Overview & Reviews

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu undergoes a number of key changes. The six-speed automatic becomes more widely available with the four-cylinder engine, and the four is now standard instead of the V6 on the top-level LTZ trim. Bluetooth connectivity also debuts as an option, while stability control becomes standard across the lineup. Power-adjustable pedals are no longer offered.

• Strong performance from V6, excellent ride and handling balance, roomy cabin, comfortable seats, high crash test scores, solid fit and finish.

• Some subpar cabin materials, no rear center armrest, fussy manual-shift feature, a few key luxury features are unavailable.

User Reviews:

Showing 131 through 140 of 190.00

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  Dissapointed - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tex - February 28 - 11:40 am

  Purchased car to support American economy and ingenuity after 25 years of foreign purchases. Found that the car has hidden flaws. Rear side panels become detached by a slight push inward. Took it back to dealer and I was told it was designed to come apart at impact. Cannot believe engineers would think this way after decades of safety improvements. The dealer also found out the most of its other Malibus on the lot had the same defect. I am very dissapointed, especially after what I had heard about the vehicle. I am very hesitant to buy "American" again, especially after the local dealer has been very deceptive after discovery of this problem.

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  Outstanding Buy - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By hunt0694 - February 9 - 9:16 am

  Anyone who believes that GM cant build a quality, fun-to-drive car at a resonable price should try the new Malibu. Ive had a lot of cars but nothing this good for the money. I had no intention of getting a Malibu until I test drove it (I was set to buy a Camry.) The Chevy won in ride and performance, and interior styling was way better than the Toyota. And the deal being offered made it thousand less. I know everyone talks about how the Camry delivers more on resale, but youre paying way too much up front. And the Malibu is way more fun to drive. If youre on the fence about buying a mid-size car, do yourself a favor an drive the Malibu.

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  Got Pulled into this one - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By hksunshine - October 27 - 9:40 pm

  Compared vs the Camry, Accord & others. Chevy gave me best lease deal on LT2 with V6. Great looking car & comfortable drive. Loose motor mount problem on delivery. First time locked the windows, the switch blew. Was a week before the dealer could get it fixed. Very dramatic and dangerous torque steer from a stop or on hard acceleration. Have been to 3 dealers, involved GM mgmt office but response I get is that it is "normal" for this car. Drove another & it was not as bad. I love the toys- bluetooth, XM, remote start etc. Onstar O.K.(have had wrong directions). To sum, major safety flaw-if not for that Id love it. Glad its a lease. Had to do again Id go for 4 cyl. MPG Hwy 30+ City 17.

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  Excellent value - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joe - October 7 - 12:06 pm

  I downgraded to this car from a big luxury car, thinking it was time for something more economical and greener. Im very happy, the car has all of the features as my other car and more, it drives very smoothly and handles very good. Im amazed with the fuel economy, I havent average less than 27 mpg, of course I drive mostly highway miles. A part from being smaller than my trade, its very comfortable inside with supportive seats and plenty of room for a car this size, the back seat is comfortable enough, assuming the front seats are not all the way back. So I can safely say I dont miss my old car, I do occasionally miss the power, but thats the compromise you have to make.

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  Superior Ride comfort but overlooked by - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill - August 7 - 6:46 pm

  The Malibu LTZ is unbelievable ride and comfort. It appears to be overlooked by most. I can compare this to previous cars that Ive had in the past and this is simply one of the best and perhaps the best car that we have owned. Ive owned Honda Accord, Prelude, Cadillac SRX and others. It has luxury, style, power, high fuel efficiency, it handles well, on and on. I would clearly purchase this over most of my other cars and would be hard pressed to select any other car. I highly recommend this car to anyone

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  3rd Consecutive Chevy Sedan - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By azsteve - July 1 - 10:50 am

  2LT V6, Black Granite Metallic. Traded 05 Impala for this car and owned a 2000 Malibu before that. Car is immensely more refined than either previous Chevy. My wife, long-time domestic car basher and Nissan owner, is impressed. New Malibu looks great in black with the 18" alloys. Interior is pleasantly refined at this price point. Front bucket seats are extremely comfortable - back seat, not so much. Most striking is the ultra quiet ride. Cabin is virtually silent at any speed. Suspension just right - hugs corners, yet very smooth. Powerful V6 - though gas pedal a bit touchy from dead stop. One complaint - "Premium" audio option a joke - $500 buys far better after market outfit.

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  Beats the Imports - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Duke - April 2 - 3:50 pm

  Shopped the Malibu against the Fusion and found the LT1 4Cycl 6Auto to be much better; better gas mileage, standard features, interior/exterior look. Thought I had to have the 6 Cycl, but after driving the 4cycl 6auto knew that it was enough. Love that Electronic Stability Control is standard. Even though the Fusion cost a few dollars less, the Malibu had everything I wanted, standard, whereas I would have had to add options to the Fusion. The Malibu feels like a "luxury" auto for under $25,000.

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  Luxury Car and Fun to Drive - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tony - January 29 - 2:03 pm

  The 6 speed 2.4L v4 is definitely the way to go. It has great fuel economy and is built as good as a BMW in my opinion. It is great to see that you do not need the v6 (which I had in my last car) to get the quiet ride and good acceleration. I was looking for a good family 4-door sedan that would also be fun to drive back and forth on my long commute to work (on the congested roads of NJ). Based on my budget of 20-25K, I had considered many new cars and also a low mileage BMW used car. After test driving, the Malibu was the clear winner. My wife and I were actually shocked at how smooth and quiet the ride was (though tried to keep the smiles off our faces before negotiating the price).

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  So far, So good. - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By RJ - January 14 - 8:40 am

  I did a lot of homework and drove a lot of cars before purchasing my Malibu. I am very pleased so far with most everything. It doesnt ride or acclerate like my Caddy, but it is fun to drive, and I can afford to drive over the mountain without taking out a loan for fuel. I dont know what to expect over the long haul with the 6 speed, it does a lot of shifting, but I have 100 K to decide if I want to keep it. I spent more on it than I intended, but I couldnt find some features that I wanted on the LS. Overall, a nice American product.

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  Wow... Malibu BEATS Accord and Camry - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Andrew - December 20 - 1:26 pm

  I took my Mom out for a new car, to replace her 2005 Accord V6. I provided insight and acted as a discussion partner for her thoughts. Mom absolutely loved the Malibu. She said it was way quieter than her 2005 Honda, which I had never even noticed having any wind noise. She also liked the simple layout of the controls in the Malibu vs. the Accords complexity. When we took the Accord for a test drive you could instantly tell the improvement in the ride of the Malibu over the Accord. Accord was noisier at acceleration and the wind noise around the mirrors was horrible! She also stated that the Honda seats always felt like she was on a hard park bench but the Malibu felt comfortable.