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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  Okay but not great - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Frenchguy - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Brakes are the achilles heel of this vehicle. Like all of GMs mid-size cars (Had a 99 Alero with the same problem). At 28,000 miles the discs had to be turned and the pads changed. The Alero was worse, in 35,000 miles the brakes were repaired three times. I just dont get the sense that this car will last as well as my 98 Protege.

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  Blue Bu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By chel - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Truly a great car.

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  I LOVE IT - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By boonesgurl - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt trade my car for anything! It runs awesome, nothing has gone bad, looks great, rides great!!

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  opinion - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By westbeach - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Front panel electrical system has been a chronic problem. Blower has had to be repaired 3 times. Intake/Recirc is now broken. Bulbs blow out, a fortune to fix. Brake repair and battery replacement. NOW, the cars transmission will not shift in the cold weather. Needs 5 minutes to warm up to even think of shifting. Repair shop says all these problems are KNOWN issues with this car. Cheve Customer Service was HORRIBLE. Quote: "Once you buy the car, it is your problem". Dealer sold me a warranty, now the warranty company is bankrupt and the dealer said it is my problem.

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  Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brady - January 21 - 3:16 am

  I bought the Malibu because I average around 20,000 miles per year and wanted a car that can hold four 6 plus adults comfortably and do it getting great gas mileage. I used to drive a S-10 Blazer and with high gas prices I wanted something more economical. The Malibu LT gets better gas mileage than anything in its class, very reasonable priced and has remote start which my wife loves. Overall I am very happy with the car and would buy it again.

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  Ultimate Rental Car - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dispencer - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Malibu from Hertz with 28k miles. Car was like new inside and out. Ive taken it on several all day trips and am impressed with ride, generally quiet cabin, seat comfort, and storage capability with folding rear seats. Engine power could be improved and has been on 04 models. Good visibility and good handling. No squeaks or rattles after 60k miles. An excellent all around car.

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  madeamistake - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By madeamistake - January 20 - 2:00 am

  i bought a used 2003 chevy malibu w/19000 miles on it and i think i made a mistake i read all the reviews and they all seemed to agree it was a very good car but after owning it for 2 months i am not happy it dosent handle well it always feel like the suspension or the wheel alignment is out of wack it dosent have very good gas mileage (i might get 30 highway miles to 1/4 tank of gas. dosent this dealer preach 23-32 miles a gallon? no way!!!) anybody ever heard of ergonomics?? guess gm didnt the gearshift is too long and its in the way of the ashtray and the radio believe me im ready to take it back

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  General Review - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By khkrol - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought for my daughter. She has put over 15,000 miles. Have yet to bring it in for any warranty work.

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  Money Pit! - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By yuckmalibu - January 12 - 2:00 am

  A lot of same complaints. Replaced brakes, pads & rotors 4 times in 80K. Wiper arm broke of during use. Manifold gasket leaked coolant into engine. Control arms replaced. Replaced right wheel hub bearings - left ones going bad. Air conditioning switch only worked on 3. ABS light came on for no reason. Sunroof went offtrack twice. Traded for a Honda when the onboard computer failed. Had enough of dumping money into the car! Standard "aging" repairs, no problem. Major repairs over & over - problem. Problems always met with silence by dealer. Will never buy a GM product again.

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  GM will have to win me back - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cec28007 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have replaced the brake pads twice, my rotors are warped, replaced the serpintine belt twice, all four tires, replaced front passenger wheel bearing , and alternator. When driving 75 mph the car shakes, and there is still a bearing noise which comes from the front passenger wheel. In the shop right now having the head intake gasket, water pump and serpentine belt replaced. 3.1 L problematic, just look around the web, youll see. I thought Id give GM another shot at winning me over. Lets just say my next car will be a Honda. No wonder GM is loosing so much market share to Honda and Toyota.