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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  The great American comeback - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mike - November 23 - 12:33 pm

  Americans can now be proud that our industry is coming back to providing the customer with an outstanding automobile. Awesome ride, steering, interior and best of all GAS Mileage!Will never buy a foreign vehicle as long as I live as a real American! Thank you General Motors!

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  Surprisingly Classy - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By skygirl - November 21 - 5:50 pm

  We just love our 2009 Chevy Malibu! We were looking for a compact car to add to the household but after we test drove the Malibu we just fell in love with it and decided to go for it. We test drove Mazda and we have tried Honda but this American car surprised us. We are Asians and weve always had Japanese/Korean cars and with all the bad rep American cars are getting this model came as a surprise. Costs thousands less than a BMW, or a Mercedes, and definitely a better pick than a Nissan Altima, or Honda Accord. For very frugal people like us, we definitely recommend the Chevy Malibu, very classy and safe car for less money.

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  we got the better one - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jeremy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  we got the better one you people just dont know how to treat a car our car has 49000 miles on it not a thing wrong with it so quit dissing the car you car abusers

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  2009 Malibu LTZ V6 - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By surfgermany - November 18 - 11:30 am

  Well have had this car for 3 weeks now and it is impressing me more and more. We looked at all the sedans and chose the Chevy. Exterior is great interior is very good fit and finish (wish it had a rear arm rest) The two tone color grows on us its ebony and brick. QUITE ver Quite much more so than the 04 accord i just sold. engine is strong and gas mileage seems to be in line with the accord v6 25 or so in my commute 70/30 hwy city. would recommend to anyone looking at the accord camry esp with the pricing now. Drive them all and see trust me we were surprised that we ended up at the chevy.

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  Amazingly Misinformed Dealer - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tk_ki - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Okay, weve anyone thinking about buying a used OR new Malibu should first check out a Camry or Altima. The engine has had a tapping noise from day one, 4th set of brakes in 35,000 miles, A/C has a mind of its own, rattles get progressively worse, front end is mushy, dealer acts as though Malibus have no known service issues. HA! There have been over 200 "service notices" since this particular style of Malibu came to market in 1997. My dealer hates to see me coming at this point. My vehicle is leased, and is going back to the dealer where I purchased it from at lease end. BEWARE of OFF LEASE MALIBUS!

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  Malibu - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Saguaro4321 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good. Its easy to drive, I got a good price with no down payment, so I really cant complain.

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  Its Ok? - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jonboy - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I dont love it but I dont hate it. The car has a unique shape to it that I like. Its bold and rigidy. Brakes stink on it but manages to stop. I gotta say for a Chevy 3.1 V6 170hp, thats pretty good. Its got great acceleration,but it just sounds like a truck. Its an ok car in my book.oh its got good speakers for factory.

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  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.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Very Happy in SC - November 7 - 2:00 am

  I was somewhat reluctant to buy a Chevy after several happy years of owning a Camry, but I have never been happier. This car was purchased used, but it still has some of the original warranty left, I dont think we will be using it. Road noise is almost non-existant, and the leather interior looks like a much more expensive car. The V-6 is very powerful, and this car has get-up and go. The handling is amazing, the stereo wonderful, and everything about it is just fabulous. I dont think I will ever go back to another car again.

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  THIS SEDAN TURNS OUT TO BE TOP QUALITY. - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mr_Picks - November 5 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a vehicle that has a feel of a luxury car at an affordable price, the Malibu is for you. It is stylish, spacious, quiet, good fuel economy for its engine size, electronics, and suspension, makes this car a fun and smooth ride. Oh...and most important to me...it has been one of the most reliable cars I have driven.