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 1671 through 1680 of 2,002.00-
Ill do it again - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
By goodtogo - May 15 - 2:00 amOverall I think its a great car for me. The built is what got my attention
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Package needs help - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
By RJM - May 14 - 4:02 pmThis is the Premier line which also sums up my disappointment in the car. The under dash rattle is in harmony with the door panels that chatter. The last GM I bought was 1988 and it will be another 30 years maybe before I try one again. In our family between the two GMs, 3 jeeps, 2 dodges, 1 Ford, 3 Honda,s and 2 Hyundais prove that cars can be made that dont rattle. Its a sexy car and semi-fun to drive, just not enjoyable to own. It is a bad copy of a good import.
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My Bu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By Chellie - May 14 - 2:00 amMy Malibu is perfect but I would NOT reccommend going to the dealer I went to.
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Car Just Sucks! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By Spent - May 12 - 2:00 amThis car I bought new and whatta mistake. Repairs, Uncomfortable, you name it. Whatta junker. Buy a Honda or Toyota and dont feel guilty. USA car makers should be embarrased for GM.
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Used 00 - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
By Malibizoo - May 8 - 2:00 amBought my Malibu in January 03 as a replacement for my 93 Corsica, and this car is soooo much better. I love the look of my black LS with the gold emblems and the rear spoiler. This car is fun and comfortable to drive, even though the drivers seat becomes alittle uncomfortable on the back at times.
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great redesign - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By bjctj - May 7 - 2:00 amit is fun to drive, handells very well especially in the turns. Great move to put the body on the Saab chasey. Great bang for the buck especially comparing it to a camry.
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We both love this car. - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By msellen - May 4 - 2:00 amThis is the second one weve owned and have never had a problem.
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malibu girl - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
By SLUgurl - May 4 - 2:00 amI like my malibu but Ive had several problems with the brakes. Of course the dealership said it was a maintance problem and warranty wouldnt cover it (NEVER BUY FROM ROSS DOWNING IN HAMMOND,LA)! 5,000 miles later Im having the same problem.
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I got a lemon - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By phylli - May 2 - 2:00 amNothing but trouble since I purchased car. Have replaced starter, gas tank removed for parts replacement due to leak, now shocks (struts) are sounding terrible. Im getting rid of the lemon.
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WORST CAR EVER! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
By y? - May 1 - 2:00 amLooks like a nice car for the price...except the price continues to increase in repairs. Bought it with 39k on it, now has almost 48k, one year later. So far, replaced whole front brake system, tire rod, a/c switch, belt in engine has been replaced twice by dealer and still squeals, rear wheel drum leaking, engine light has been on and off for 6 months. Apparently, everything that everyone has been complaining about for the past few years has gone unnoticed by GM. Owners seem to have all the same problems, which makes it a defect and not a user error...AND IF YOU HAVENT NOTICED YET, THE VALUE OF THIS CAR IS DECLINING RAPIDLY, SO DUMP IT NOW!
