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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  Great Car for $12K! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jobeewan - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought this in August with about %K incentives, plus anoith 1,500 off using power buy, Painless buy and great value. At this price, I wonder why I didnt buy 2 or 3!

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  Love it! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BP - September 29 - 2:46 pm

  Have only had the car a week, but so far I am very pleased. This is my first American car in 30 years. In interest of full discclosure, I did begin the decison process wanting to "buy American" this time, as long as I did not have to make too many concessions to quality, drive experience etc. that I have come to expcet from European and Japanese cars. No compromise in this vehicle I can detect so far! Thanks for getting this vehicle right GM!

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  My Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By watson2003 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  great car so far would by another one and think they should keep the design of it the same

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  Great reliability and comfort - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Blewjaye - September 27 - 2:00 am

  this car changed gears smoothly, was quick off the line, and extremely comfortable. I am 6 feet tall and over 200lbs, and this by far was the most comfortable car in its class. Steering handled well, sound on stereo very nice, and always a crowd pleaser when parking near a large group of people.

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  Works for Me ! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dadbo - September 27 - 2:00 am

  When my lease for my 2000 Impala was up, I went back to my Chevrolet dealership. Being 63" and nearly 300 pounds, I was a bit apprehensive about going to a smaller vehicle. I was amazed how comfortable the Malabu was. I just drove from Florida to New York and was comfortable the entire trip. Kudos to Chevrolet !!

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  I love my Malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Redroseblue - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The Malibu is easy to handle. The car is very quite while driving. I love the LS with all the trimmings and extras at a great price.

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  I love my Maibu but disappointed. - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JQ - September 23 - 11:55 pm

  Ive had my Malibu for a little over a year and I loved it from the moment the salesman pulled it up for me to test drive it. Brand new with on 3 miles. Ive been on a couple road trips and loved the smooth ride and comfort. The my link and XM radios are among my favorite features. I have always disliked the start stop function and wished it was a way to disable it. Doesnt seem to save much gas and I hate the feeling that my car has stalled. A few days ago when Id come to a stop and the feature engaged as normal, I let my foot off the brake and my radio cut off for a few seconds, then came back on. I thought nothing of it at first until it did it a second time but this time the check engine light came on and now Im alarmed. I take it into the dealership to find out the auxiliary battery that powers the features in the car while the engine is shut off is drained and needed to be replaced. Ive only had my car for exactly 13 month and this battery needs to be replaced? Luckily its under warranty but what happens when the warranty is up? Will I have to replace this battery every year? Will it cause electrical problems? I also fear that the starter will not last because of the constant starting. As much as I love this car this lack of reliability has disappointed me and makes me worry how this car will hold up after its a few years old. I know a battery is nothing and hopefully nothing else happens that is not covered under warranty.

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  My Mailubu - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By silverdome - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I felt sorry for this car...it was in an accident trashing the right front quarter...then it had a portable basketball hoop fall on it...all within the first 6 months I owned it... It ran fabulous for the entire time I owned it... 2 1/2 years...in fact I bought another Malibu...

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  Look out when the warranty expires - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By M Burrier - September 23 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was purchased new and has always been regularly serviced. Only minor problems were experienced until the milage clicked over 30,000 miles. Im now at 50,000 and trading it in for a 2003 Honda Accord. Ive already had to replace the brakes, repair a coolant leak, replace the AC/heater fan motor, replace the turn signal switch, a front headlight housing that allowed water in, and the driver-side seat belt. I agree with the previous reviewer that stated his Malibu was slowly falling apart I feel the same way. I am not hard on my cars!

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  Excellent! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pwik - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Malibu and I love the car. Both of them had initial small things break, like the power window, a lock etc. The dealer fixed at no charge.