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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  Never buy the 1st model year of anything - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By iluvtigr - July 17 - 2:00 am

  As a long time GM owner,(11 to date),I was looking for a reliable, four- door "familymobile". Based upon Motor Trend "Car of the Year" status and use of a drive-train with a solid history I bought the first model year of the resurected Malibu nameplate. BIG mistake! Eleven dealer visits during warranty for various finish and mechanical items. The following items replaced OUT of warranty: Head gaskets (twice), ignition switch, A/C control head, ball joints & bushings. Nine sets of front brake pads and six rotors in 80,000 miles. Its time for a new car, but, sadly, this time it will be an import.

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  The key is maintance. - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By HJHJHJ - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Little noise from the engine. Run very smoothly.

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  great car!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mhstwirler1 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I love my chevy malibu. i did have to have the power steering replaced, they re-designed it, all malibus built before january 15, 2004 are suppose to be replaced and my brakes got re-done too.there where also 3 re-calls but i still love my car the dealer has fixed everything.

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  Not BAd - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Pete1576 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this car for a very short time. Already been to the dealer for a defect in the headliner. Nice ride, Could use a little more power engine wise.

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  BEST BUY - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By T - July 14 - 2:03 am

  I am thrilled that for less then 25k I bought a mid-size sedan that both my husband and I are comfortable in. Finally a vehicle designed for someone short. I am just barely over 5 feet and every other car I have ever owned I can not help but sit dangerously close to the steering wheel. In my last car there was less then 6 in. between myself and the steering wheel. The Malibu has the adjustable pedals and telescoping steering wheel, allowing me to sit at an arms length from the steering wheel. My husband is 6 foot and it fits him as well. Finally an affordable car for those of us not average.

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  I am stuck with it! :-( - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By FRANKJR60 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have experienced many of the same problems as the other folks who have commented on this site. A/C has a mind of its own. Fan speeds did not work on 1 and 2. Replaced resistor ($70) fixed the problem. Alternator died at 50K miles, no warning. I was stranded for hours. Where does the coolant disappear to? I keep adding it and I dont see any leaks anywhere. Th biggest frustration has been the serpentine belt and the belt tensioner. I have had them replaced three times in three years due to the high pitched squealing noise. No one can seem to find the problem. I havent had the brake and tire problems that many others have had.

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  Yuck - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By TonyM - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought brand new and this car is very disapponting. It has 50,000 miles on it, but it has had far too many repairs to keep it going, including engine oil leaks, bad rear suspension control arm\bushings, tires that needed replacing at 17,000 miles, premature brake rotor replacement, noisy front suspension that now needs repair, clogged fuel injectors, broken heater fan motor switch, dead battery, horn switch failure, and numerous squeaky rattling interior panels.

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  Uh Oh...... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MyHorseRio23 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my new malibu at the end of March and was extremely pleased with it till a couple days later when the break light came on when I was driving on the highway.took it to the dealer and thought it was fine till a couple weeks ago when it happened again. Then a few days ago something weird happened to the steering,the wheel all of a sudden would pull slightly to the right, then wiggle back when driving at speeds under 25m/hour. Took it to the dealer.they didnt know what was wrong with the car since the system is new. They had to call GM and have an engineer walk them through the problem. Car was in shop for a couple days so they could fix it.please tel

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  great car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By loydw - July 10 - 6:23 pm

  excellent, great power and gas milage, speed hold on hills even with 4 adults.

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  fun to drive and own - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MGard - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I drive a great deal and love my new malibu. It is great to drive on the highway with very good gas mileage. The stereo is great, i have the 6 disc cd upgrade