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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  Love my Malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By adriansmj - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car well over 4 years and have had no major problems. Change the oil and rotate tires regularly. Did have to get new tires at 23000 miles (dry rot). Could be Florida. Also have same AC problem-- shuts off by itself for no reason. But, if you switch the fan up & down it comes back on again.

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  Do not buy a Malibu! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jklapper - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I had problems with this car from day one. Ive had 5 sets of brakes, 8 sets of tires, 3 oxygen sensors, and 1 fuel ignitor replaced. In addition my A/C does not work properly. I took my car into the shop 4 times and they cant figure out what is wrong. They say it is the switch, the relay, or electrical. I filed for the Lemon Law the first year and they settled on a 5 year/75,000 warranty. So far the car hasnt cost me in money, but my time. I will never buy a Chevrolet product again, nor buy from my dealership.

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  2001 Malibu LS - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mike Bunn - August 25 - 2:00 am

  A great, dependable car. Only complaint would be the brakes--they seem to wear out too soon on the front and the rotors need to be turned. Ive put nearly 50k on it in 2 years and only malfunction has been an alternator problem. This is a reliable vehicle.

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  Good Car - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By w_b_l - August 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car new. Overall, it has been a good car. There were a few problems at the beginning (CD-Player, Visor and glovebox alignment), but these were resolved quickly by the dealer as car was still under warranty. Only complaint is that brake repairs are expensive on this car (though I have had it for 4 yrs and put a lot of miles on so I had to do the brakes 3 times. At around 60k miles I needed the belt tensionor replaced. Service costs over 4 years were ~ $1k (oil changes not included). I think this car is a good value.

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  Please Recall for Brakes/ABS and A/C - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Please Recall - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car new for my wife in 1998 with V6. So far (at 103,000 miles) the engine has performed well. There are a few problems with this car: A/C switch, ABS, front brakes, alternator, squeaky noise. If not for these problems I would recommmend it. This is my second American made car and I am a little scare to buy another one.

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  my malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cat123 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Alternater went out after 4 years...just after the warrenty expires, imagine that! Air conditioning went out right about the same time!

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  2002 Malibu - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cudagtx - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Malibu from 1997(the other was a 2000). Each one has been better than the previous one. This is the first Malibu that I bought used, it was one year one when I purchased it, and this is best by far, better than the other two.

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  No Nonsense Family Car - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By McLearen - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Car was won on "The Price is Right" and sold to Car Max with 123 miles on it. I was the lucky one who bought it. Its a base model with the power/cruise option pack. The car is really much more than many people say - good comfort, good power, comfortable seating that encourages long trips with little fatigue. Have put 16000 on it so far with no complaints. Would like to see more in the way of storage in the center console, and a metal ash tray instead of the plastic one (smoker). Only thing I dont like is the common problem with all new cars - no vent window. Sorry to see this body style discontinued - new one stinks.

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  not worth the money - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By malibu junk - August 17 - 2:00 am

  constant electrical problems. knocking in engine on col start. dealer claims inherant with the 3.1 engine. chevy malibu ls

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  Fun and comfortable for the family - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tlm - August 17 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my Malibu LS V6 has been wonderful. It is fun to drive and also gives our family a sporty look without the expensive price tag. My fifteen year old is looking forward to learning to drive in our Malibu.