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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  Steer clear of these! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By TeeSorter - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Malibu for only 2 years, and in that two years, it has been nothing but problem after problem. I bought the car with only 68,000 miles on it. The dealer I bought it from actually put about 1500 bucks into it during the first 6 months I had it (part of the selling agreement to fix some of the things)....I hate this car, and will never own another Chevy after this. Every fluid the car has in it, other then the brake fluid has leaked at some point. I just received a recall on it. The drivers side power window works when it feels like it.

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  dont buy - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tn - April 9 - 2:00 am

  this was the first car i ever financed,thought i was getting a great deal, within the first month my anti- theft system locked up, and my power window/lock switch broke. i went through 2 sets of brakes, one day it wouldnt start, had it towed to chevy dealership were it sat for 4 days i couldnt get them to look at it. my husband ended up fixing it in the parking lot himself. 1 week before i traded it the emegency brake got stuck i could still drive it but every time i pulled out it made the dinging sound. the bad part is i only owned it 1 year.

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  Not impressed - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Wallywobble - April 4 - 3:00 am

  During the course of 3 years, I put 60k miles on this car. In that period I replaced the battery, brought it in twice for a fuel level indicator recall,had to reprogram the BCM, replaced the tires, replaced the front brakes 3 times, including rotors, pads and calipers replaced all rear light bulbs. Before I sold it, the right front wheel bearing, differential and flasher units were all failing, and there was a leak in the right rear lens cover. An absolute lemon of a car, with abysmal resale value, terrible customer support from the manufacturer and a bigger waste of money than most cars Ive owned. I strongly caution buyers against this car.

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  2003 Malibu LS - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Seahrse - February 12 - 2:00 am

  My car has been in the shop three times in six weeks for three different mechanical problems. My enjoyment of the vehicle has been replaced with trepidation. Every time I drive it I wait to see what goes wrong.

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  1997 Malibu - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By roberth - February 6 - 2:00 am

  puschased this veh at 36k miles, appently all the good had been used. had trouble with alignment on rear tires. car vibrates excessively and the road noise is terrible. car was quasi- ok for the first year we had it, put in a new battery. had the alternator replaced. last year the water pump went out. that is quite a chore!! had to remove the timing chain.would not recommend this car to others.

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  The first lemon I ever bought - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dbk - December 8 - 2:00 am

  This car was beautiful to look at it drove well at first. THe PROBLEMS: electrical system problem brakes power windows the car overheated --- and with the electrical system acting weird gauges did not work the car ran hot rebuild the manifold fam jerryrigged so it would not run hot again replace the struts

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  Thank goodness for Extended Warranty!! - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By charpmind - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car but I had so many problems! The main problem was the brakes - I had SEVERAL sets of brakes and rotors put on, and I do all highway driving so it wasnt my fault. Another problem that scared me was when some sensor went bad and the car started accelerating by itself. The proverbial straw was when it refused to start twice in one week and had to be towed. I have since traded it for a new Honda. Im so glad I spent the money on the extended warranty - it more than paid for itself!

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  Dont buy this car - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Savannah - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My Malibu is best described as the Mobile Money Pit. I keep having to invest more money into this car. It is a nightmare to own. It is an okay car when it does run properly, which is not often. Save your money and invest in a Honda or Toyota.

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  Disappointment - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By maryt - October 9 - 2:00 am

  When first purchased, the Malibu seemed to be an okay car. After 20,000 miles, the brakes went and had to be replaced. The cassette player never worked properly even after being replaced. Then for a while everything was normal, but now with 77,000 miles on the car, the ABS and brake lights have come on. I am told that the problem is in the "modulator" and will take approximately $1,000 to repair -- time to trade but never for another malibu!

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  Dont ever buy a malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sgr_girl - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Malibu for 3 years. It started off as a good little car for me, but not too long after I started noticing problems. My A/C had broken, no air blew out on 1 and 2 and was real high on 3. I had to get the brakes done 3 times, replaced twice and fixed on the third. Not to mention theyre starting to squeak, again, luckily Im getting a new car next week. I wont ever buy a Malibu again.