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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  My first sunroof auto - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By B Marquez - June 6 - 7:44 pm

  I absolutely was sold on this car! I love its smooth ride, power sunroof, leather interior, good gas mileage and sporty chrome wheels. I couldnt have bought a nicer car for the price.

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  GM = GREAT MACHINE - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jopo - June 5 - 1:02 pm

  Having researched and read reviews on the Malibu before my purchase (still have a 05 Malibu Maxx with 90k miles and running strong) I am very happy with my Malibu purchase. The ride is quiet and comfortable and am averaging over 29 mpg on the 1900 miles I have driven so far. good job gm.

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  Theyre back! - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MalibuLou - June 4 - 9:39 pm

  Got the 6 cyl, what a joy to drive! Have 5k miles on it already. No problems, all smiles. Handles great, very quiet, very quick, and I am getting up to 30 mpg hwy! I avg 25+ mpg! Bose sound system is superb. Not a single problem with it yet! Comfortable, supportive seats and plenty of leg room in the back. My wife (Ms. Minivan) even likes to drive it. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By nb10ma - June 3 - 7:20 pm

  I am very happy with the Malibu. It is very good looking, the interior design is very classy and practical. It weighs over 3400 lb, but handles extremely well on highway around 75 mph.

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  Best of the Midsizers - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sydspapa - June 1 - 11:35 am

  Traded in a 1999 Olds Aurora that I loved but the air had died. I drove all midsizers and Malibu beats them all hands down. I am 64" and 265 and have no problems getting in and being comfortable. This car is the quietest and not sure about the reviews on the visibility as I have not experienced any of those issues but I look over my shoulder when I change lanes. Sound quality of the radio is good and trunk space is good as well. The 4 cyl engine with 4 speed tranny works just fine for my driving requirements. Very impressed with this car so far.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By karen - May 30 - 2:02 pm

  I bought the car a week ago. So far everything works great. The car is fun to drive, and feels very smooth on the highway at 80 mph. Have not really tested the MPG, but the DIC showed 32 on my last highway trip.

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  2010 Malibu LTZ - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CMD - May 30 - 2:00 pm

  This has been an excellent vehicle. For the price, the LTZ model is unbeatable in the luxuries it offers. Heated seats are great for the winter. For a four cylinder, the performance is excellent, it feels like it could be a V6. Handles just as well as my Saab. I am currently averaging more than 29 miles per gallon (about 24-25 city, 32-33 highway). It really looks like GM has improved their quality, no problems thus far. I am now back to buying American cars.

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  Still love my Bu! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Wick - May 28 - 1:14 pm

  I have put over 54K miles on my Malibu in just over 2 years and still have zero complaints. I LOVE this car! It still turns heads and I find the interior features nicer than that of my friends BMWs. The MPG has been better than expected, even with my lead foot. The V6 is nice and I love the sporty feel while driving. I would recommend this car to anyone. Chevy did an amazing job with this design and I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  We bough american - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By her 911 - May 11 - 11:13 am

  Our family needed a 4 door car with good trunk space. I didnt test drive any other cars. Sold on this vehicle immediately. Prices right too. We have not owned American cars since 1969. Our other cars are porsches ( 2007,1990) we love this car. Especially the Sirius radio and the interior lighting. Visibility from drivers side is not very good. Have to be careful of blind spots. Great mileage. We thought we hit the jackpot with this car.

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  Smooth ride - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By carol - May 6 - 8:30 pm

  I just purchased my Malibu last week. The car handles great, is comfortable, and everything i have read about the Malibu so far has been true. Warning: do not purchase the spoiler. The spoiler is about $350 and is a small 2- 3 inch lip added to the top of the trunk. I wanted to "Sport Up" a little, and found out the hard way that this spoiler is not the way to do it. If you want a sporty look, go to a specialty shop. GM should be ashamed to call this a spoiler. Otherwise, i love the car. I just wish there were sportier options, like the original Malibus with the white stripes down the hood, top and trunk.