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:
Showing 1631 through 1640 of 2,002.00-
DECENT - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
By JENNY - July 18 - 2:00 amOVERALL I LOVE MY MALIBU, ITS CUTE, COMFTY AND FITS ME VERY WELL. IF YA LIKE A SOMEWHAT SMALLER CAR... THIS ONE IS A EXCELLENT CHOICE. B/C ITS TOO BIG AND NOT TOO SMALL.
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So Far So Good - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By shawn - July 17 - 2:00 amWe bought this car a year ago and it had 23,000 miles and we now have 35,000 on it. I and my wife love the car. In fact Im talking about buying a larger car for my wife just so I can drive it every day. Extremely comfortable and sporty. Had the breaks and suspension checked a week ago and was told they are in excellent condition. Couldnt have asked for a better car considering the Buick we last had. Took the Malibu on a 1,400 mile road trip?Perfect
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mali - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By jennayLp - July 17 - 2:00 amMy car is a good car, however I believe that it looks nicer than it really is. I havent had it long and already a belt is squealing. It also isnt very fuel efficent. With gas prices going up, how am i supposed to afford it?
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Fun to drive! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
By Douglas - July 17 - 2:00 amGreat car. Very dependable. Cant wait to see the new style this year!
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malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
By jon catlin - July 17 - 2:00 ammy 2002 chevrolet malibu is a pretty reliable car . it is very fuel eficent and has only had one break down so far .
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Mediocre at best - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
By John Anders - July 15 - 10:00 amI bought this car with the intention of putting alot of miles on it. Its looks are great and i never fail to get stares. However the build quality is not good. I have sveral dash rattles and my air conditioning occasionally quits working. My shifter is loose and rattles over the smallest potholes. The gas mileage is great. I have no problems hanging with mustang gts.
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02 Malibu LS - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
By mhj - July 14 - 2:00 amI purchased my Malibu as my first car out of college, So far I am very pleased. My only additions are window vents and XM radio
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Nice car for the $$$$$ - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
By Kwin57 - July 13 - 2:00 amGood all around car for the money. It has a nice sporty look and with the V6 is peppy enough for city and highway driving. As stated in so many reviews the brakes are a nightmare. The roters has to be replaced right after delivery. We had 3 sets of rotors and front brake pads replaced before 25K. The rotors were replaced under warranty but it was still a hassle. Other problems were a coolant leak and the back power window has a problem. They were both fixed under warranty. The heater/AC fan had a problem also. It did not function on speeds 1 and 2.
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Disappointed - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
By Haysucka - July 9 - 2:00 amwhat can i say. thought i was buying a reliable car. not!! few days after taking delivery on the car, found out there was a recall on the motor - piston slap, 4 months later, had to replace rotors, and brakes. the materials lok and feel cheap, seats arent exactly supportive, get sore after long trips.
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Great style at a great price - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
By ThreeMalones - July 9 - 2:00 amWe love our Malibu. Few cosmetic problems on delivery (scratches and interior grime) of which the dealer took care of right away. Awesome sound system plenty of storage, and an oversized, "flat" trunk which looks huge. The fold down rear seats are very useful. The features and additions were very plentiful and affordable. We are VERY happy.
