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:
Showing 1421 through 1430 of 2,002.00-
excellent choice! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By kowbyz8 - July 2 - 2:00 amA great car to drive and handles very nicely. Only downfall is there are no child safety door locks. Like the idea of three should/lap belts in the back seat. Its very roomy in the back even for tall people. I love the care and glad we purchased it instead of another make we were looking at. Great value for the price!
-
HOT MAMA - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By flos smith - July 1 - 2:00 amVERY NICE CAR RO DRIVE THIS IS THE BEST
-
2000 Malibu - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
By MPB - June 29 - 2:00 amIve had this car for 4 years and havent had any issues. The only things to have gone wrong were fan speeds 1 & 2 on the AC broke while under warranty, and the coolant light on the dashboard came on when it shouldnt have. Other than that, I have kept up with the regular maintenance and havent had a problem. Im very pleased with the car.
-
A very good car - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
By Pianoman - June 29 - 2:00 amI have no complaints except the fuel economy of this car. We have had it for a year now and I dont think I could find much better. We purchased the car at 12000 miles for $8900. We feel we literaly stole the car!
-
New Malibu everythings better... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By fanofgm - June 28 - 2:00 amJust traded in our 00 Malibu LS for a new Malibu LT, WOW! Silver Green with all the options. Sharp, quick comfortable car. Drove to families house (3 hours away) and dont have one complaint. Improved in every way from the old bodystyle. In my opinion better than the Camry and yes even the Accord, in my opinion. If your looking at a mid sized car make sure you look at the new Malibu.
-
Happy with this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By Claude Harris - June 25 - 2:00 amThis is, for us, a good family car. It is pleasant to drive. The suspension is a little harder than other cars that we have owned but it corners better and seems quite sure footed.
-
Good Frosting, Bad Cake - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
By AmDisappointed - June 22 - 2:00 amWay to many problems for a 4 yr old car. The brakes (rotors+pads), intake valve, alternator, starter, A/C switch, battery, and who knows what other surprises await. . . I regret that GM does not stand behind their cars like Honda - they know those rotors are trash, but tell you its your problem. And they wonder why they lose market share.
-
Chevrolet Malibu 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By BarbaraTaylor - June 21 - 2:00 amI love this car! Although, I am disappointed with the gas efficiency and the recent recall, I have experienced no problems with my Malibu. I have received numerous compliments from strangers regarding the styling and have found that it is a fun car to drive. The little features in the car are wonderful. Would highly recommend this automobile to a prospective buyer!
-
Malibu for who? - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By Big Blue Malibu - June 21 - 2:00 amGreat Handling Great Riding AND fUN to Drive.Very thoughtful features like fold down rear seats-the latches are in the trunk.But beware of the electrical system 3 weeks after driving the car the power steering quit! Entire steering column had to be replaced-and the cd skips and the cruise control does not work properly-hopefully dealer will be able to fix the cd and cruise.
-
My experience with the 2004 Malibu LS - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By Kimberly Rieger - June 21 - 2:00 amI have had so many problems with this car that it is not funny. I have had it for 7 months and it has been into the dealer 5 times totaling 25 days since the end of Jan. 2004. It is experiencing problems again. The last time I had it in at the beginning of June it had a fuel injector go out, this is pretty bad considering it only had 10000 miles on it.
