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:

• 

  Problems - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By John & Amanda - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble with this car. A few of the same problems others have such as the tail lights and the AC switch. Also the ignition switch wouldnt always go all the way off so when you leave the car the accessories come on and the battery is drained next time you get in. Alternator was going out. Made creaking sounds from the rear when going over bumps. Squeaky brakes. Oh yeah and 4 (FOUR) cracked fly wheels in less than a year. The best thing about the car is that Swope Mitsubishi offered to give us a new car recently to replace this Malibu. A Galant. More trade in value and a lot nicer.

• 

  Will never buy another Chevy. - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CheyHater - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Dont ever buy one of these unless you have a lot of money and time to waste. A whole lot better to pay a couple grand more and buy and Accord or a Campry or an Altima.. or anything else.

• 

  Getting a Honda - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By malipooh - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Malibu in 10/00. I decided to go with the Malibu over an Accord to save money. I had to replace the rotors at 34,600. Then again at 38000, 44000, and 48000. My lower intake manifold cracked at 46000, and that was merely $1600 to get fixed. I too get colder air from my recirculate than from my A/C. My biggest complaint is the resale value. I got the Malibu for $3000 less than the Accord,I still owe over $9K and its trade in is just over $6K. If I had bought the Accord I would owe just over $11K and it would be worth $14K. So instead of saving $3K I lost $6K(not including repair costs). Bottom line? Im buying a Honda.

• 

  HARD SEATS...nice dash board - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sheri - October 16 - 5:21 am

  TEST DRIVE TEST DRIVE FOR AT LEAST 45min.....Butt and back pain. Chevy should have invested money in the interior and quality and less in the dashboard.

• 

  dont waste your money - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By malibu - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Malibu with about 18000 miles on it. Weve had nothing but problems. Common problems I see with ours and others on the road are electical problems (taillights adn brake lights always out). Weve had the same A/C switch problem. One part gets fixed and something else goes wrong. Very noisy ride. Engine leaks from everywhere with only 50000 miles. Uncomfortable, hard seats. Not much interior room.

• 

  Dont buy this one! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Hansenvl61 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but problems. I will never buy another chevy, no lie.

• 

  WORST CAR EVER - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By FRANNI - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD 3 SETS OF BRAKES, 2 WATER PUMPS NEW TIMING BELT, LEFT AXLE, WHEEL BEARING HUB,ALTERNATOR RADIOTOR SENSOR 2X. AND ONLY 20K ON TIERS I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF TIRES.

• 

  Cant they get anything right? - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Howie - June 14 - 2:00 am

  After 4 years and 5 sets of rotors, 6 sets of pads, and valves, I am thrilled to be giving this back to the bank. The sales pitch was "the car you knew america could build" well, Im back to buying Toyotas or Hondas (built in america to higher non union standards).

• 

  Never again - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By not satisfied - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Sorry, but I have nothing good to say about this car. If it werent for a company vehicle, I would not purchase one. Many brake problems and other problems that cost me a lot of dollars over the 3 year life. Enough said!!

• 

  Dont Buy This Car - Youll Regret It! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brian Kelly - December 3 - 2:33 pm

  My 2014 Odyssey was hit in the rear pretty bad a week ago. His name is Reggie, poor Reggie. It is in the body shop getting repaired. I have this 2016 Malibu Eco LTZ as a rental for two weeks from Hertz. To be fair, overall it is a nice car. Handles nicely like a German car - like our 2000 Jetta when it was new. The styling is nice, the technology is nice, the ride is sporty and fun to drive, the handling is sporty and fun to drive. HOWEVER, all the nice features fall apart because it is designed to completely stop and turn off when you come to a complete stop in order to save gas. It is a HORRIBLE and extremely ANNOYING feature!!!! Our Honda van has an eco mode that saves gas but it does not involve turning completely off at every single stop light. The eco mode of our van does not turn off to save gas but engages when the car is MOVING. This Malibu is a nightmare to drive because of this aggravating feature. We have begun making a game of it to keep from getting mad. If you turn the Air conditioning on (comfort mode not eco mode), the engine sorta turns off less. If you shift into Neutral as you stop at a stoplight, it keeps running. If you press on the gas lightly as you have your foot firmly down on the brake at a complete stop, it does not shut off. Even more of a JOKE, at a long stop light, the car will just UNEXPECTEDLY turns back on on its own if you are at a long long light. What a JOKE about saving gas! Thankfully, it is only a rental and I can turn it back into Hertz in two weeks. We have named the car Obama, as the president and his eco nut friends are probably very proud of themselves for inspiring such a junky car feature to save gas - eco nuts! Don’t buy this car if you are a car enthusiast or a enjoy driving like us, the shut off feature will drive you nuts unless you make it a game.