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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  Ideal Rental Car - Not a car to own - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By solistide - March 15 - 3:13 am

  Probably the plainest, drabbest vehicle that can be called a "car", an ideal vehicle for a rental lot -- doesnt stand out. Drives like a log on wheels, changing lanes is arduous, odd ignition placement: hard to reach in this car, blocked by oversized steering wheel. Horn pressure points on the SIDES of the wheel instead of the CENTER, and out-of-the-way placement of the drive stick. Problems Ive had: ABS & brake system must be reset by dealer after any hard braking. Terrible handling, poorly designed seats, significant road and engine noise. But, it is also VERY safe, like putting an extremely heavy helmet on a babys head when he first learns to walk.

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  I hate my Malibu!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By franco - March 2 - 12:53 am

  After a few months the problems began to occur. A/C switch is on intermittenly. Drivers side power window doesnt work in hot temperatures. Continous brake replacement ever 5000 miles. Valve cover gasket blew Battery died after 1st year The big one.....lost the rod bearings. This happened right after the warranty ended. A friend and I had to pull the engine and rebuild it ourselves. Oh, be rest assured that Ill never purchase another Chevrolet or domestic car again.

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  A LEMON!! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Debs24 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  i owned my car for seven years. and unfortunatlly its paid and i cant buy a new one.but these are the things i have to share. had it two weeks the steering wheel harness shorted,2 sets of control arms,2 alternators,2 manifold gaskets,control board for tail lights,main computer had to b replaced,tracking bar was bent,2batterys,serpentine belt, now tensioner chatters,a/c control head 3 times, paint chipping the room,doesnt hold alignment,a/c doesnt function right,the first 6 months we had it we had to replace half of the interoir trim and seat cloth,now we have a piston slap,radiator cap was craked,4 sets of brakes,2 sets of rotors,leaves stuck in blower

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  Dont Buy First Year Models or Chevys - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By msmiley - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in March of 1997 and had problems with it ever since. Lets see...3 lower control arms (they rattled), ABS sensor bad, #1 fuel injector bad, altenator quit, brakes wore prematurely, headlights fogged over, brake pedal pad fell off, rear window seal blew out, interior panelling came off, turn signal wouldnt cancell after making a left turn(took two dealership visits to convinve them it was actually malfucntioning), and numerous other problems. This car is junk, not even rental fleet worthy. I got a divorce and she got this hunk of junk, thank goddness. I bought an import which now has over 35,000 miles on it with NO problems.

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  Many Problems Too - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By IHateMyBoo - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 98 Malibu used in late 01. Thought it was great at first. The brakes squeal very loudly and they dont need to be replaced. Had the coolant leak but fixed it w/ leak stopper thing. AC button is VERY annoying. And at 41,000 miles the engine blew. Very unexpected and a bad let down. Have a 2000 Malibu engine, but still having problem w/ cracks in the air plenum. Dont recommend this car anymore. And I owe more than its worth. :P

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  Malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cindy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  had many problems with the car in various areas: from cup holder cracking to a/c fans working off and on spontaneously to internal security system activating (not letting me crank the car for 12 minutes) when I was just trying to crank it, etc. Now I am concerned that the seat belt on the drivers side isnt clicking or working very well.

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  Broke Down in Fla - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Broke Down - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought New. Have 34K on it now. Broken Down and Stranded 3x. 2x out of town. AC stopped working fixed. Ignition broke so car would not start. Alternator died, 3 weeks prior battery died and had towed to dealer and specifically told them check the alternator they said it was fine, they were wrong. Engine collant leaks no one knows why. Rotars Bad and so are tires. This car is a Lemon!!!!!

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  Yuck - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By TonyM - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought brand new and this car is very disapponting. It has 50,000 miles on it, but it has had far too many repairs to keep it going, including engine oil leaks, bad rear suspension control arm\bushings, tires that needed replacing at 17,000 miles, premature brake rotor replacement, noisy front suspension that now needs repair, clogged fuel injectors, broken heater fan motor switch, dead battery, horn switch failure, and numerous squeaky rattling interior panels.

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  Bad Chevy - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bozenuts05 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car that I have owned. I have never had so many problems with it. I am averaging a once a month in the shop. Many problems have been repeating, but GM cant fix them! This will be the last Chevy I will ever own, maybe even the last Domestic car I will ever own!

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  Poor Brakes / Bad Service - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brake-Broke - May 24 - 2:00 am

  The car was fair to good until having to replace the brakes TWICE in less than 30k miles. Great prices to buy, but service is as bad as it gets with them. Gas mileage is not even close to the 32 Hwy mpg, Im lucky if I get 25- 26. do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. I will never get another GM vehicle. Cant wait to get rid of this car.