Overview & Reviews
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.
- 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.
- Lackluster interior, subpar brakes and steering, base four-cylinder down on power for this class, no stability control or manual gearbox.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 101.00-
not a good deal in the long run - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By horribu - April 8 - 11:26 amI leased a 2006 Malibu in July of 06 and have currently only put 18,000 miles on it. It has already had significant transmission problems and suspension and steering problems. The windshield leaks, the cd player broke, the interior trim was gouged by a cardboard box! I am dissappointed in every way with this car. Initially I liked the exterior styling and the price, but I truly wish I had gotten something else. Now I am stuck with this car that is not as good as used cars I drove in college until my lease is up. I recently purchased a 2nd car from Nissan that is vastly Superior in quality and was the same price
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Doesnt stand out, but very good overall - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By Submariner - January 5 - 1:00 pmAfter six months of ownership, I am very pleased with my 2006 Malibu LT V6. My two previous cars were a 1998 Malibu LS V6, and then a 2002 Ford Taurus SE. Compared to the 98, this picks up where they left off, the engine, going from the 3.1L to the 3.5L is great! The fuel mileage is fantastic (I average 450 miles out of a 16-gal tank on pure highway driving, whereas the Taurus was lucky to get 400 out of an 18-gal tank, and the Taurus had a smaller engine!) I thought the engine-transmission combination on the Malibu could use some extra gears, to keep up with the competition, but the transmission in the 2006 Malibu mates beautifully and provides excellent power on demand.
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Snow white dream - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By midlife love - November 9 - 10:55 pmThis gem was the end result of a trade-in after a recent purchase of a mini-van. I cant say enough about this car. Super reliable and low maintenance. Great interior and exterior. Spoiler, sunroof, remote start, aluminum rims with 18 tires, 6-disk cd changer with XM radio, cruise control, leather/ cloth seats, leather steering wheel, and room for 5. Great car for any age. Sporty and family friendly. Great & fun drive. Super comfortable. 23-mpg city and 29-mpg highway driving 65 mph. I would buy this Super Sport again and again.
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Totally surprised - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By chev fan - October 28 - 10:03 pmId would like to say if you want a v6 with power that doesnt clean out the wallet. The Chevy Malibu LT v6 is the way to go. We get about 34.5 mpg going 65 mph on the highway. Great quality sound and remote start you cant beat specially in the cold. Sharp looking car and great gas miliage. New body style is totally upgraded from last. I would buy this car again.
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What a disappointment - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By Hate Chevys Now - October 14 - 7:50 pmWow! I loved the style. I loved the deal. But like mama always said "that which is too good to be true, probably is". After 8 trips to the dealer, they are finally replacing the steering colunm, brake rotors, tie rod ends, ball joints, and brake rotors. These have all gone bad within the 16215 miles I have driven this year. This car rattles, shakes and shimmys its way down the road with great style. Too bad it has a four speed auto when most others have a 6spd auto. I cannot wait to get rid of this car, but its value is still plummeting like a comet falling from the sky. If build quality and rattles with no hint of dealer help do not bother you, please buy mine, it is for sale.
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2006 Malibu-"Just a Car" - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By dannielle boilard - August 24 - 10:35 amI traded my 2002 Olds Intrigue for the 2006 Malibu which is a roomy small car. It is very light and blows around on the highway...over 100 kph is almost dangerous. I dont drive on the freeway because I cant keep up with the regular flow of traffic which is faster than that. I saved some money by trading in my Olds, but I know that I traded my Automobile for "just a car". It is way below the standard of comfort and performance that I was used to. I cant wait for the lease to end so that I can get rid of it.
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Fastest Mid Size Car I Ever Drove - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By steve,douglass - August 14 - 12:09 amI had the car a month. I love it. I like the handling, the style, the performance, and the quick pick up on the highway. And all the standard features which got me the most. It is a very sporty looking and very classy looking as well. The interior is very comfortable, more comfortablel than the Camry. For a 6 cyclinder car the gas mileage is not as bad as I thought it would be. Bottom line its a great car and I highly recommend it.
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Wifes new 06 Malibu LS 4DR - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By MalibuJeff - June 13 - 9:55 pmThe new Malibu LS was a compromise between a new Toyota Avalon (price), Hundi Sonata (she didnt like the way the interior felt), and the Mercury Milan (wasnt available at end of year with options she wanted, and had OHC belt driven engine that didnt match the bus highway gas mileage). The O6 bu ran out very well when test driven, but developed irritating rattles after about 1000 miles, which the dealer fixed. At the first cold weather, the heater vent control motor started to howl, which again was replaced on warranty. Other than that, no major problems to complain about.
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A Sleeper - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By Never too old - April 18 - 8:56 pmBought it used, with less than 4,000 miles, and Ive put about 2,000 on it to date. Ive been very satisfied with every aspect of this car so far with 2 exceptions - torque steer and fuel economy, as mentioned in other reviews. The handling, suspension, and performance are very good. Seats are comfortable, and controls are easy to reach. Steering wheel buttons for radio and cruise control are a bit small, however. This car may not be a Lexus, BMW or other high priced sports/luxury car. It is what it is. But I like being different from everyone else. You dont see a Malibu SS at every corner, and its fun to have people say "a Super Sport? I didnt know Chevy made it!"
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Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By Bob - April 12 - 11:28 amI replaced an 06 Cadillac CTS with this car, mainly because the lease was up and I need an automatic transmission. The SS looked better than a base and I figured it would be fun to drive. So far it has met my expectations. It is quick around town and comfortable on long trips. MPG around 16 city in sprited driving. No problems except for warped brake rotors, replaced under warranty. I bought this car to keep for several years and believe it will suit my needs.
