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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  Ho-Hum - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Auggie_24 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Having this vehicle for two years has been great. It is sleek enough for pre- baby years, and trustworthy enough since we have had baby.

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  No Problems - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By NY Mike - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 with 60,000 miles from an auction in 2001 for $4,000. Best 4,000 ever spent. I have had no major problems besides the A/C switch (like everyone) windshield wiper transmission broke due to ice storm, and brakes (like everyone) For the price you cannot go wrong. It is a decent looking car, solid body, nice pickup in the engine... what else do you want for the price?

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  Future Babys First Car - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By crenstrom - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Since we went down to one car nearly 1 year ago we have been very satisfied with our choice of the Malibu LS. The interior is very comfortable. Id recommend it as a reasonable alternative to anyone looking at a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry unless you plan on keeping the car for 15 years. The 3.1 engine is in many Chevrolet products. It has great performance, great ride, larger interior, and doesnt need 93 octane gas in the v6.

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  05/25/03 - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dawn Garcia - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle to have other than the problem I and others have with the brake system. Even after having the rotors turned and brake pads changed, it still doesnt feel right. Others have made this same comment. Otherwise, its a good car.

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  Excellent car, especially for the $. - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SJP - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent and impressive car for the money. Good power, and handling and ride as good as the Camry. Very quite, as good as the Camry except for a little noisier engine - at least when accelerating hard. Has just about everything one would want in this class of car. Very good stereo (we have the upgrade), comfortable seats (again, since ours is the LS, the seats are an upgrade over the base - do not like the seats in the base). Very roomy. The original Firestone Affinity tires are the only down side. I replaced them with Dumlap SPs. They improved the ride and handling, especially in the rain.

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  MalibuLemon - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By NoMoreChevys - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought a Lemon! Bought car in 97 and loved it for about six months. 3 factory alternators, power-steering replaced, power window problems, engine is noisy, Front speakers broke. Seat belts have been replaced, front lights leak, tail lights blow blulbs, too many problems to list all of them. Car has over 139,000 miles & V-6 has lost its get up and go. Will NEVER buy another. Too many problems both minor and major!

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  Leasing the Malibu 2016 - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Louise Z. - May 22 - 6:20 am

  I have had my Malibu for the past month and I do honestly love it. I traded in my 2015 Chevrolet equinox to get something smaller and better gas mileage and I do not regret my decision with the Malibu. Again I did get the base version so I do not have all the bells and whistles that I wouldve hoped for but even with that I get rear camera, touchscreen display, apple carplay, the rear seating is roomy. The acceleration isnt the fastest at first but if you give it a couple seconds itll get pretty fast especially when merging onto the freeway. It is a push to start which Ive never had before and I think this feature is awesome. The engine does auto stop which I had no idea about until I was driving it the day after purchase. I was never told about this feature before purchasing so I was really confused, so after I read my owners manual it told me what it was. I wasnt expecting it to be on a non-hybrid but if its saving me gas I cant complain. I understand the jerking when you press the gas if you like to drive like [non-permissible content removed] and have no patience to accelerate when a light switches. I have had no problem with jerking motions thus far because the engine will start again once you ease off the brake and then accelerate. Honestly not a problem. The auto stop will activate when you stop after having been driving for a couple minutes or certain speed (not quite sure yet but this is what Ive observed). Sometimes when Im stopped at a light it will randomly turn the engine back on which I dont understand but I mean, it normally would be running in any other car, and thats not really a point that sold me on this car so Im not mad. Overall I love this car, very sporty inside and out.

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  The worst car I ever purchased.... - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By A Quinonez - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised to see the fabulous comments that most of the people wrote. The Malibu has been my worst nightmare since I purchased it. It has given me many mechanical problems and breakdowns. It has left me stranded and at 55000 I had to do a major tune- up, while it is advertised as an 100,000+ tune up interval. It gives the worst gas mileage, and it runs as a V4, while it claims to be a V6. It overheats very frequently, and it apparently is falling apart little by little. It is a very regular car, for very regular people. I sincerely regret purchasing this vehicle, and suggest you ponder a few days before purchasing this vehicle.

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  Automotive Bargain - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ray N - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the few automotive bargains in todays market place. Good features at a relatively good price.

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  Malibu LS Good, but Watch the brakes!! - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DanSmith - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good car EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKES!!!!! Brakes are a big problem. I have 57000 miles and have replaced front rotor and pads three times. (once under warranty). Replaced back master cylinders twice because they leaked. (Neither under warranty). Very Disapointed in Chevrolet over their lack of help on this issue.