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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malibu 1998 lx - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
By diskiedog - June 3 - 2:00 amIf your are buying be aware of the following item I had to replace. Theft alarm-$350, when out at 40,000 miles. will not allow you to start car.Rotors- replaced 2 timms. Air conditioner control block-replaced at 35000 miles and 60000 miles-cost was $250 for the 2nd. Water leak on intake manifold- cost $573, this was the 150,ooo mile non replacement antifreeze chevy was proud of. Alternator-cost $241.
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Daughters New Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By Frank Roldan - June 3 - 2:00 amPurchased car as gift for over- achieving daughter. Wanted a good reliable vehicle with a reasonable fun factor and numerous airbags. Six-CD player a big hit as well as power drivers side seat.
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Malibu Incredible For The Money! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
By Bryce Jerd - May 29 - 1:16 pmFor 22 grand, they have really provided a dynamite vehicle. I hope this did not come too late for GM. Would be a total shame for this car to be brought down by the overall company and economy. Honestly this vehicle rides every bit as good as a BMW with double the sticker shock. I would be extremely nervous in Germany over the quality and fair price of this car. We do not miss our Mercedes SUV not one bit. Dear Lord why did it take GM so long to build a car this solid?
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Poor Brakes / Bad Service - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
By Brake-Broke - May 24 - 2:00 amThe car was fair to good until having to replace the brakes TWICE in less than 30k miles. Great prices to buy, but service is as bad as it gets with them. Gas mileage is not even close to the 32 Hwy mpg, Im lucky if I get 25- 26. do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. I will never get another GM vehicle. Cant wait to get rid of this car.
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great car with tons of safety feature - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
By kun - May 23 - 7:02 amI bought this 2016 Malibu premier used car with only 3K miles, great looking, smooth drive and gas saver with tons of horse power. so far 1 free oil change/tire rotation done by dealer. I really enjoy the mylink. The safety feature like adaptive cruise control, high beam are useful, park assistance is great. Luxury inside with heated/cooled/memory front seats, 10 airbags and big trunk size are fantastic to me and family. update after 6 months with over 10K miles: I have no issue with the car at all, the experience I have now is still great. I really love tons of new features and plenty of power. The combined MPG is pretty constant at ~29. I totally drove over 10K miles in 7 months, everything in the car is very reliable.
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Fixer upper! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By stranded in PITT - May 19 - 2:00 amLOTS of things broke. In for linkage work throughout entire first year. Elec problems leaves in fan - several blown switches wipers severed from frame air blows in through handles tires do NOT HOLD air (alum rims???)
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could be better - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
By madeamistake - May 18 - 2:00 ami purchased my chevy malibu in november 2003 w/19000 miles for 11,999.. it was a very good bargain pricewise but i do have a few complaints. Gas mileage is not a good a GM preaches, i might get 20 mpg on the highway. also the interior is not ergomonically correct, the center console is too high and so is the gearshift. And the tires that come standard (ford affinity) are the absolute pits! they are loud, and they dont handle well on dry road. overall it is a very good car, engine is quiet, i"ve had no mechanical problems so far.
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Great Car! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
By rluck9277 - May 15 - 8:06 pmI just bought my 2008 Malibu, it is a 2LT with 2.4L and 4-spd auto. It is a great car, best ride and handling of a midsize car I have been in. Bought with GMs employee pricing for everyone deal, and saved about $2500 of sticker price. The interior and exterior design of this car are very classy, and look more expensive then it really was.
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Steer clear of these! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By TeeSorter - May 9 - 2:00 amI 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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Over rated - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By No more domestic - May 6 - 2:00 amThe 99 Malibu (V6) was just ok. Very plain design with minimal extras available. I had to have the brakes replaced 4 times in five years. The engine was the best thing about the car. Not one problem. Something behind the dash rattled from day one and the dealer couldnt find it. The dash was ok, but the materials used were cheap. Delco stereo was useable, but not impressive. Resale value is horrible. Its a good car for the price, but Im going back to imports.
