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 11 through 20 of 190.00

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  May the best car win? Uh, not this one. - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jeff B - April 17 - 8:45 am

  The 09 Chevy Malibu is a huge leap forward for GM, and it is world better than past GM cars I have driven. However, now that I have had it for 18 months or so, the problems have begun to appear, and the dealer (Royal Chevy in NJ) has been zero help. Now my dash lights dont work and that means NO speedometer. The right turn signal doesnt cancel itself, and it sounds like something is loose in the left front wheel well. Are these terrible, debilitating problems? Nope. But as I also drive a 3y/o Honda CR-V and 4 y/o Mazda Miata, the comparisons are striking. No problems at all with the Honda or Mazda and both drive much more smoothly.

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  Quality of the rims - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brenda - April 8 - 10:39 am

  I purchased my car in April 2009. Since that time Ive needed to buy rims twice. Im not a wild and crazy driver. I travel normal roads with plenty of other cars traveling the same. I have an older Malibu and loved it completely. This one the quality of the rims is a real turn-off. I find it impossible to believe my car is the only car that has problems with flimsy rims. I really hope others will comment so I can see if its an isolated problem or one others just have taken in stride.

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  Good and Bad - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By KMH - April 4 - 9:20 am

  The car has a strong engine and looks great in the metallic red color. Satellite radio is great also At 11,000 miles central steering linkage needed to be replaced-disappointing. Overall the car is a 7. It still does not measure up in quality to foreign offerings although they have slipped in quality and GM is finally moving in the right direction.

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  Much Better. Now refine it! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Richard G - March 16 - 10:17 pm

  I purchased the 6 cylinder LTZ version of the Malibu and was impressed with its styling, quality, and the price. GM has finally built a car that is on par if not better than its Asian competitors. Remember I said a car and thats the Chevy Malibu. Fortunately for GM Toyota beat itself which only leaves Honda and Hyundai to contend with. The Malibu is quick and dangerous off the line which great horsepower and nerve racking torque steer and wheel spin. Horsepower and front wheel drive system are not good bedfellows. The interior quality is good and the exterior design is very good but could use some tweaks. The engine is quiet but does groan nicely. Overall I recommend this car.

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  Very Satisfied to Date - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mike - March 4 - 11:35 pm

  A great looking, powerful and fun to drive vehicle. The V6 packs a good punch and I have been pleasantly surprised with my 22 mpg city gas mileage. I am a geek and check at every fillup. I would expect to see between 28-30 on a long trip.

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  like this car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By john - December 24 - 11:51 am

  Ive driven this car for over a year. Its a nice,well built,comfortable car.Ive had absolutely no problems with it. Most of my driving has been in-town. It seems a lot roomier than a good friends new Camry.

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  Still lacking milage and room - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Clint - October 12 - 11:25 am

  I love to support my American Cars but when I got a job traveling the east coast I opted to buy a Honda Accord. Recently our company forced us to use rental cars and we are stuck with this malibu. After driving around 500-680miles on a tank of gas to going to 400-475miles I was less than impressed. Im 64" and this car is less roomy than my Accord.I feel extremely cramped while im sitting here typing this headed to florida from North Carolina (co-worker driving 1st shift). The car looks nice and runs well. Interior not so pretty but its a rental so Ill suffice. The radio is lacking features also. Steering is much sloppier than the accord. It does have a smooth ride too.

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  6 times in Shop - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lee G-Mansfield-OH - July 31 - 9:57 pm

  I have been stranded when vehicle quit w/o warning 4x and acted up 6x. It is going to shop again tomorrow for the 6x. They have replaced wiring harnesses, computer, fuel press. Gauge, engine oil pan, engine cam & actuator valves, air intake assemble, ecm replaced. Car literally lunged forward one night when I was in driveway. Luckily I had my foot on brake or it would of went through my garage door. More problems than the car is worth. Loved it when it runs, but I drive 90 mi. Rt a day and I am getting real tired of all the break- downs! No Wonder gm is going down! Would never buy another gm again. Wife bought used 06 Toyota rav month before and no problems with it. Go figure!

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  Hard to say - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By VtSteve - July 10 - 9:13 am

  The obvious allure of this car is the exterior styling. Not dramatic, just great, clean lines. The interior is roomy, and the trunk is quite large. Having driven all of the Malibus competitors, I thought this car would be Chevys big score. Then the small disappointments set in. From my perspective, the one thing I cant live with is the front entry and egress. The stylists clearly won the battle here. Exiting the car makes me feel like Im in an Italian sports car. Nice interior, well laid out, well-equipped. Trunk opening narrow, but spacious trunk. Still dont like the klunky 4 banger.

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  Its been a good car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bruce Stevens - July 10 - 12:49 am

  Bought new 2009 LTZ leftover in Aug. 2010 has 158,000 miles on it and has been basic maintenance. Headlights bulb replacement is poor design. Steering light came on a couple of times but has been fine since. Handles great, rides great, better than my Jag. 28 mpg avg. 30-32 on long trips. I would buy another Malibu.