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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  A Pretty Good Car - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mitch45 - November 29 - 7:21 pm

  I like my 98 Malibu LS. Its pretty peppy, handles decently, is comfortable for four adults and has a lot of amenities. I got the car in September of 2003 with 21,000 miles and it now has 26,000. In that time, the car has gone through a starter and a set of brakes. Sometimes the car has trouble starting when hot.

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  Happy to be back to an American automobile maker. - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ScottieO - November 25 - 9:43 am

  I had newer Korean model, never had a problem with it, but in the back of my mind there always was the stigma that it might be a mistake, mind you,this was a good car. I watch car reviews constantly, then one day I watched a review then read a few on the new Malibu and it caught my interest " an American car that received a great review that I was already thought about in the past. So I went to Chevy and test drove one, I was ecstatic, ride, handling and standard features were excellent, even though the Korean car had everything I thought I might trade it in. So I waited a few months, 6 to be exact. Then one day I went back and test drove it again. Well I bought it and have been happy ever since, except its now my wifes car, and I have the privilege of driving once and awhile. It nice to know that every once and awhile husbands a wives can agree.

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  Power Steering Issues - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SteeringProblem - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car except for one thing. The power steering system has some major problems. It intermittently fails at any time and the vehicle becomes very hard to steer leading to an unsafe condition. If you check the NHTSAs site you will find numerous descriptions of this exact problem. Buyer beware.

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  Quality ... without the Japanese price! - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By satisfied guy - November 13 - 7:13 pm

  The only problem with my Malibu has been brakes. They were fixed several times by the dealer, at their expense. Last time was the charm as I have driven almost 15,000 miles since, with no further problems. The car handles well, is comfortable, and gets good gas mileage. I am very satisfied with this car

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  Great looks, performance and comfort... Im a fan! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Curt - November 10 - 12:36 pm

  Im impressed with pretty much every aspect of the all-new Malibu. The styling is super appealing, at least in my eyes. I went with the 1LT with the Sun & Wheels package, Driver Confidence package, Leather (with 9-speaker Bose system) package, and the Convenience and Technology package. Let me say, the 1.5L Turbo is surprisingly peppy. And fuel economy is outstanding! I achieved 38.3 mpg over a 50 mile drive. And, in stark contrast to another reviewer here, Im throughly impressed with the stop/start technology. Its pretty much seamless. And in rush-hour, stop and go traffic I like the fact that Im not wasting fuel and pumping hydrocarbons! I often drive 200 - 300 miles a day for my job, and Im not totally fatigued when I get home at night. The new seating w/power lumbar is comfortable and supportive. Oh, an lots and lots of rear seat leg room, unlike the Malibu this replaces! OK... only one downside. Like I said, I drive a lot. And I find I have to fill the tank about every day and a half. I wish the tank was a bit larger, but I guess that would affect the overall fuel economy. Drive it. I think youll like it.

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  Chevy Rocks - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By T M M - November 8 - 3:50 pm

  This Malibu has even more power than the old model. Tight, quiet, turns like a champ and the new electric driven steering module is better. The mileage is as advertised and thats at 75mph on the highway. I love the suspension, the quiet ride, the XM radio. I got it loaded other than the OnStar. The engine is a champ. Plenty of power in all conditions. Smooth with plenty of torque .

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  Love this car! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By roxcat - November 8 - 8:23 am

  I had a 2000 Malibu and liked it. But let me tell you, this car is so much nicer. I love the power, the quietness (I swear you cant even tell it is running if you are sitting still!) The interior is beautiful, I have the 2 tone gray, microfiber/leather. The heated seats are great too. I love all the lights inside when you drive at night. It is luxurious!

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  My Awesone NEW Car!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ZseReca Humphries - November 3 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle is that it is pretty darn awesome. My parents resently purchased one for me and so far I am still being amazed by this car.

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  1997 malibu - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By r m - October 28 - 2:00 am

  My 97 Malibu is still running fine - had to replace water pump at 22000 mi- and window control for driver side. Car is OK

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  Above average product from Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By niagra - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I do not own one but I regularly rent it for long trips once a week. It has become my favorite rental vehicle. Excellent fuel economy (average 33mpg on highways) easy to drive and good features. I have spotted minor build quality issues on most of them. One of them with less than 3000 miles had the gas cap not fitting. The information console kept complaining about an open gas cap. Another one that I drove had the passenger side seat back detached and hanging down. Adjustable break pedal didnt impress me much. Generally the controls are easy to locate and use.