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 1 through 10 of 101.00

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  Check the undercoating - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By laurel - July 30 - 6:07 pm

  I noticed last year that the black undercoating was just peeling away from the rear tire walls..and a few months later from the front! what the hell? of course its no longer under warranty, and got no where with gm. so there is no rust proofing left, am waiting for it to rust out from under me, being in the northeast, it will happen. Im thinking I should sell it before that happens and buy a toyota. Im sure the 7 year rust through warranty has a catch, so we will see. The dealer will charge me a couple hundred bucks to fix the problem. Im not sure what to do at this point but there is my rant!

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  What a pile of you-know-what!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By killrhedake - June 12 - 4:49 pm

  My wife and I bought this car from our local Chevrolet dealership. We bought it used with 6,000 miles. 8,000- replace front and rear brakes. 10,000 miles- replaced tires because the wore quickly. 25,000 miles- brakes again. This time discovering the passenger side rear pad was broken in half from the force of the caliper. I have never seen that before. 38,000- Brakes and tires again! God awful rattle emitting from the passenger side dash. Windshield leaking now. CD player likes eating CDs and will not fully eject them. Replaced intake with K&N recently. 65000- Check engine light- bad O2 sensor - wheel bearings shot and replaced. Dealership now out of business. No warranty upheld by GM.

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  Worst Car Ive ever Bought - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By robdiddy - April 3 - 8:27 pm

  I purchased this car with 4000 miles on it, rattle in dash at 10k. Torque Converter went at 40k. The stock tires were horrible and made loud noise on the road. The interior of the car stained when it rained. The dashboard rattle became louder as time went on. Despite attempting to tighten everything in the dash, nothing fixed it. The catalytic converter clogged at 50k. At that, I turned the car in and took my losses. I spent 4k on the car in repairs in 2 years and it was draining me.

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  22 times in the shop - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By lives in the shop - February 13 - 1:22 am

  I bought this car new! It was in the shop from week one, which the guys in the service dept have bent over backwards for me. They did not design or build the car, not their fault. The rattle was finally fixed, after the 3rd visit struts replace, strut mounts replaced 2 times in first yr, rack and pinion replaced? steering column sleeve replaced at 34,000 miles visor 2 times radio replaced ac fan motor, Car drifts to left all the time Car is very loud with road, noise brakes are showing signs of issues. Havent taken it back in yet. Headlights shake even if road is smooth. This is my 3rd Malibu and last Chevy.

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  $22000 Junk - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MALIBU - December 31 - 2:33 pm

  Bought this car with 19,000 miles on it when it was a year old. Had to have steering gear replaced under warranty at 35,000 miles and now at 66,000 miles it needs replaced again. The rear tires which have good tread make such a noise in cabin its terrible. Actually sounds like bad bearings. Today the dash evidently developed a short in instrument panel as the gas gauge quit and the temp gauge goes 0 to half then back again. This car cost approximately $23,000 new and at 2 yrs old and 66,000 miles it is going to start costing me due to evidently cheap parts. Chevy lost a repeat customer due to this car of poor quality. Toyota here I come.

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  For the price, at least you get size - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SccaBrian - December 26 - 12:10 pm

  Ok, the numbers may look a bit harsh, but has anyone considered an alternative? Theres the Ford Fusion and the Hyundai Sonata. This car is not a bad one, but for the 17,000 dollar price tag, there are many better options out there. The ride quality on the Malibu is great, but the suspension is so soft that the car wobbles in the wind and on the highway. The 4cyl engine is very loud, which can make you think youre going fast, until you check the speedometer that is. Within 6k miles, the dome light stopped working (the switch went bad) and the drivers side sun visor fell off. This is a car best left for hardcore Chevy enthusiasts. Unless you can find one at a huge discount, dont even bother