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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  See Ya Toyota! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pamemake - September 2 - 4:26 pm

  After much research and model shopping I finally made it into my local Chevy dealer. I took the Malibu 4 cylinder for a test drive and really liked it, until I took the 6 cylinder for a test drive. Wow! What a smooth ride. Very comfortable and tight. The car handled our pot-holes very nicely during the test drive. The ride was supple and controlled and the noise level was very very low. The car handled like a vehicle that should cost much more. Nicely appointed and fun to drive. I touch the gas and I go! No lag in the 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder was a little laggy for me. After my test drive, I wanted the 6 cylinder. My Prius was boring and low powered and I couldnt wait to trade it in.

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  2005 Malibu LT - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Todd - August 31 - 4:59 pm

  Bought used. Great car havent had any problems. Pick up is great. Feels more powerful than 200hp. Brakes feel strong with no fade and are easy to modulate. Steering is nice with little effort needed for parking lot speeds and tightens nicely as you pick up MPH. Handling is okay for a sedan. There is some body roll on faster turns but the car feels solid and I havent heard any noises from the car that there shouldnt be. Needs better tires! Its not a sports car but it would handle better without any squealing if there was better rubber however, the tires are good for absorbing rougher roads. Suspension helps isolate really well and the seats are comfortable. I definitely recommend it.

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  Fun and Practical - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lora C - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2003 malibu for a year. I love the power it has to start off. The stereo system is awesome with the automatic volume control and the different preset tones. The trunk is roomy enough to carry alot of stuff. The added net is perfect when you just have a few bags of groceries. The interior in may car is beautiful, it is cloth with the Chevy bowtie embossed in it.

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  05 LS Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SD05LSBU - August 27 - 6:59 pm

  So far so good with 1700 miles, flawless performance, fun to drive. Very fast with good acceleration. It is my wifes car and she feels very safe and comfortable in the malibu. Of course, I drive it whenever she lets. The ride and performance are really great for the money. Overall a great car.

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  Reliable, Comfy Car Overall - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By A.D. - August 27 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my 2003 Chevy Malibu with 11,000 miles on it. I now have 22,000 miles on it. I dont drive long distances (everywhere I go is pretty much within 15 miles of my house), but this car gets me from Point A to Point B safely. I dont worry about breaking down in the middle of the night. Ive had this car for about a year and a half, and the only thing its been at the mechanics shop for is the routine oil change every 3,000. Thats it. This is a very low-maintenance, reliable, comfortable car, great on gas, has sufficient pickup with its V6 engine. Factory stereo/CD system is superior to most factory systems. It rocks. And the car looks nice, too! Im very happy with my Malibu.

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  Better gas mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By toad61 - August 25 - 7:58 pm

  Very impressed with the mileage. I have gotten 32 going 78mph. I also have gotten near 37 going 61mph. Excellent with the cost of gas. Very roomy and has nice pickup. have 11000 mile so far and no problems.

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  Grood Decision - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Randy - August 25 - 11:40 am

  I liked the malibu when it first came out but had to wait for my lease to end. Wanted a sedan and really like GM design Came down to saturn aura, pontiac g6 and malibu, I never owned a chevy but when i drove one i was hooked.The price i got it for was great I have owned maybe 20 new cars but for some reason this one really excites me!! I examined this car inside and out over and under and could find no flaws Color me satisfied

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  99 MALIBU - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DP - August 25 - 10:26 am

  Overall a very enjoyable ride and fun to drive. Comfortable for long trips. Have needed major engine work due to head gasket failure @ 105,000 miles along with other repairs. CD player has broken twice without extensive use. Passing it along to my child for use at college, so it will stay in the family a bit longer, and replacing it with a new Malibu

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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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  05 Chevy Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Showboattt - August 17 - 9:16 pm

  This car performs a lot better than expected. New design is super. V6 power is a light weight car like this! Zoooms!