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:

• 

  1999 Chevy Malibu w 43K, 3.1 V6 - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tim Rogers - January 30 - 2:00 am

  So far so good.

• 

  its OK - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By shae weav - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I like the malibu although, it is no eye stopper. I do not have any brake problems now, but i can tell they are coming on. I can alos attest to the rattling noise i can hear deep in the engine. and it does get louder.

• 

  2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tony - January 25 - 2:03 am

  So far (Ive only had the car for five weeks and 1100 miles) this car is great. Its very quiet and smooth. Interior comfort is great due to the power seat; adjustable pedals; telescoping and tilting wheel (with all those features theres no way not to find a comfortable position). Fuel economy for a 3000+ lb sedan is great (I average about 27.3 mpg overall). The only thing I think could be changed is the gas pedal. To me, it feels like you have to push it down a little too much before it throttles up. Theres plenty of power after you do, but it feels like it could use some adjusting. Overall, my wife and I enjoy the car a great deal. You can feel the touch of a Saab in the drive.

• 

  First Chevy since 1954 - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Kansas City - January 24 - 10:20 am

  Decided on the 2009 Malibu after looking at Camry, Accord, and Hyundai Genesis. This is the first Chevrolet weve owned since a 1954 Bel-Aire purchased in 1964. Weve owned a Buick, Mercury, BMW, Acura, and several Ford trucks. This car was a replacement for a 2000 Chrysler 300M. My wife was skeptical about the 4 cyl. after driving the 300M for 8 years. She drove the 4 cyl. for a day and was impressed. I had voted for the fuel economy from the beginning. We are very satisfied with the car. We drive a car for 8-10 years primarily for local trips and put about 8k per year on it. However, with the price of gas decreasing---the 6 cyl. was tempting.

• 

  Reliabilty - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Cindy Ann - January 24 - 10:00 am

  with less than 500 hundred miles it has been in the servcie repair twice due to stalling when stopping at traffic light, no one can seem to find the problem. The dealship states this is the second Malibu to come in with the problem. the dealership is being very helpful and nice and doing there best to correct the problem. Genral Motors is not helping them though.

• 

  A Surprise Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Pat Ostergaard - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car will surprise you on performave, comfort, looks and just one flat great car. We were surprised at the features and room inside. We bought the hatchback Pricing is very fair and we were happy with our deal. Pat and Charles Ostergaard P.S. Our car is a 2004. P.O.

• 

  One of the Best GM Products I have owned - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By WCHA - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new in 1997 and have been very happy with it overall. With over 160K miles on it now it has performed well. The V6 engine and four speed automatic transmission are perfectly matched. Typical highway milage of about 29 MPG - not bad for the 170 HP V6. In typical GM style, this vehicle is not without its problems. At 50K miles it needed a new torque converter and at about 80K a lot of new front end parts to tighten things back up. Replacement parts have lasted longer than the originals. All in all, this is still one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.

• 

  good domestic car - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By anandkale - January 15 - 2:00 am

  12000 miles went rather peacefully a rattle from passenger airbag cover fixed by the dealer at no extra charge, brake rotors replaced at no extra charge The transmission oil went bad by 47000 miles and I could feel it while driving. The air filter was bad at 25000 and 50000 while GM recomments replacement at each 30000. most of my driving is highway and i get 29mpg almost all time. The mechanic recommended a coolant flush by 4 years 65000 miles instead of GMs 5 years 150000 miles recommendation to save the water pump. at 57000 miles feels like the car needs a tuneup.

• 

  99 malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Truckinkev - January 13 - 12:10 pm

  45000 miles so far and it`s been a very good car. Transmission is very smooth and the 4 cyl motor has good power while delivering 27-30 mpg. On the down side the climate control is weak...the heat takes forever and the a/c isn`t much better.

• 

  well done GM - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By bArRiO - January 12 - 2:00 am

  it´s a great car!!