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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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lumber Baron - December 11 - 12:57 am

  Leased this car 3 yrs ago & have nearly 36k on it now. Lease will end in April and I may just buy it as it has been all that I could ask for & more. Just one trip back to the dealer for warranty work - dim light in radio & clunk in steering. Fixed both in about 1/2 hr. I tracked the mileage for the 1st 30k, recording every gallon used. Averaged 29.8 mpg for the 3 yrs & got as high as 40 mpg on 1 trip. Just returned from 2500 mile trip with 4 adults & trunk full of luggage. Averaged 30.2 mpg for the trip. This has been a great car, adequate performance, good ride, reliable, trouble free. Well thought out interior with lots of room. I much prefer it to my wifes 08 Saturn Aura XR.

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  Snow white dream - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By midlife love - November 9 - 10:55 pm

  This gem was the end result of a trade-in after a recent purchase of a mini-van. I can’t 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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  Fastest Mid Size Car I Ever Drove - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By steve,douglass - August 14 - 12:09 am

  I 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 pm

  The 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 pm

  Bought 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 am

  I 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.

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  2006 Malibu SS Laser Blue Metallic - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Damon Baker - March 20 - 5:40 pm

  What a great little car. Nice performance and good and comfortable. Had a little torque steer but that went away with the addition of a Borla exhaust. The stereo is a little weak for my taste! I wish the aftermarket world would take notice.

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  Really neat car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By skistler - March 17 - 6:19 pm

  I have owned over 50 cars and I can say that my 06 SS is one of the neatest cars I have ever owned. It is a blast to drive and having grown up in the late 60s, I can say this is the whole package for handling, power, and comfort in an affordable car.

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  Great little car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jmt - November 5 - 10:34 pm

  After comparing it to several other small cars (including Corolla and Civic), the Malibu definitely had the most bang for my buck. Its a sharp looking little car, comfortable, fun to drive, and gets pretty good gas mileage (21-22 mpg in heavy city driving). The steering took me about a month to get used to, but I dont know if thats because I was used to the steering on my old 97 Escort. Now I dont even notice it.

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  Best US Car Ever - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Carguy - November 4 - 10:36 am

  I just purchased my 06 Malibu in the Dark Metallic Blue. By far the best US car I have owned. The only complaint I have is the lack of longer seat bottoms. I stand almost 6 ft and my knees hang over the edge. Not that comfortable. Other than that I highly reccomend it. The V-6 Is a great performer