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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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sommer567 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the first new car I have purchased and couldnt be happier. Great design, smooth ride, lots of pickup. Also, surprising amount of storage space for a mid-size sedan. Only thing I would change about this car is the interior...not a fan of the looks of it, nor the feel.

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  Great Malibu! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kmaurer - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for one month. It keeps impressing me. I especially like the fuel-efficient V6 that works well with the 4-speed automatic. The ride is perfect, not too jittery, but at the same time not too soft. The interior has excellent build quality, and I dont think a Chevrolet has had such a high-quality interior.

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  Got It and Enjoy It - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Col H - August 20 - 4:16 pm

  I am pleasantly suprised and bought the 2008 2LT model with reservations. However, I am delighted with this car and feel like I definitely got my moneys worth from a Chevy. I have not had a GM for years because of the competition and decided to jump in after a test drive. I highly recommend this car for the money.

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  stallouts - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pass road - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchase vehicle with 49 miles on it and at 124 miles i experience a total lost of electrical power. the car was return to dealer not only ones but twice for a total 13 days of shop repairs in 33 days of ownership. This problem continued and the car is parked and in arbitration with 710 miles on it.

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  advanced design - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By witzel - August 19 - 2:00 am

  A good combination of a wagon and a sedan with all of the creature comforts. The remote start and the lay down seats encouraged me to buy. I have the MAX in a green metallic. A most eye catching color that appealed to my wife.

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  Well worth the price. - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By fighter0410 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Had my Malibu for about a month and a half now. Very happy with it. Only two minor things wrong with interior trim pieces and squeaky breaks that were fixed by the dealer. I would recommend this care to anyone looking at a Camry or Accord but wanting to buy an American car instead. I traded in a Nissan for this car, and I can say the build quality is exceptional. Im satified in many ways, most by the price and feature content, and also by the cars driving dynamics and road manners. Very smooth ride.

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  Malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cindy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  had many problems with the car in various areas: from cup holder cracking to a/c fans working off and on spontaneously to internal security system activating (not letting me crank the car for 12 minutes) when I was just trying to crank it, etc. Now I am concerned that the seat belt on the drivers side isnt clicking or working very well.

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  Crappy Brakes - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By willeaton - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Coming up on 40k miles and have had to had the rotors and brake pads replaced 5 times! Dealer gave me the same bs re: design flaw the first time...3 brake jobs later they still pulsate. Ive submitted my complaint to the lemon law lawyers to review. I want my money back. A/C seems about ready to die (flickering on and off occassionally) and my power steering fluid is now all over my driveway. Luckily my dealership is not charging me to fix the pulsating brakes....rotors have 14k mile warranty above and beyond the new car warranty. Brakes also seem to slip in wet weather. I dont feel too safe driving in rain with this car.

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  chevrolet malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By brjoe - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Nice car,I traded in a 98 camry. I have not owned an american car since 1982. I must say, so far, I have 12000 trouble free miles on this malibu LT v6, and it is great. I highly recommend this vehicle. I looked at a camry, taurus, altima, and passat. The malibu had my favorite interior, and the best motor. It felt as fast as an altima but runs on regular gas. At first I got around 24 mpg, but after a good run-in, I have been getting around 29-30 mpg mostly highway. Build quality seems much better than what I have come to expect in an american car and way better than the taurus and altima I looked at.

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  I just got it ,but i like it - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By GiovanniPR - August 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Malibu. I was afraid to buy it and was recommended for the Honda Accord or Camry. But money and expenses in reparing stoped me and Idecided for this third option. I liked it. I hope he will do its best. I like the confort and speed compared to Camry. Nice accelaration, excellent aair conditioning,radio and CD player. Imponenet presence, mor elegant if you are in business than the Accord. It is smooth and very quiet.