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 21 through 30 of 190.00
  • Malibu 2009 - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought this car in 2010 and havent looked back runs great not a glitch anywhere. the main reason for buying this car was gas milage. on hwy i get about 6.6/100 . i have 60.000 ks on the car the only thing i replaced were the front tires, had the brakes checked at the same time and there were only half worn. I did look at the fusion, but price wise the mailbu was cheaper.

  • 2009 Malibu LTZ at 30K - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought a new LTZ with the 6-cylinder in June 2009. It now has 30,000 miles on it and I would rate it excellent in almost every way. I have had zero problems with it. It has had no squeeks, rattles or operational problems of any nature. It averages over 31 mpg on the highway going 75 mph, and is very zippy (252 hp in a car the weighs 3,400 lbs). I would highly recommend the car.

  • Impressed and not impressed - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I needed a vehicle that got better fuel mileage. I traded my 06 F150 crew cab in for this car. It has saved me alot of money so far. It gets 27/city at best. The whole car seems cheaply built compared to my f150. The transmission went out with less then 30,000 miles. At least gm fixed it for free. The "check fuel cap" comes on after every fuel fill up. I would recommend any body looking for a midsize car to check out the Ford Fusion first. I think they have better quality and reliability. I would recommend a Malibu as a second option.

  • Moldy smell - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    When I first bought this car I really liked it. I thought I got a lot of features at an ok price. However the car has since developed a moldy smell in the heater & GM cannot/will not fix the problem. Ive taken it to 3 dealerships to try & fix this. The original dealership refuses to admit theres a smell. The 2 subsequant admit theres a moldy smell but refuse to fix it & suggested I take it back to the original dealership for repairs. The last 2 places informed me that they might not get re-imbursed from GM for warranty work if some other dealer had already worked on the vehicle.

  • Good but not excellent - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    This LTZ is the first US car Ive bought in over 30 years. Its reviews were very good and it lives up to most of them. For a 4-cylinder vehicle with modest power it is a lot of fun to drive. It is extremely quiet inside at all speeds. I get 25-26 mpg in a mix of largely suburban driving and Im not easy on the throttle. Where the car falls short is in the quality of interior materials and its fit and finish. The interior plastics are extremely cheap, molded materials that scratch very easily. Interior trim pieces dont line up and snap together well. The overall effect is well below the level of Honda and Toyota.

  • Excited at first, not anymore... - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Off the bat, I loved this car. Wanted a nice looking car that was fun to drive and good on gas, not to mention affordable. Interior and exterior styling are great and you cant beat the price. After driving the car for only 3 months now, it has been a nightmare. Windshield leak warranted an entire replacement of the windshield, heated seats stopped working, security light randomly comes on, transmission glitches and needs to be serviced monthly, wood (plastic) trim pops out of its clips. Biggest problem, high beam headlamp already burnt out and you have to remove the entire front end to access the bulbs! Oh and oil changes, forget doing them yourself, youll need a special tool.

  • Should not have purchased - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I have always driven foreign cars and I decided to buy this car because of my presidents speech about helping America. I love my president, but do not like this car. The value has dropped more then half in less then 3 years. I have taken this car in because of the door, center console and windows. I do not like this car and will soon trade it in for a foreign car. This car is terrible stay away!

  • If You Are Short Read On - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I am 5 2". I have the seat all the way up and almost completely forward. The steering is QUICK. Driving a GEO Prizm for many years was very different. Blind spots left and right passenger. As you can see I dont drive much but I have been told it is a car that can rack up the mileage and is still very dependable. Drove from PA to NM and it was very comfortable.

  • Overall good car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I purchased a 2009 Chevy Malibu LT 2.4l 4cyl. Ive only had it for a week and never thought id own an American car but so far im happy and impressed. Its a really sharp looking car with a comfy and stylish interior much better then the Camry or Accord. The engine has a great set up stuff is easy to access, Im getting about 20 mpg city 29 hwy, its quick not like my Subaru but good enough. The sport paddle shifters make it a bit more fun. It rides really smooth, it has a sportier suspension then the Camry which was big for me. The interior is a BIG improvement. Its very comfy, easy to clean, a lot of rear legroom, lots of cup holders and storage spaces. Overall its great car and would recommend

  • Not very satisfied - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I purchased my Malibu brand new in 03/09 and I have had numerous problems. I am so tired of this car and wish I wouldnt have purchased it. Its only nice looking. I have had to have new brake pads, door replaced, battery, and now its in the shop because the entire dashboard shut down and its jerking continuously. I cant even drive my car. I will NEVER purchase another Chevy!

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