Overview & Reviews

Since its debut back when the Beatles were singing about holding hands, the Chevrolet Malibu has gone through several iterations. The initial lineup consisted of rear-drive midsizers that included coupes, sedans, wagons and the legendary, high-horsepower SS-badged muscle car. After a downsizing in the late 1970s and a quiet death in the early '80s, the Malibu was reincarnated as a smaller, anonymous, front-wheel-drive favorite of rental fleets.

The two newest generations of the Malibu have been much improved, however, and are more deserving of some "Love Me Do." Though it generally falls a little short of class-leading status, a new or late-model used Malibu is still a solid choice for a midsize family sedan thanks to its strong performance, composed and quiet ride, handsome styling and advanced electronics features.

Current Chevrolet Malibu
The current Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 196 horsepower. From there, shoppers can go either the performance or fuel economy route. The former is satisfied by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 259 hp. The Malibu Eco, on the other hand, features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (182 hp) connected to a mild hybrid system that helps return nearly 30 mpg combined. The base engine achieves the same fuel economy, however, so we see no reason to select the Eco for this model year. All Malibus come standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Four Malibu trim levels are offered: LS, LT, LTZ and Eco. The base LS is nicely equipped with alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning and a power driver-seat height adjuster. The LT has three sublevels (1LT, 2LT and 3LT) that add perks like dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, the MyLink interface with smartphone integration and upgraded audio with iPod/USB connectivity. The LTZ boasts leather upholstery and heated front seats. Aside from its hybrid hardware, the Eco is equipped much like a 1LT. Options, depending on trim, include xenon headlights, a navigation system, Pioneer audio and safety features such as lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

In reviews of the latest Chevrolet Malibu, we've identified its ride quality and refinement as particularly strong points. Impacts rarely filter into the cabin, which remains whisper-quiet at highway speeds. Moreover, all Malibus enjoy an abundance of soft-touch materials, decent-quality switchgear and an attractive dashboard. The main downside is a relative lack of rear-seat legroom. Overall, the Malibu doesn't fully stand out from the talented crowd in this segment, but it's still a solid choice for family sedan shoppers.

Used Chevrolet Malibu Models
The current-generation Malibu was introduced for 2013. It brings welcome improvements in refinement, feature content and efficiency relative to its predecessor, though shortcomings like limited backseat room persist. For 2014, this Malibu received numerous revisions aimed at quelling early criticism, including a fuel-economy bump for the base four-cylinder, more torque for the turbocharged engine, revised suspension tuning and some new interior features. These changes didn't make a big difference in terms of the car's place in the family-sedan pecking order, but they do render the 2013 model marginally less appealing as a used option.

The previous-generation Malibu was produced from 2008 through 2012. With its crisp, tailored lines, this Malibu looked more like a luxury sedan than its forgettable predecessor. Its cabin was similarly handsome, with a stylish design and two-tone color schemes that stood out from the crowd (while disguising less-than-ideal materials).

Throughout its life, this Malibu was available in four trims (LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ) and with a choice of two engines. A 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder was initially standard on all but the LTZ, but for '09 it became available for every Malibu. That year also saw a six-speed automatic transmission replace the original four-speed unit on all but the LS and 1LT trims, though every Malibu got it a year later.

A 3.6-liter 252-hp V6 served as the optional engine upgrade (though it was initially standard on the LTZ). This always had a six-speed automatic, as well as a different steering system than the four-cylinder. Its hydraulic steering (versus electric) offered more weighting and a bit more road feel, but neither system was really a standout in the class. Similarly, this Malibu's handling in general was responsive enough, but few would deem it sporty.

Our staff was impressed by many aspects of this Chevrolet Malibu. Its combination of handsome looks, a spacious and attractive cabin, competent performance and a quiet ride gave Chevy a serious player in this tough segment. Subpar rear seat space and hit-or-miss interior construction were notable drawbacks, along with a few missing features like a navigation system. Besides its transmission, changes were restricted to features availability, with items like Bluetooth and an iPod interface eventually added.

The previous Chevy Malibu was offered from 2004-'08. As there was that one-year overlap, Chevrolet distinguished the two different Malibus by calling the retiring version the "Malibu Classic." In addition to a sedan body style, the outgoing Malibu was also offered in a longer-wheelbase hatchback version called the Malibu Maxx. Compared to earlier Malibus, this one came with more powerful engine choices, a roomier layout and safety features like available side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals.

Base LS and midlevel LT models made up the bulk of the Malibu's production. The lack of style and performance was addressed in 2006 when the lineup was beefed up with the leather-trimmed LTZ and high-performance SS. For power, this generation offered a 2.2-liter four-cylinder rated at 144 hp (LS and LT models), a 217-hp 3.5-liter V6 (standard on the LTZ and optional on LT) and a top-dog 3.9-liter V6 with 240 ponies for the SS. All were hooked up to a four-speed automatic transmission, and the SS featured a manual-shift mode.

In reviews, we commented favorably about the car's smooth ride quality and roomy interior. Noted downsides included a lackluster cabin and subpar braking and handling. We'd suggest choosing one of the V6 engines, which provide an agreeable combination of performance and fuel economy.

The preceding Chevrolet Malibu generation was sold during the 1997-2003 model years. In 2000, the front styling was modified to be more Impala-like and the 3.1-liter V6 was improved with more power. Minor detail changes like exterior/interior trim revisions, automatic headlamp control, new audio systems with a CD player and new colors carried the Malibu through its next few years. We were fans of this Malibu at the time, viewing it as something of an overlooked gem in GM's lineup, but its advancing age and spotty consumer reviews make it a tricky used-car selection.

User Reviews:

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  Initially good, eventually very bad - must read! - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chris Warren - November 6 - 1:33 am

  I had my Malibu 2LT w/ a V6 engine for 9 months. I had it in the shop FIVE times in that period. Once for a piston replacement, once for replacing spark plugs/cylinder coils, once for replacing wiring to cylinders, once for replacing water hose... the list of problems with this car are incredible! On one hand, the V6 has a nice smooth get-up-and-go feel to it. The engine sounds great but never forces the car to lose its composure on the road. The look of the Malibu is sharp - nothing over the top, but enough smooth but pronounced edges to make you have a quick glance. I couldnt believe this was a Chevy at first. But then I spent a lot of time in the car and realized that the seats arent comfortable (they squeeze and push my arms forward a bit), lumbar support sucks (optional lumbar control is mostly for show and ends up being very bad for your back according to my friend whos a practicing chiropractic). The door materials are cheap and plastic-y, theres a lot of stuff you can tell will break easily. The glove box had numerous scratches from a small handful of passengers getting in/out of the vehicle. Chevy basically did a nice job updating the Malibu but failed to give it real quality interior. The 4-cyl engine MAY be decent - fewer moving parts = fewer things to go wrong. But I ended up with TWO V-6 engines because Jiffy Lube left my oil filter off and my engine seized a couple days later. They paid for the replacement engine, but funny-enough the second V6 has a couple of the same issues within weeks of it being installed! Fortunately they repairs were covered, but I lost two weeks of work over 2 months because of my car problems. Do not buy the V6 engine, as having 2 bad engines (one of which was "re-certified") means this is not a good car to buy to last you several years. Look toward 2013 and newer where the Malibu is getting much better initial quality scores and offers much better interior options.

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  no acceleration/ headlights a pain to change - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By janel alderman - October 8 - 7:17 pm

  you have to take off the whole bumper to change out the headlights. normally costs $5.00 to change normal headlights, this one over a hundred dollars. chevy must be supporting body shops and giving them more business with no regards to the owner.

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  Terrible Product Quality - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill - September 28 - 5:51 pm

  Door locks two down and two to go....at $300 a pop, passenger airbag failed just before warranty went out and chevrolet they never fixed it tire pressure sensor failure, headlamp replacement is a human factors nightmare....have to remove the entire front end to replace a headlamp bulb.

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  dont buy!! a waste of road space - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Larry Ingram - September 15 - 1:45 pm

  this has to be the most uncomfortable car ive ever driven, i actually traded a cobalt that i wish i had back, im a long time chevrolet and long time GM customer, i will never buy again, this car is junk, GM offers no support, i was actually tol "too bad, you bought it" "maybe you should have shopped more" no way to treat a customer if you ask me.

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  buyer beware - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By brenda duran - September 7 - 1:59 pm

  low miles and multiple times in shop. Headlights go out frequently- bulb cost a few bucks but must have mechanic replace. Door locks dont work. Catalytic converter bad- shocks bad- overall value HORIBLE!!

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  Electrical problems - 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Patrick - August 30 - 1:51 pm

  My 2013 Malibu 2LT is having a major issue that can cause a serious accident.. The steering and all electronics shut down while Im driving. The motor remains running but all electronics shut completely down. The dealer wont fix this issue and I will put the biggest lawsuit on Chevy if I get into an accident

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  Rental Update - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Larry Gorman - August 11 - 9:33 am

  Some things my original review omitted - yes, it is a rental, but it had 26 miles on it when I got it. BRAND SPANKING NEW. So my observations are not of a beaten up high mileage rental car. Added remarks - and these are personal observations and may not bother other people - the high back end and no back up camera make parking unnecessarily difficult - parallel or backing into a space. Shockingly, I discovered this weekend that a bag of golf clubs will not fit in the trunk sideways - only diagonally! Even my Honda S 2000 could hold a couple of bags of golf clubs sideways in the trunk. Having to put them in diagonally causes problems packing other items in the trunk. WHERE IS THE INTERIOR TRUNK RELEASE????!!!!!! I have looked everywhere - and the remote on the key fob will NOT work when the car is running. Why do manufacturers put the gas filler cap on the Passenger side??? And then it is not intuitive - nothing to grab onto , no release in the car - you have to press it to get it to open. All in all, the car is replete with annoyances - not surprising to somrone who has owned nothing but the best ergonomically designed cars in the world - Hondas and Acuras.

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  What a LEMON! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Suggabuzz - August 3 - 12:45 pm

  This car has so many problems that I couldnt list them all if I tried. The dash is lit up like a Christmas tree! There are problems with the traction control/ ABS and Power steering. The headlights, trunk pop button, and gas gauge all do not work. Things just fall off and brake constantly. It leaks coolant, as well as transmission fluid. I bought this car with no problems about 4 years ago, and it has been a constant battle to keep it out of the shop. There are so many re-calls i think even Chevy wants me to throw it off a cliff.

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  Rental Car while Acura RL having bodywork done - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Larry Gorman - August 3 - 11:01 am

  Reviewing this from the perspective of an Acura RL owner may be a bit unfair, but... the dash vents are barely adjustable, there are no visible rear vents, the engine (like just about any other American 4 cylinder I have ever driven) sounds like a lawn mower on acceleration though it IS economical - 32 MPG on highway at 75-80 - it rides like a truck - it is firm but you feel every bump - very poor insulation from road surfaces and imperfections - the "switch blade" key fob is annoying - if you dont keep folding it up it puts holes in pants pockets, and the access to the vehicle information system is accomplished through three switches on the left stalk on the steering column - requires too much concentration and much better placed on the dash somewhere - huge screen on the dash does nothing without navigation other than give you radio information. Very disappointing car after all the rave reviews I had read about the "new" Malibu - cannot even hold a candle to our previous 2008 Honda Accord, let lone the 2015 model.

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  UNRELIABLE DANGEROUS CAR FOR A CHILD!!!! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kat9478 - May 4 - 12:04 pm

  I purchased this car for my 18 year old daughter. Less than a year after owning it, the ESC light is on, the Power steering light, the ABS and Traction Control lights are on. Everything that was recalled on other Malibus is wrong with this car. Chevy claims it is not part of the recalled cars, even with the same problems. In the meantime, this car is scheduled for service to repair everything wrong with it, and after that, Im trading it in on something more reliable. This car is dangerous, and if you are thinking about purchasing it for a child, RUN, dont walk away and purchase a different one.