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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  2001 Malibu - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jibeho - October 4 - 2:17 am

  Many small problems as stated in previous reviews. Also had MAJOR problems around 50K. Starter failed, Intake manifold gasket failed, and then the engine failed. Even the key fob is poorly designed because you can easily set off the car alarm accidentally. Overall, the 2001 Malibu is a very unsatisfactory car ownership experience. The rapid depreciation tells the story quite well, because the free market effectively values the car for what it is worth (not much). I could not recommend a Malibu to anybody, and will be buying a Japanese or Korean brand next time around.

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  Junk1 - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Eric Herbst - September 27 - 10:12 pm

  Plan on replacing brakes and rotors every 22-24000 miles. Roughly $90, if you do it yourself. Lower intake manifold gasket went at 44,000 miles. I have found this is quite common, and look forward to replacing it at least once more before I can get rid of the car. If you are not a mechanic or know a good friend as one, expect to pay between $700-$1100. This will occur roughly every 40-50,000 miles. If you do not catch it in time, your engine will cease to run. Rear window motor is failing. It will roll down, but fails to travel back up. If you are considering purchasing a 97-2003 Malibu, I highly recommend against it. Perhaps you should buy a Ford Edsel instead.

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  Great for first 36 months - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Shaun - September 8 - 6:48 pm

  This car is great until around year 3. Problems included short brake life, a/c issues, intake manifold leaks. After doing research found these to be common problems with this vehicle. I would have sold it a long time ago if I wasnt still upside down due to depreciation. If youre going to get this car only do it for a lease.

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  Chevrolet Malibu has been a disaster - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Al - August 18 - 1:07 am

  Our 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has had many problems. It is slow to accelerate and noisy. The brakes went out on it twice. The air conditioner stops cooling at random and the dealer showed me a bulletin that said that was OK, so they could not fix it. Its always been hard to start, but no warranty repair was made. Now it just went out of warranty and the car wont. It cranks, but no start. This is the worst car Ive ever owned.

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  Never buying another Chevy! - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DIsgruntled - August 6 - 4:07 pm

  I have had all of the same experiences as everyone has described here. Only difference is that in the past 2 years, we have put $10,000 worth of work into it. Word of warning to those of you who work on the car yourselves. Dont take the sun visors off because they are impossible to get back on without breaking them! We move a lot due to the fact that we are a military family, and our car has had to be fixed in 4 different states over the three year span that we have owned it! I am also not happy with what Chevy calls "routine maintenance" i.e.:EGR valves and fuel injectors.

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  Repair costs $2,200 for 2005 (so far) - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dave - July 25 - 7:26 pm

  This car was poorly built. This car requires new brakes every 15K miles and new rotors every 30K miles. I followed all recommendations for maintaining my vehicle per the owners manual. Once the car hit 60K miles, it started to fall apart completely. In the last two years I have had to bring my car to the mechanic for repairs eight times (thank goodness for AAA)!The cost of repairs for 2004: $1,200. The cost for repairs through 7/05 $2,200. List of items needing repairs: ignition switch(2x), ignition cylinder, manifold intake gasket, antifreeze cap, A/Cc. I will not be purchasing another Chevy, or any product built by GM,. They just couldnt discount it enough for me to take the risk!

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  Never own another one - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lee - July 9 - 2:48 am

  I bought this car new. Constant brake problems. Some electrical problems. Replaced the front wheel bearings. Fuel gauge went crazy at around 80,000 miles. Very uncomfortable for a taller person.

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  Would rent, Would not buy. - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Adam - June 16 - 2:47 am

  I had a 2015 Malibu as a rental for a week. I drove approximately 300 miles during the week I had it. The positives are that the interior is relatively quiet and comfortable considering the price point of this car. There is sufficient power there, but it is difficult to access/control because of the drive by wire throttle (more on that later). The brakes are capable and the car holds the road well on twisty/hilly terrain. It feels confident and easy to control at highway speeds. Gas mileage was OK. The computer informed me that my average was 26.1mpg over the course of my time with the car. Mostly city/suburban and a little highway driving. The most glaring issue I noticed immediately is how hard it is to see out of this car, both front and back. All new cars Ive driven seem to be this way, however. The large A-pillars make it hard to see around a corner and the large C-pillars make it hard to see what is behind you when backing out of a parking space. The windshield mounted rear view mirror may as well not even be there. It is useless unless what you are trying to see is precisely behind the car. Anything to either side is obscured by the C-pillars, which creates huge blind spots. The materials on the interior can be described as "cheap" to be kind. The plastics are hard and the texture is not pleasant to touch. My rental had the worst feeling steering wheel of any car I have ever driven. It felt like petting a crocodile. I understand that this is an entry level economy car and dont expect anything to be wrapped in leather or trimmed with wood, but Ive driven econo-boxes from the late 90s with better interior finish than this car. The worst problem I have saved for last. It is the horrendous throttle feel given by the drive-by-wire system. This is somewhat hard to explain, but it feels like the accelerator pedal is more of a suggestion to the engine rather than a direct translation of what my right foot is doing. The worst is when backing out of a parking space while going uphill. I would push the pedal, nothing happens, push some more, nothing happens...until I have it nearly to the floor and the car suddenly lurches out of the parking space. Instead of an even, predictable gradient of power, its either all or nothing. It is almost as if there is a 1 to 2 second delay between pedal input and engine response. It is most noticeable in city driving in situations when you need a little bit of power instantly, like when making a left hand turn into oncoming traffic. I was nearly involved in an accident due to the delay. Its only about a second or two, but when someone is driving toward you at 40mph, one second makes a lot of difference. This did not inspire confidence and I dreaded any time I had to take this car near a city. Once on the highway, the throttle problem is not so bad, but it is still hard to figure out how much to depress the pedal in order to achieve the desired results. I found myself over accelerating, or accidentally cutting someone off because of the vague feel to the accelerator. At its best the throttle is vague, annoying and unpredictable. At its worst, it is downright dangerous. This car was tolerable as a rental, but I would never buy one. By the end of the week I couldnt wait to get back into my old car.

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  How many trips to the dealer? - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By More Brakes - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Rotors and pads and then again rotors and pads. FIVE TIMES! Not to mention a new front end, the list goes on and on. Several trips to the dealer What a loss I am taking on this car. Not such a great deal afterall.

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  Malibu pure out sucks - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By disappointed in GM - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought it at 0 miles. 47k now. CV boots replaced twice. Frontend retorqued. Still rattles. Alternator went out w/o warning. Replaced brakes & rotors -14k. Center front arm rest broke. A/C goes on and off by it self. Engine light came on. Was O2 sensor. Engine light came on again and started skipping but only when you first crank it. Random misfire. Replaced plugs, plug wires, 3 coils, and coolant sensor. 3 mechanics (including Chevy dealer) checked it for blown head gasket, cracked head and everything and found nothing. They cant figure it out.