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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  Gotta love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Good thoughts! - July 18 - 11:01 pm

  Great car for the money. I love the gas mileage but without the A/C on. I have owned my Malibu for 10 months and am very satisfied with my purchase. I have three children and there is enough room for them all. I highly recommend this car to others looking for a reasonable, cute, car.

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  Great overall car, very reliable - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By David - July 18 - 10:01 pm

  I bought this car looking for a car that would start everytime. This car has yet to fail me. With regular scheduled maintnence i have not had to put any additional money into it. The car gets excellent fuel economy for the stress I put it through. I drove 300 miles with 3 other passengers with the AC on 5 the whole time there and i got 29 MPG highway. I thought that was awesome!

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  I love my malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mari2004 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Malibu I had and I love it. I had no problems with the other one I had. This one has more room and it rides very nice and quite.

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  Itll do - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By brad1193 - July 13 - 4:50 am

  Weve had this car for about 2 weeks now and so far so good. We took a trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA up I-5 to the 101, which both have horrible traffic, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We traded in a Trailblazer that we did not like so I questioned going with another Chevrolet but Im glad we did. The build quality, comfort level, appearance, and amenities make for a great package. Theyve done their research and took the time to put out something that wasnt thrown together. I agree with the critics that say they had put all their eggs in one basket with the truck/SUV market but it seems theyve produced a winner making for some good competition.

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  Classy Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By zak - July 9 - 3:01 pm

  A very comfortable car to drive with the tilt/telescopic wheel and power height adjustable seat. V6 engine is quite powerful and is averaging about 34 mpg on the highway. City driving is about 20 mpg. Test drove Camry, Altima and Fusion. All were noisier with the 4 cyld and not as peppy, yet cost the same as the V6 Malibu.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - Prior Euro Car Owner - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Doug and Sarah - July 6 - 2:36 pm

  Previously owned a VW Passat and still own a 5 series, BMW, this car has been a joy. Stop and go mileage has been around 21-22, which is OK. We have the 2LT. Have not had much opportunity for long distance hwy to see how hwy mileage is. No problems at all with the car. Very quiet and comfortable. Wife loves the OnStar, we use it for directions all the time. Car handles very well, braking is great. Have received many compliments on the vehicle, even from friends who own Lexus, etc. Test drove other Japanese makes and the Malibu blew us away.

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  Average midsize car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By davidwli - July 6 - 2:41 am

  I purchased my 05 4 months ago. Ive been in for repairs for 3 items 1/ Loose front left strut that was replaced. 2/ Shifter assembly was replaced , the manual shift mode was inoperative. 3/ Rattling sound in the steering column, Its true that GM says they do not have an effective repair yet for this problem. Hopefully the car will be reliable from now otherwise I will sell it when the warranty expires. I decided to buy the Malibu and save the 4 to 5 thousand dollars over what a comparable 05 import would have cost. The car is a great deal used but I wouldnt buy it new as the depreciation is high.

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  Malibu LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Stinkiesx2 - July 6 - 12:27 am

  I traded an 05 Escape for the 06 Malibu LTZ. I absolutely love it. I was worried about stepping down from an SUV but with more options at an affordable price and O% financing, you cant go wrong.

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  Good Car, Great Value - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JL - July 2 - 11:31 pm

  Bought a fully loaded Malibu LS five years ago off the showroom floor. Have close to 100k on her and shes still running strong. Plenty of power with good gas mileage (27 hwy) she is a good looking car. Brakes, like most Chevys, should have been bigger/better. Spend the money on premium rotors with a warrantee when the OE warps. The only other problem is the turn signal flash-dat is starting to fail. This car is a great family sedan and is still cool and safe enough for a first time driver.

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  Love it! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By markques - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I dont know if it a new car thing, but I love to take it on the open road and open it up!