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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  Just a review - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lv2Dr - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Not perfect but good enough for a small family. Nice looking, smooth drive.

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  Do not buy American - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Windy City - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Just traded my car in for a 02 Toyota Camry because my Malibu had a blown gasket in the intake manifold ($600.00 to fix). Bought it with 19K miles, when traded the car had less than 30K miles. Also, it wasted a lot of gas (not good with gas prises so high), leaking coolant, car shakes went it is at a stop, rattling sound by the passanger side, every time I got my car washed had to replace the right brake light bulb (water kept getting inside the rear taillight)

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  3 years of ownership - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Don in midwest - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new. Now 42,000 miles. Starts, runs, everything works. Good balance of size, interior, price. Very tight steering system and corners well. Can do a fairly long road trip with out comfort issues. Dealer has been very good. Had some problems early on. Replaced an engine(3.1L) due to knocking (bad pistons, damaged cylinder) Replacement engine clatters like a diesel when cold but doesnt seem to be an issue when warm and apparently still goes many miles. Gets great mileage 32 mpg highway. Original Firestone tires were junk, started making noise at 30,000 miles. Even though rotated at 6,000.Have not seen the brake problems I hear about.

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  2001 Chevolet Malibu - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bdean - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Paint peels on front bumper, got two of these cars and both bumpers are peeling GM says it is not their fault. Tires cup on rear causing a lot of road noise. Would not buy another Chevolet of any model.Have had Chevolet in the past that I enjoyed for years,but not these 2001s.

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  GREAT CAR ABOUT TIME - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By KENT - September 13 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THIS CAR BEEN IN HONDAS FOR YEARS WAY TO GO CHEVY

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  Brakes, front end, A/C just plain poor - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JAH - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought new. Price was right and seemed nice at the time, reviews were good. However, have replaced brakes too many times to count-calipers, rotors, pads- the works. A/C switch turns on-off at random fan doesnt work on 1 and 2. Control arms clunk on every bump. Bad power lock switch design. Paint scratches easily. Fit of glove box poor. Original tires were terrible.

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  I had questions?? - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jdspcm - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was a little reluctent - going into a less expensive car - I always had more expensive or foreign autos. I was wrong - this Malibu is all and more than I thought it would be!! We loaded this auto up with, almost everything GM offed, it is great. It handles as good as my Audi A4 at half the price!! Excellent power and ride. What a good choice we made - Very Happy.

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  Poor Quality - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Concerned Buyer - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This Malibu has been out-of-service four times in four months for engine component defects and power steering defect. Some initial interior problems as well.

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  Feels and looks more European - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Francisco Corrales - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The new Malibu feels and looks much more substantial than the previous model. The LS V6 has a spirited feel and is quick and agile. Even though it lacks the power of the V6 Accord, Altima and Camry in terms of horsepower it feels sporty and capable. Before buying this car, I test drove all three other models and could not convince myself to spend nearly 30 thousand dollars for the imports. Also, I have driven my car over 10,000 miles in three months and have had no mechanical, or any defects despite hard driving conditions in the mountainous regions of the desert Southwest and heavy traffic of Phoenix and Los Angeles.

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  its just perfect - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SUSANNA - September 6 - 2:00 am

  this car cuts corners at 40mph perfectly, not that i do that all the time...the ride is very smooth. The audio is great. Long travel trips are perfect in this car!