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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  Nice Car - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By broker_037 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  A great car for students/kids! The looks and features on the LS are great!

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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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  Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MikeT612 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I like it. Looks weird at first, but it grows on you.

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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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  Reliability and Style - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sheacon - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love the style of my Malibu. My sister was surprised when I told her it was a Malibu - she thought it was a Jag! I feel young-at-heart driving with the sunroof open and the CD playing. My Malibu has been very dependable Ive only had to change the oil on a regular basis, rotate the tires, etc. No problems otherwise!

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  Dans review - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dtichy - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with the V6. Performance is great in city and highway driving and it uses regular gas. Comfort is more than adequate for a car in this price range.Gas mileage is around 26 mpg.For 200 HP that is great. Ive had one proble - with the steering column. It was replaced without question. I wish that I had added a few more options. I would buy another.

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  Marvelous Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ross Jensen - September 18 - 6:26 am

  I test drove a 2005 Malibu LS on a whim because I didnt like the back end of the Impala (Those plain circles!). I ended up getting in the car and compared it to any good quality export. The salesman gave me the keys and we took it for a test drive. I was so impressed, I had to drag my wife in a few days later. She never liked American cars, especially Chevys. Despite her resentment, once she got in the Malibu, she loved it, too. We drove around for ten minutes and that was all it took. Chevy really did a great job n the Malibu! Weve had it for four months now and we love it!

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  The Good & the Bad - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MWave - September 17 - 2:00 am

  The Good - The Malibu is a very fun car to drive. It handles well on the highway and gas mileage is good. The car has good excelleration especially when you need to pass another car. Interior extras are very nice. Lots of trunk space. Good sound system The Bad - Reliability. The transmission needed to be pulled at 4500 miles due to a faulty switch causing the car to switch gears too soon. After 33000 miles I have had two leaky intake manifold gaskets (coolant & oil) replaced. Seems to be going through serpentine belts too quickly (every 16,000 miles). ABS light intermittently comes on. I am glad I have an extended warranty.

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  Love my Malibu - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Linda - September 15 - 10:43 pm

  I traded my 2004 Cadillac CTS for the Malibu LTZ. The Malibu LTZ is a better ride than the 2004 CTS. Everyone thought I was crazy to give up a Caddy for a Chevy, I made a good choice. I got a lot more for my dollars. It is fully loaded, fun to drive and a great price. It handles well and is very responsive. Gas mileage has been good. Great job Chevrolet!

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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