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 11 through 20 of 101.00

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  Never again - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By zleach - December 30 - 9:31 pm

  When this car was purchased we had a few minor kinks that the dealership was to mend, but of course things just got worse. After having it only 3 months they had to repalce the steering rack, shortly after both drive axles, not to mention the 2 brake jobs within 10K miles of each other. The steering and suspension is awful. Rear wheel bearings, and much more. The car loves the left side of the road due to lower ball joints not wanting to hold up. $200 apiece. And not to mention the tires wear awfully quick when they go bad 3 front tires within 20K of each other

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  Nice Car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By John - November 15 - 7:28 pm

  I test drove a lot of cars and wanted best bang for my buck. This car runs great and gets great gas mileage (around 26 average/30 highway). Bought it with 70k and only put brakes and rotors. Did it myself for 80 bucks. I have 86k on it now and have had no problems. I have two kids and they fit in car seats in the back with no problem and have plenty of trunk space to boot. I tinted the windows and the car looks great and runs fantastic. People who ride in it cant believe it is a Malibu. Great car.

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  Good Car for the Price After 2 years - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By lizzard - May 19 - 2:11 pm

  This car is a nice size and the interior looks better than my Geo. I really like the faux wood look. I like the boxy look better than the previous Malibus. The MPG (about 26/32) has served me well in the last several months. I mostly drive to and from work and church and have only gone on 3 or 4 long trips. I have the bare bones version, so no OnStar or sunroof or ABS, but the car still runs very well. There is a rattle in the dash and my friend told me she heard a rattle in the back on top after she sat back there. The sun visor on the driver side does not go up properly. I havent asked about getting anything fixed though. I miss manual trans sometimes, but overall this car makes me happy

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  I have 2 - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rcran - May 8 - 7:50 pm

  I have 2 06 LS models bought a month apart. The only difference on mine is traction loc and ABS. I get 32mpg ave. city/hywy combined. My other one gets 34mpg combined. Mine has 35k the other is a little over 40k. Only problems have been to replace a sensor, and turn the front rotors on one and a replacement rod in the steering on the other, oh and one tail light...all covered by warranty. Great little car, lousy Bridgestone OE tires. Barely enough grip, the one with 40k+ will get new shoes soon.

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  Nice car but has some problems - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By bryan - April 10 - 9:50 pm

  Have 70k miles on it, has a rattle that wont quit, remote start works most of the time but is getting worse, turns over just isnt firing. Electric power steering has completely quit working on a 250 mile trip, started working 10 miles from the dealership, quit working again today from work to home, they said since I have been reporting lots of the same problems they will fix it. They also told me one time at 40,000k that my injectors were leaking, they dont even now how the car works that they make, it idles high in mornings or when its cold to warm up faster, and they wanted me to pay for it, it also eats the inside of the front tires like candy since it was new.

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  Doesnt stand out, but very good overall - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Submariner - January 5 - 1:00 pm

  After 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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  Totally surprised - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By chev fan - October 28 - 10:03 pm

  Id 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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  Unbelievable for the money - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Phil - August 24 - 4:11 pm

  Has this car almost 1 year. Bought at an unreal price. I am a salesman and have put 27,000 miles so far and not one problem. Last week I got 34 miles per gallon on a road trip. Not one rattle has surfaced, and tires and brakes are still close to their original specs. Peppy for a 4 cylinder. This car has been a real surprise. If this keeps up, I will get another one in two years.

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  1ST Chevy, Very Pleased - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pdxmedic - June 22 - 12:18 am

  I really like the interior design of the vehicle with the chrome use and the look of the gauge cluster. The exterior is a little boxy looking, but none the less still a great car. So far the MPG is the most impressive.

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  Malibu meets the test - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By HighMileageDad - June 7 - 11:00 am

  The Malibu LT2 is a good vehicle with great gas milage. Being slightly smaller than the 2006 Impala, it is well worth the savings to purchase over the Impala if you do not have children or large passengers. Appealing to the eye, fun to drive, good gas mileage, a little noisy on the road, but a good car.