,000 miles last summer and have loved driving it since then. The only problem was a quarter fell into the seat belt clip and it was a little difficult to get out.

  • nice car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    For the money this has been a great car. Bought with 6K miles and only a few issues that so far the dealer took care of. Tires did wear quickly but thats not cars fault. Gas mileage is excellent. At 35K miles now, well see how the next 30K go... Had considered Camry but got a fully loaded 6 cyl for almost half the price..

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