2009 Chevrolet Malibu Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
190 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Strong performance from V6, excellent ride and handling balance, roomy cabin, comfortable seats, high crash test scores, solid fit and finish.
Cons:
  • Some subpar cabin materials, no rear center armrest, fussy manual-shift feature, a few key luxury features are unavailable.

User Reviews:

Showing 151 through 160 of 190.00
  • 2009 Malibu review - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    A squeak in the front end that couldnt be located.

  • Exceptional Mid-Size Sedan - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    I was an import owner for 20+ years before purchasing a Malibu. I was skeptical, even after a lot of research. But after 1500 miles, Im really amazed. GM has done a great job. The interior is incredibly quiet. The interior styling is wonderful, especially in beige with suede seats. Theres wonderful attention to detail everywhere inside. I especially like the ambient lighting. Controls and switches feel great, better than most imports Ive driven. Performance is surprisingly good given the fuel economy. The suspension is a bit soft but ride is great. The engine is as refined as any 4 cylinder Ive driven. The Malibu feels more like a luxury car than a family sedan.

  • Great value - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    This car is beautiful. I cant stop looking at it. Oh yea, and it runs great too. I have an LT1 with dealer installed aftermarket heated leather seats. very comfortable.Ive taken long rides, short rides, highway, back roads, rain sleet and snow and this vehicle never ceases to impress me. The OnStar service gives unmatched piece of mind and security. Before this I had an Oldsmobile Aurora and I thought that car was the best....I was wrong.

  • Love it! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    Have only had the car a week, but so far I am very pleased. This is my first American car in 30 years. In interest of full discclosure, I did begin the decison process wanting to "buy American" this time, as long as I did not have to make too many concessions to quality, drive experience etc. that I have come to expcet from European and Japanese cars. No compromise in this vehicle I can detect so far! Thanks for getting this vehicle right GM!

  • Happy American - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    I have brought a few American cars that have left me disappointed. After reading the reviews for the Malibu, I decided to give them one more try. Well I am extremely satisfied as well as impressed that it looks like Chevrolet really got it right. This car is loaded with plenty of cool options, is extremely fun and comfortable to drive. The looks are really nice as well. I got the jewel red color and it really sets off the car nicely. I am getting around 28 mpg avg which is great in the current economic times is really great. I highly recommed you at least test drive one of these cars if you are in the market for a mid size sedan.

  • Chevy Malabu LTZ V6- Many Positives - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    I would consider myself a car man; this is the first US car I have purchased. I was attracted to GMs incentives and the relatively low priceof $22K for V6 with a trade incentive. Car is heavy and quiet. Seats are above average. Handling is a little heavy, but a serene ride prevails. Not really a sports sedan, but a refined cruiser with a firm, but Cadillac firm feel. Rear window is small and rear headrests block the view. Side mirrors provide good side/ rear vision to compensate. Engine is smooth and powerful, but a bit slow from 0-20mph. Then the car takes off. Be careful or you will really pay at the pump. I get 17mph in city (non stop-and-go traffic). Mixed hwy/c- 19mph.

  • The clear winner in its class. - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    My wife and I tested the Altima, Camry, Accord, Mazda 6, Sonata and Ford Fusion before deciding this car was the winner. Each car had its strengths and weaknesses with options and price, but for overall solid feeling ride quality, and value the Malibu beat them all, in our opinion. I had the opportunity to drive a 2008 LS rental for several months for work and thought it was great. Testing the 2009 LTZ with 6 speed transmission seemed like a different and much nicer car altogether! The interior is roomy and the cocoa/cashmere leather with wood accents is very attractive. The interior LED lighting is very soothing at night. Had strangers tell us how beautiful the car is/ask questions.

  • First Chevy since 1954 - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    Decided on the 2009 Malibu after looking at Camry, Accord, and Hyundai Genesis. This is the first Chevrolet weve owned since a 1954 Bel-Aire purchased in 1964. Weve owned a Buick, Mercury, BMW, Acura, and several Ford trucks. This car was a replacement for a 2000 Chrysler 300M. My wife was skeptical about the 4 cyl. after driving the 300M for 8 years. She drove the 4 cyl. for a day and was impressed. I had voted for the fuel economy from the beginning. We are very satisfied with the car. We drive a car for 8-10 years primarily for local trips and put about 8k per year on it. However, with the price of gas decreasing---the 6 cyl. was tempting.

  • Solid Car for the price - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    Very happy with the car. I did a lot of research and test drove many makes and models. Was able to get this for 7k under MSRP. Best value for the price. No problems as of yet

  • Surprisingly Classy - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    We just love our 2009 Chevy Malibu! We were looking for a compact car to add to the household but after we test drove the Malibu we just fell in love with it and decided to go for it. We test drove Mazda and we have tried Honda but this American car surprised us. We are Asians and weve always had Japanese/Korean cars and with all the bad rep American cars are getting this model came as a surprise. Costs thousands less than a BMW, or a Mercedes, and definitely a better pick than a Nissan Altima, or Honda Accord. For very frugal people like us, we definitely recommend the Chevy Malibu, very classy and safe car for less money.

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