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 1651 through 1660 of 2,002.00-
2002Malibu - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
By srh2002 - June 18 - 2:00 amPurchased this car used with 22000 which was high mileage for just one year. It was a rental. My only complaint is the front seat is way to soft causing the driver to sit to low. I bought the base model but it has most all the features I want. Im use to driving cars with 4 cylinders that provide better gas mileage but for a V- 6 it does OK. I hope my Malibu provides many maintenance free miles. Some of the complaints in other reviews worry me but so far mine runs great. It is very roomy for a midsize car. Nice comfortable ride.
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They got it right - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
By OKC Buyer - June 14 - 10:53 am08 red LTZ with all avialable options. Wow. I can honestly say that driving a mid-size sedan really can be fun and comfortable and done in a well appointed interior. The ride is amazing. Cabin noise is the first thing I noticed, in that there was hardly any. Smooth and responsive,its just a blast to be in. Styling, both interior and exterior are eye catching. Creatue comforts abound in this car, many of them standard.
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Perhaps the worst car ever made - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
By StevenSouthwell - June 11 - 2:00 amThis was the worst car I have ever owned. I purchased it brand new off the lot in 97. It was completely unreliable. I had too many problems to mention them all here. The biggest problems were electrical and the front end. Chevy did not stand behind this product and did nothing to fix the problems. They did get really good at saying "that is not covered under warranty." I spent close to $6,000 on repairs in two years of ownership. (This was a brand new car.) This is actually lower than some people I have talked to who also purchased one.
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good car - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
By tom ginder - June 9 - 4:43 am -
2004 MALIBU VIEW - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By DE-ICER - June 8 - 10:00 amCOMFORTABLE CAR FOR ME TO DRIVE TO WORK, 35 MILES ONE WAY. PLENTY OF POWER TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. QUIET CABIN FOR A CAR PRICED UNDER $20,000, MANY STANDARD FEATURES FOR THE PRICE TOO. MY FUEL USE HAS BEEN GOOD, 34 MPG WITH AC ON. THE DEALER HAD TO TURN THE FRONT ROTORS AT 3000 MILES DUE TO A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKES.
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No pizzaz - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By dl76st - June 6 - 2:00 amSubstandard front brakes. Coolant leaks. Eats batteries. Alternator replaced. Rack and pinnion replaced. Tie rods replaced. Suspension creaks and rattles. Environmental control panel failed. Light bulbs in radio burned out. Front window trim whistles when strong cross wind hits just right. "Check" engine light keeps luminating - dealer says its the cat converter that has already been repalced twice out of emission warranty.
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Great Car - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
By Brian Swafford - June 5 - 11:01 pmit is a great car runs nice looks great and cant beat the price for all the features i bought mine from Michael Malagutti at Blasius Chevrolet and they are a wonderful group to work with when it comes to buying this car Mike did a great job!!
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99 Chevy Malibu - 2 kids & still going. - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By maitwo - June 5 - 2:00 amOther than major dealership problems, the car itself has been reliable.
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Bad Chevy - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By a. hickman - May 30 - 2:00 amI purchased this car brand new in September 1999. Two month later I had to replace the rotor. Half way through the year I replace two tires. Give I put a lot of miles, but I have been in the shop a lot of times replacing belts, alternator, and etc. Right now Im having trouble shifting into gear on a cold start but dealer cant find anything wrong. The car is very noisy and I lost value because of the drop in price. Im switching to Toyota. No more Chevy.
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Less than impressed - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
By madmabs - May 30 - 2:00 amAfter 3 years of leasing this car I am very glad to return it to the (less than professional) Dealership. If you are thinking of buying a Malibu Dont. It has developed a squeak and groaning noise from the front suspension. The brakes are sub-par and had to be replaced after 2 years even though I am not heavy footed. The paint finish is substandard and the interior also. Do yourself a favor and check out a Honda Accord
