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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  featured car/good price - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By davewfink - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchaced this car in Nov 1999. Since I have had it there has been some unwarranted repairs. The manifurctures front rotors warped within a year. Because of that, I had to replace tires as well. Antenna doesnt pick up stations well. It has been reliable, though. NO SUPER COSTLY ($800+) repairs needed. It is quite peppy for a 4-door sedan.

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  Bad Engine - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By powell d - February 10 - 2:00 am

  the engine is advertised to last 100,000 before changing the spark plugs. dont beleive it. this engine is built on theory. the designers dont even know how to fix them. my engine has 55,000 miles and i already have to have it replaced. I change my oil and did everything GM suggest. this car is a Looser. GM built a good car with a low grade engine. Be ready to spend repair money. Rating = 3

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  2009 Malibu review - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mrvikes@msn.com - February 9 - 11:20 am

  A squeak in the front end that couldnt be located.

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  1997 Malibu - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By roberth - February 6 - 2:00 am

  puschased this veh at 36k miles, appently all the good had been used. had trouble with alignment on rear tires. car vibrates excessively and the road noise is terrible. car was quasi- ok for the first year we had it, put in a new battery. had the alternator replaced. last year the water pump went out. that is quite a chore!! had to remove the timing chain.would not recommend this car to others.

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  Greatest Company Car I have ever had! - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Vetdoc - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Chevy Malibu for 4 years and have had no problems. It is safe and has a lot of power. I had a choice between a ford taurus and a Chevy Malibu and I am happy with my choice, The MALIBU!

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  brake pads made of swiss cheese! - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CliffS - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Well, after less than 32K miles, my front brake pads are completely worn out. To quote my wife, "I drive like an old lady!" I have owned several other front drive cars, none of which have needed changing before 70K! Did everything that GM allows, and of course, no ownership at all. I called the salesman, sales manager, service manager and rep together so they could witness another life long and former GM employee (to boot, I am eligible for the GM discount) walk out the door to Honda or Toyota. Im done dealing with the problems!

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  Im so ready to trade this in - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MoJo411 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my malibu at 28K miles. The car is reliable, starts up every morning w/no problem. BUT I have replaced brakes 3 times, rotors twice, had to put new battery and altenator in, replace windshield wiper blades twice, get a/c fixed (and it still isnt working right) replaced taillights 3 times, and my a/c switch now only works on 3, 4 and 5. I have spend too much money on this car, probably more than Ill get for it at trade-in time.

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  Its a POS - DONT BUY ONE! - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By IHATEGM - January 28 - 2:00 am

  We have had the engine overhauled. All parts replaced in the entire engine, suspension and exhaust systems. Interior is as plan as it can get. Seat are uncomfortable for long trips. The car could not have been made or designed any worse

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  Bettys Review - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Enelse - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I have 130,000 mioles on my car and Ive only replaced an altenator and wheel bearings. She lacks power but once she gets up to speed she can hang with the best. Shes never left me on the side of the road and I definitely do an exceedingly amount of highway driving. Even now I wont hesitate to take her on a road trip. I would say the only complaints I have is with the brakes. They dont last like I think that they should and they arent big enough.

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  malibu fun to - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By gwrcurtis - January 24 - 2:00 am

  have had car for over a year now and have had fun driving it traveled a lot- havnt had any major problems except for normal maint. fuel milage is great