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:

• 

  Maxxs Review - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 05 Maxx - May 28 - 10:14 pm

  I own an 05 Malibu Maxx Hatchbox, I get fabulous gas mileage in this car. My last trip to New Orleans from Fort Worth Texas, I filled up with 15 gallons of premium gas (I fill up with premium all the time) my Malibu averaged 37.6 mpg. I saw a Mercedes commercial. If I were to buy a 50,000 e class diesel you can get 37 mpg, well let me tell you one thing ( my Malibu didnt cost me half that and Im getting more than what their 50,000 car does on mpg. Well back to what I was typing, I filled up once on my trip to N.O. and still had nearly 200 plus miles to go! This car packs the punches at the red lights and hauls (you know what) on the highway when Im being a bad boy.

• 

  Gave American cars a shot - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tyler drew - May 28 - 8:06 pm

  Overall, I am pleased with the vehicle except for the gas mileage. It is for me nowhere near the stated rating, however, I drive with a very heavy foot. The acceleration is nice for the size engine, and the LTZ package offers all the extras except for a moon roof (which I opted for). So far,(3 months) I have found the build quality to be acceptable and I havent had any problems at all. My wife likes the car also, and among vehicles at a comparable price, I think it is a good choice. For me, the Altima, Camry and Maxima didnt do it for me with their interior design (dahboard, cluster arrangements). I figured American manufacturers will have to get their act together, so I gave them a shot.

• 

  A great car - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chopsticks - May 19 - 3:13 pm

  When purchased it had many features found only on moe expensive cars. It is comfortable and roomy inside. I will buy another.

• 

  Powerful/Fun to drive - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Steven Mau - May 19 - 2:03 pm

  I just bought one in December and the car is a great one. I have had many cars and to date this is the number one choice in my book. Its about time GM made a fun and very powerful car. Thanks GM! Im very, very happy with the new Malibu LTZ.

• 

  My baby - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Laura - May 19 - 9:46 am

  I have had my Malibu for about 6 years now. I purchased it used basically good as new as it had only been driven for one year prior. It drives nice, is quite reliable and the factory speakers sound good. Although I have had to replace the brakes three times in the past two years. Other reviews mention the AC a lot, I have noticed my AC turning on and off on one occasion, and it has not acted up since. I wrecked the Malibu about a month ago going 45 mph, without a seatbelt on. I slammed on the brakes and the car skidded about 10 feet into the back of the car in front of me. Not sure what speed I was at when I hit the car, but airbags werent deployed.

• 

  Absolute value & satisfaction - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By thom - May 18 - 8:53 am

  For the money there is no car out there to compare with the Malibu, I havent owned a GM product in twenty years, and I am back and so is "GM". You owe it to yourself to check this vehicle out before you purchase your next vehicle. The OnStar feature alone is worth the money. I drove an 07, and there is no comparison.

• 

  35mpg v6 + reliable! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By chevyman - May 14 - 6:37 pm

  1 alternator and tires/brakes in 135,000 miles! Gets 35 mpg and the new cars with V4s cant do that! Great car. Too bad used American cars are worthless, but then again, why would I ever sell it?

• 

  Love my new malibu - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DanaB - May 14 - 12:49 am

• 

  Chevrolet hammered this one out of the PARK!! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Craig Brandriff - May 12 - 2:40 am

  Truly a superior and roomier design than many of the larger sedans, and most of the similarly sized competitors. Handles better, roomier, and much better cargo space than the Buick La Cross we replaced, (horrible headrests).

• 

  Malibu Won Me Over - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 1st grade teacher - May 11 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned a Camry and an Accord. When I went in to test-drive for a new vehicle, I hadnt even considered the Malibu. A friends father (who used to be a loyal Camry fan) suggested that I try out the Malibu before buying the Camry I had picked out. Wow! It quickly won me over! I got way more car for the money! Ive had many people tell me it looks like a Lexus or other more expensive car. Im very pleased with my purchase and glad I could buy something domestic and feel happy with the quality. Although I havent had the car long, Ive already been recommending it to all my friends.