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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  Love to drive it-just dont hit anything - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Paula Morra - August 3 - 4:55 am

  I am the second owner of my 2000 Malibu LS and I love it. The multi-adjustable drivers seat makes for very comfortable driving. It is a 6 cylinder so has good pickup and the engine runs quietly. The interior is nice and has extra storage in the console. However, the front end of this car has been wrecked twice, once by my daughter and once by myself. Both times we were traveling under 25 MPH. The other cars involved sustained very minimal damage. The Malibu however, sustained an awful lot of damage for the impact it incurred. The front bumper is plastic, therefore damages (falls partially off) very easily, along with some other parts of the front end, both times topping $3000 in damage.

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  I miss it. - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By GreatCar - August 2 - 3:02 am

  This was a great little car for me! I drove it 60 miles a day and it performed great. Good gas mileage with V6. It was very quiet, which I love. Looked great, especially the medium-blue paint. Even with a few hail dings, it was great. Aluminum wheels were a nice feature. I bought it with 153,000 miles! Sold it with 160,000 to a college friend, but wish I would have kept it! Very reliable and economic. Sharp! Looking for another one!

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  great car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By katrina1027 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the car has been great. I had a 2000 malibu and i traded it in for the new model. I really enjoy riding in this car and my family does also. It rides very smooth and handles the road good. I can pick up speed quickly and i like that. It is a sleek new design and I enjoy all the stares that I get when Im riding in my car. People have asked me " what kind of car is that, and does it drive good?" , and all I can do is smile. I would recommend this car to anyone who has a family. You will truely enjoy it.

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  Cheap - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Rick - August 1 - 1:27 am

  I bought it new, and have only put 20k miles on it in over 2 years. A wheel bearing went bad at 8k miles. The stereo stopped working at 13k, the horn stopped working at 18k, engine belt had to be replaced at 20k. Brakes are shot now at 20k, tires are wearing pretty badly as well, and nope, I dont do any jerky driving or high speed turns. I also get random weird vibrations and noises. i have noticed tiny spots of rust forming on the roof and trunk. The rust is under the trunk lid as well, so Im wondering what is going on there. The car feels cheap in general, but I think I would have gotten my moneys worth if it werent for these annoying problems. Im afraid of many more problems happening after the warranty is up.

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  I love it - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mssskittyy - July 31 - 8:26 pm

  By far the best car we have ever owned. We get excellent gas milage, we actaully fight over who gets to drive! Everywhere we go people look and ask us about the car, best car Chevy ever made. Thanks Chevy for the funnest car to drive for the 30 somethings.

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  Car for the kids - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pd - July 31 - 1:45 pm

  We bought this for our kids to share, getting 29 miles per gallon. Its very safe and solid, so no fear of injury if they are in an accident. Its roomy inside to fit all of their "stuff", and still be safe in travel. It has a good warranty, and the seats fold to fit band instruments. The 4 cylinder runs great and still had enough power to get a speeding ticket. My wife even drove it for three months to work and loved it for the size and comfort. Thinking of sending this with the college boys and buying a second for the high schooler, but hate the thought of all the dings in the college lot. This is why we looked for reliable and inexpensive. I would recomend this car 100% for quality transportation.

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  Great car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By silverbullet - July 30 - 5:50 pm

  Checked out the Saturn Aura as well. I worked for Saturn for a year and had driven the 08 Aura very often, great car I knew it would be my next. Once 0% was offered almost across the board for GM it was down to the Aura XR 4cyl vs. the Malibu LT2. The one thing I can say from my experience driving this car is if you are looking into 4cyl the 6 speed is a must. The original 2008 4 cyl 4 speed was loud! Pitted local Saturn dealership vs. Chevy dealership and went with who had the better bottom line out the door pricing. I will admit I liked the subtle differences of the Malibu interior, especially the suede leather and leather around the shifter to make clean up easier.

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  Value - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ssful - July 30 - 1:30 pm

  Ive been most pleased with my 2004 Malibu. It suits my needs, safely getting me to the grocery store, and not breaking the bank on providing transportation. I feel this is an excellent choice for a student driver, or small family, or elderly person who is not looking for all the bells and whistles, but reliable transportation with the safety of a midsize. I extensively shopped, and only the Malibu and Galant were priced within my range .I purchased a demo with low mileage fully equipped, with two years of remaining warranty and paid under $10k. My only complaint is the seat adjustment handle is of such inferior plastic, I fear that it will break off every time I have to readjust.

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  Very much surprised at 4 cylinder performance - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By IRWIN RABIN - July 29 - 7:12 am

  I am very happy and satisfied with my Malibu. I have arthritis, and found that the adjustments to all hand and foot controls made it easy to get in and out on drivers side. I am an old Chevy truck manager for a dealerahip in Long Island, NY and am happy that GM has put in coveniences for comfort and easy handling.

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  This car is a steal at this price. - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By hanktohendrix - July 29 - 4:50 am

  Three weeks ago I bought a black 2LT with 3.6l V6 option. I drive 2 hours each way to/from work. Ive already got 3,000 miles on it. I paid right about $23k, even with the bigger engine thanks to a $3,000 off coupon I got in the mail. I get 26mpg combined. If I ride it gently on the weekends I could get better, but thats usually when I have my fun. Instantaneous mpg is at 30mpg if I set cruise control on the highway! The ride is smooth and quiet, better than my dads luxury import. For a mid-size sedan it gets an awful lot of looks and compliments. It doesnt quite satisfy my appetite for speed/style, but Im not willing to pay for gas on a Mustangs V8.