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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  WHAT A SHAME - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By LEROYVENUS - April 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT OPTION TO THE HONDA ACCORD IF YOU CANT AFFORD THE ACCORD BUT WHAT A FRIKIN HEADACHE! I SHOULD HAVE LEARNED MY LESSON FROM THE 95 BLAZER BUT NNOOOO...BRAKES,A/C,FUNNY NOISES FROM THE DASH, ARE JUST SOME OF THE PROBLEMS NOT TO MENTION HOW FAST THESE CARS DEPRECIATE! NEXT TIME-IMPORT

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  malibu - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Beth - April 11 - 1:55 am

  for a sedan this is a great vehicle. smaller for getting around in parking lots but not so small that you feel as if sitting in a tin can. seats are bigger in front so you are not falling off set at every corner. gas millage is good and trunk is fair sized. love love love my vehicle.

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  Im going to Toyota - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JohnJ - April 10 - 2:00 am

  @ 5.5 yrs old (49k) the following has been replaced: 3 sets of brakes including rotors steering gear twice upper control arms twice rear sway bar bushings ABS rht front wheel speed sensor intake manifold gasket ignition wiring heater speed control. The cost of the repair of the intake manifold leak (allowing oil & antifreeze to mix) GM would not coverfor me yet for a friend of mine with the same problem on a 98 Venture they covered (both mine and his not under warranty and just a couple months apart). GM is very inconsistent with customer support.

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By afLt - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Malibu in November 02. It has ran great so far, but the gas milage isnt as great as I would like it to be. I have the base model with the remote keyless, aluminum wheels, and power widows, locks, etc. I love the color which is the new medium gray. Over all considering I paid 15,000 tax and all, I would say that I got a great car at a really great price.

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  BEWARE OF ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By robnetzero - April 6 - 3:00 am

  Overall this car was a pretty good car. My wife bought it was a year old. Most of the problems have been brake issues. That is one aspect to the car that needs work. My wife drove this car for work (real estate), and enjoyed it overall, but yesterday, her dashboard caught on fire and she was able to pull over and get out of the car, but the car went up in flames on the side of the road. If considering buying this car, get the electrical cicuitry checked.

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  Chevy Malabu LTZ V6- Many Positives - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By LTZ V6 - April 5 - 6:03 pm

  I would consider myself a car man; this is the first US car I have purchased. I was attracted to GMs incentives and the relatively low priceof $22K for V6 with a trade incentive. Car is heavy and quiet. Seats are above average. Handling is a little heavy, but a serene ride prevails. Not really a sports sedan, but a refined cruiser with a firm, but Cadillac firm feel. Rear window is small and rear headrests block the view. Side mirrors provide good side/ rear vision to compensate. Engine is smooth and powerful, but a bit slow from 0-20mph. Then the car takes off. Be careful or you will really pay at the pump. I get 17mph in city (non stop-and-go traffic). Mixed hwy/c- 19mph.

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  Proud Malibu owner! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JOhnny Rios - April 1 - 2:00 am

  My 1997 Malibu I bought in Jan of 1998, with only 2k miles on her. Since then I have placed 94k miles on my 3.1 v6 motor! It been a awesome car, I do alot of trips between San Antonio, TX USA and Mexico City with is a hard 1,216 mile drive thru deserts and mountain. My Malibu has not acted up once, PLEASE BE ADVISE! you must do regular oil changes and etc.. Alot of people complain but they dont take care of their car!

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  car sucks - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ag - April 1 - 2:00 am

  -it is not fast -problems after problems after problems with the care - we used the warrantly to the limits -I had the whole engine just stop working one day and the guy from warranty asked me if I had gas in my car

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  Great car! Reliable transportation! - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Fran0196 - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Got my 98 Malibu as a company car. Its been a very reliable car! Only the routine maintenance (oil change every 3000 miles etc.), 2 brake jobs, 1 altenator, belts. Only one major repair, waterpump started to leak at 66000 miles and needed to replace. Overall I am quite happy with the car, my car now has 75000 miles. I live in Hawaii so I do not travel far, but the driving I do is a lot of stop & go. I think the constant idling of the car is worse than long distance driving.

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  Transmission Nightmare - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By malibutrany - March 25 - 2:00 am

  With only 46,763 miles on my 2000 Malibu I didnt expect the transmission to go. Not to mention, warped brake rotors, cheap tires, and poor cooling & heating system. When the transmission went out I contacted two local dealers. Both of which didnt want to deal with the problems and gave me the 800 # for GM customer service. GM informed me that they couldnt help me either, as I didnt have documentation of service done at a GM dealership and couldnt prove that I hadnt tampered with the transmission! Ill never buy GM again due to product quality and NO customer service. My advice . . do not buy a Malibu.