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 21 through 30 of 190.00

• 

  American manufacturing feat - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Alex Povolotski - July 7 - 10:58 am

  This vehicle deserves more attention, keeping in mind it has recently won in the family mid-size sedan competition. Its a real feat of American auto engineering. Just take all the controversy surround the GM company away and think of the vehicle as a piece of machinery. The design is outstanding, both external, and internal. The fit and finish is at par with many Japanese manufacturers. The cabin is accommodating and the drive is comfy and noise-free. The six-speed auto transmission is a marvel of engineering. In fact, GM went ahead and beat Toyota to it. Toyota followed with its own 6- speed soon after though.

• 

  Matches or Exceeds Expectations - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Otto Piechowski - June 15 - 10:44 pm

  Recently, I drove my Malibu 2500 miles from Kentucky to South Dakota and back. The overall fuel economy was just under 31 miles per gallon in spite of a couple hundred miles of country road driving at slow speeds, highway driving at 75 miles per hour (at times with the air conditioning on), and with one full tank of 10% ethanol. // Acceleration was both quick and sufficient when required. Handling was crisp and pleasant. When a quick turn or maneuver was required, the Malibu was responsive and gave me a sense of substantial control of the car. // Good dampening of outside sounds and a very good speaker sound quality. (However, the bass on a rear speaker failed in the first few months)

• 

  Very Impressed - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Austin Cali - June 15 - 3:47 am

  The 09 Malibu is fun and sporty yet very economical for my family of 3. I enjoy the clean simple look and the price point is very reasonable. The interior looks sharp however it has a plastic feel about it. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase.

• 

  Needs work - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By aplus32 - June 9 - 6:55 pm

  Okay, lets start with whats good about the car. The stereo KICKS. Also like the standard chrome rims, and the apparent attention to detail taken with the design interior. A full tank of gas lasted me SEVEN DAYS, and when I went to fill it up, I still had a quarter of a tank to go. Thats just awesome. Now, the bad. First of all, whos idea was it to put such a tiny armrest in the vehicle?!? I am short, so I have to pull the seat up. I managed to be able to rest the very tip of my elbow on the darned thing, and had to rest my hand on the floor shift. Floor shift not necessary if vehicle is automatic. Suspension needs work, could HEAR and feel every bump hit while driving.

• 

  About Time GM - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BWN - December 5 - 5:36 pm

  Have just under 10,000 miles in a short period of time. Tight, comfortable, quiet, sure footed, and user friendly. When you consider the cost of this vehicle, it is a winner. Not a single problem with the car. It is an great midsize family sedan. I was nervous when I moved from my 06 Camry to this car. Im now glad I did.

• 

  Expect more from the Malibu - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Hans - June 22 - 10:56 am

  After driving the new Chevrolet Malibu for three months I feel that it is truly a better car than I expected. It is comfortable, quiet and has good road handling characteristics. The fuel economy is good and the 4 cylinder engine is very smooth and quiet. I found the Malibu by accident when renting it for a trip. I am happy I did before buying another foreign car.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Chevy Malabu LTZ V6- Many Positives - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By LTZ V6 - April 5 - 6:03 pm

  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.