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:
Showing 1081 through 1090 of 2,002.00-
Great first car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By meg - June 11 - 11:45 pmI went from a 95 Corsica to this car and I must say, I am definitly pleased. Same engine, 2x the horsepower, the pick up on it is great.
-
Love my Malibu! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By KayW - June 9 - 2:00 amI have had my Malibu for a full month now and am loving every second of it. I have never owned a Chevy prior to this purchase and am really glad I bought this one. What a beauty of a car, inside and out. Ive received many compliments about the looks of it and I feel very safe driving it too.
-
Chevvy hits the Bullseye - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By jack w - June 9 - 2:00 amI cannot find fault with this vehicle,it exceeds any car I previously owned in all respects. It is great in build quality,comfort,performance,economy and value for money.No previous Chevrolet has approached its quality. I heartily recommend it and best of all it is American!
-
US Altima - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By Depew - June 9 - 2:00 amHad the dealer prep me a new Impala LS and saw this car in the showroom, drove it and fell in love...same power lotzzza features all standard on the LT. Just love this car.
-
Eh... - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By princessbanana - June 8 - 4:50 pmThis car was just ok. Purchased at 63,000 miles. Heater and air conditioner went out within first year of owning it. Tires went bald fast, needed to fill with oil every two weeks after it hit 70,000 miles. No "get up and go". Forget about good gas mileage. Needed new transmission as soon as I hit 101,000. Automatic windows work only when they want to. Back window motor went out. I put almost half as much in to this car as I paid for it. Dont count on this car lasting over 100,000 miles. Save your money. Buy a Honda or a Toyota.
-
Malibu meets the test - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By HighMileageDad - June 7 - 11:00 amThe Malibu LT2 is a good vehicle with great gas milage. Being slightly smaller than the 2006 Impala, it is well worth the savings to purchase over the Impala if you do not have children or large passengers. Appealing to the eye, fun to drive, good gas mileage, a little noisy on the road, but a good car.
-
Mt 1998 Malibu LS - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
By Jan - June 6 - 9:07 amI have loved this vehicle since day one! It has out performed my expectations and handles the road like a champ! My mileage has ranged 25 city and 32 highway consistantly for eight years!
-
2004 Malibu LT 4-door sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
By Robert Yelinek - June 3 - 10:00 pmOriginal automatic transmission was bad. GM replaced with a 5 year warranty. No other complaints. If you live in a cold climate, remote start is a dream, clearing windows and warming car in 4-5 minutes. Plenty of interior space, lots of zip, good economy Would buy again. With incentives, a great auto for under $21,000
-
My Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By Bebebri - June 2 - 2:00 amI feel that the radio/ stereo system could have been focused on more, with an upgraded system like the Escalades bose sound
-
LOVE MY BU!!! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
By Corey - June 1 - 5:40 amOk, I just got my 2016 Malibu LT with the Driver Confidence package and the Technology package and I have to say I LOVE it! I had a 2010 Malibu LT2 and swore I would never buy another GM car again. This car is so far beyond the 2010 model its crazy! I cant believe I bought another one but so far Im happy I did. You really need to go see it in person and drive it. I bought both of my cars at Bob Steele Chevrolet. They are the best with sales and their service department always goes above and beyond to take care of me.
