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:

• 

  BUY A MALIBU..GREAT CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BUCKEYE - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Malibu and I was a little nervous but I must admit I was wrong. This is a great car and drives like a cloud.

• 

  Scrap Heap the malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By multicatz - October 18 - 2:00 am

  this "car" is nothing more than junk on bad tires. it is totally unreliable, makes strange sounds and beeps, and the horn honks for no reason. the radio has heavy static or gets 2 stations at the same time. the CD player ruined 2 tracks of a CD. the tires do not hold air. it has never been aligned properly. it gets a miserable 15mpg city and barely 20mpg hiway. it also randomly locks us out, locked me in once. dealership, salesman, and service are rude. none of the problems have been resolved. i was told the noises do not exist, then I started recording them. now there is no explanation. the service department even "scolded" me for not filling out a good service report. a real lemon!

• 

  WOW...This cant be a Chevy! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cphrwk - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I am truly amazed at the redesigned Chevy Malibu. I used to hate going to National car as all they would have were the predecessor Malibus. This is totally different, fun to drive and not the old Malibu. The car has german stylings, a stiff but absorbant ride thanks to the Saab 9-3 platform, comfortable interior that isnt cheap looking and a host of features for much less than the Accord or Camry. I bought the only remaining silver green metallic LT in the PA/NJ/DE tri-state area and have gotten 3 remarks on how nice the car looks when filling it up at the gas station. Not that I have to fill up too often because gas mileage for a 200hp 6-cyl is great. Average 26- 28 in a mix of driving.

• 

  Issues! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sparks276 - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I left a review about a year ago, at that time I thought this car was great, well since that time there has been 2 recalls and just the other day, I was driving out of a parking lot and started hearing this clicking noise, at this time all the dash lights were comming on and off and the power steering was failing, could hardly steer the car! this is a leased vehicle and thats the way its staying, I will not purchase it, buyer beware!!!!

• 

  My Malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By granddonnadjs - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Molding around car does not fit together and can not be replaced. Gas gauge went haywire after 10 months and needed service. Nice car but poor workman ship inside and out.

• 

  1998 Chevy Malibu base model - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Rodney Gipson - October 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased this car 6 years ago with much research and a visit to the auto show. Weve had some problems here and there, master cylinder, engine computer system replacement, alternator. These repairs were spread out over the six years.We originally wanted a Camry but it would have cost $24,000 compared to 18,500 we paid for the Malibu. Even with the above mentioned repairs, this car has been excellent considering its been our only car. Both my wife and I drive this car everyday and it gets driven quite a bit every day. The gas milage is still great, and highway performance is excellent. Had we had a second car this car would be in mint condition. Still happy with this car.

• 

  My Love/Hate Relationship with my Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By lovenhateit - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car used in 2002 with 27,000 miles. I am so glad I opted for the extended warranty. The first thing to go were the brakes, of which I was warned. My A/C switch drives me insane (have had it replaced once already), my theft light randomly comes on when I start my car, my windshield wipers move at whatever speed they choose, and I now have a mysterious humming sound coming from the front right, which according to other reviews, seems to be the right front speed sensor/hub. I have also replaced the fuel pump. I however, havent had intake manifold or alternator problems..YET..What an insult to take my car in for service only to be told that it is common... shame on GM...

• 

  Solid Car - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By theBartman - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised to read some of the negative remarks about brakes with the 2000 Malibu. I bought one new in Oct. 99 and am just having my first brake work done today (rotors and pads) at approx. 44,000 miles. The only complaint I have with the car, which I saw someone else mention, is that the heat/AC directional dial doesnt work as advertised. Im happy when I can at least get partial air headed in the desired direction.

• 

  Good value - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Team Henge - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good value for the price. Purchase cost is substantially less than Accord and Camry, with comprable operating costs.

• 

  i would not buy this vehicle again - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By esther peterson - September 29 - 10:00 am

  this car has had to go back to the dealer 3x for brake repair. I paid $17K hoping to get a reliable car after my husband died instead I feel that I must trade it. Just today, the resistor on the lower part the A/C had to be replaced.