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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  Best vehicle I have ever had! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Molly - October 27 - 1:19 am

  I bought this vehicle in 2004 for only $8,000. It was the best purchase I had ever made on a vehicle. I have owned a Mazda and Corsica and had nothing but problems. When I purchased this vehicle it had 17,000 miles on it and I was working at a state agency so I did a lot of traveling. I now have 83,000 miles on it and the only problem I had with it was a couple weeks after I got it the factory CD player stopped working but I was in a the process of getting a CD player installed anyways and all I have needed done is brakes changed twice and oil changes. Mechanically I have had absolutely no problems and it drives smoothly.

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  Put the fun back in driving - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kevdog - October 26 - 7:50 pm

  At 67", this car fits great. The ease of getting into and out of is outstanding. Tons of legroom with the seat slightly reclined. I looked at all makes and models, including full size sedans, and of them all the Malibu was by far these easiest to get into. Plenty of options for the money. More than enough power and great fuel mileage, even if Ive got that lead foot. Used to have a 98 F-150, now enjoy driving again.

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  Jims Chevrolet Malibu - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By James Pastore - October 25 - 2:27 pm

  I have read allot about the engine in this car (ecotech) and have heard nothing but good comments about it. I know they have increased the power in this engine to 900 HP for racing, so I believe this engine will work for me. Maybe it will come. However, I presently have allot of power for what I need. It is hard to keep this car at 55 MPH with barely touching the gas pedal. It passes very easily. It looks great. Runs smooth and quiet. People have asked me what kind of car is it. They are surprised when I tell them it is a Malibu. I presently get 33.8 MPG combined.

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  First Impressions - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bob - October 23 - 9:50 am

  This is a great car. In the past I have been very sceptical about american vehicles. I have been a loyal Toyota Camry owner for many years. This car won me over. The fuel economy on the sticker states 17 city 26 hwy. I got 36 hwy at 65 mph with the a/c on for 70 miles. I got 27 hwy at 80 mph.

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  My Malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Annette - October 20 - 10:25 am

  I enjoy driving my Malibu because of the way it handles on the road. The interior is very nice and comfortable.

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  Affordable Luxury - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Maribel Munoz - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a beautiful and an affordable car. Great for those people who like luxury cars but cant afford them. Its very spacious and drives like your floating on air. I recently got into a car accident and lost my car. But I will definately purchase another Chevy Malibu!

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By meganscar - October 7 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had numerous problems with this vehicle. So far, Ive had the flywheel replaced due to noises when the vehicle started(this was one month into ownership), the entire fan/blower system replaced (one year into ownership, power steering gear replaced and lower intake gasket replaced (2 1/2 years into ownership). Now that I am out of warranty, the fan system that was replaced does not work - again. This is not to mention that this V6 vehicle has no power or pickup. I would not recommend that anyone buy a Malibu.

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  Excellent value - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joe - October 7 - 12:06 pm

  I downgraded to this car from a big luxury car, thinking it was time for something more economical and greener. Im very happy, the car has all of the features as my other car and more, it drives very smoothly and handles very good. Im amazed with the fuel economy, I havent average less than 27 mpg, of course I drive mostly highway miles. A part from being smaller than my trade, its very comfortable inside with supportive seats and plenty of room for a car this size, the back seat is comfortable enough, assuming the front seats are not all the way back. So I can safely say I dont miss my old car, I do occasionally miss the power, but thats the compromise you have to make.

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  Overall, Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CONNIE - September 29 - 8:25 pm

  I have only had my vehicle for about 2 weeks, but I love it! I am a little disappointed that it does not have the tracking feature as the other Malibus have had. But I am looking forward to a long and happy time with this car.

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  Good value - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dale - September 28 - 3:14 pm

  Very comfortable car, particularly for its high gas mileage. The LTZ model is well equipped for the price. The LTZ trim gives life to an exterior styling that is rather ordinary.