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 gives you excellent value - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By gpa - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent value. Reliable "appliance" -- starts-goes-stops, on demand, all the time, safely. Just what we need...

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  6 months with my LT2 Malibu - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By George - February 22 - 6:33 pm

  I bought this car September 30th and drove 5200 miles so far. A good friend bought the Honda EX-L and the Malibu interior is quieter. The onboard computer told me my right rear tire was low, 19 lbs, and when I got home and check it was exactly right. This is something the Honda does not offer as well. The competitors do offer 18 gallon tanks and perhaps a bit better MPG but not enough to trade the pros of this car in for. If I could do it all over I would have bought the Malibu in the 4 cylinder engine due to GM not increasing the gas tank size when increasing the engine size. This is a major oversite on GMs part, in my honest opinion.

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  When youre in-between cars - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Gutz Man - February 22 - 2:00 am

  If you buy this car with basic features inside and outside, but you surprisingly get 33 MPG on the highway, you overlook some of the small discomforts you experience in the ride. This has been the most reliable and inexpensive car Ive ever owned.

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  Good car for the money - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By maxlibbee - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1999 Malibu LS. Had to spend $1600 on some stuff at $28,000 including brakes which annoyed me. Car has good pep, and gets clsoe to 30 mog on highway. It cathes around 22 mpg around town. I also had to replace altenator at 38k which also annoyed me. Cost another $500 at dealer. I have two teenagers, I have taught to drive using this car. It has been fine

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SPCfromAZ - February 19 - 10:00 am

  My Malibu is a great sedan for comfortable and economical transportation. The engine is a real world work horse that has good torque and all the pick up you need. Theres no apparent performance degradation when pulling the AC and it can climb the steepest hills without having to drop gears and run the engine hard. Runs on regular unleaded with no performance loss. Gas mileage is great. On an all freeway trip driving 1,499 mi from WA to AZ I used 43.8 gallons of gas for 34.2 mpg. Average speed on the info readout was 69 mph, on the highway I usually had the cruise set at 76mph.

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  CHEVY........MAYBE - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Annette Carey - February 18 - 2:00 am

  1999 - Had problems in the beginning....new brakes, new suspension and problems with the fuel pump. Had the extended warranty so no problem. Got fixed no charge. The paint job is one to be improved. Brush up against and scratch. Over all, since all problems were fixed runs like a champ. Had for 5 years and now giving to my teenage son. Always kept maintenace up....a good thing. Hopefully...things have improved and would purchase again if so.

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  i like it so far - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sak713 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  just got my malibu just over a month ago so far it is wonderful. bought it with only 36000 miles on it. i had to have a valve cover gasket replaced but other then that it is a wonderful car good power great room for the car seats in the back. i care for a person in a wheel chair and he can easiely get in and out of the car and there is plenty of room in the trunk for his wheel chair plus anything else that we buy in the stores great truck space:)

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  Good car, little maintenance - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By revjmike - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Chevy Malibu as a pre-owned vehicle with 33,000 miles on it already. I now have put just under 100,000 miles on it giving it a total of 129,000 miles. It continues to handle extremely well, even though I have not replaced struts or shocks. The engine still has plenty of zip and my only significant repair has been tensioner replacement. Quite frankly I am astonished at the quality of this vehicle. This is one of the few cars I have owned where I have never doubted whether I made the right choice or not

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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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  happy to sad in 5 mins. - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By once happy - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This was what I thought was a great car. Only owned for 1 year and had NO problems other than break repair and ABS sensor. But.... all of a sudden knocking... rod, need new engine, intake gasket leaking, all bad news... 5000 to repair or trade. Three weeks ago I would have bought another... today it would be difficult to get me into the chevy dealership...going back to the Taurus! The Malibu was "FUN" while it lasted!