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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Love this car! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
By Concord River - November 21 - 10:58 amIm happily surprised with the performance of my used Malibu. I bought it with about 60,000 miles last summer and have loved driving it since then. The only problem was a quarter fell into the seat belt clip and it was a little difficult to get out.
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Wow....Love It! - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
By DJA - November 19 - 1:36 pmLast year my other vehicle had to go into the shop to get painted. I rented a malibu and did not want to give it back! The ride and comfort is awesome. It is so quite and looks great. I was up side down on the vehicle that I was driving and had to wait until now to get one. The dealership gave me a good deal on my trade and with the rebates, I am very happy. I really enjoy driving this vehicle. Get one!
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Back to buying American - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
By caesar - November 17 - 2:06 amUse to be a big Honda owner. Honda has gone up in price so much I thought Id try an american car. I saw the Malibu and wow! It drives better than my Honda and looks better with all the fun options. Much more car than Honda or Toyota can offer for a great price. Glad to be buying a GM car.
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2nd Great Malibu - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
By SGMJCT - November 16 - 8:22 pmTraded 2001 Malibu for this Blk 2007 Malibu SS with pwr sunroof. One of the most comfortable autos I have had the pleasure of driving especially on long trips. Been from RI to far west twice with no problems. Love the 4 wheel brake system, easy to use info system.
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Attractive!!1 - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
By wiley - November 16 - 11:23 amI bought my 2008 Malibu new.The commercials attracted me to this car. I went looking for a Camry, but that car caught my attention. I get so many compliments on this car. Every one tells me it look like a more expensive car, not a Malibu. My only complaints are the brakes squeak so bad and it wasnt even a yr. old and the replacement windshield wiper blade is too expensive. Other than that, I love my car. Im really a Ford person, but I like the Malibu. So far Im enjoying the ride!
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great style - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
By ColoK - November 16 - 10:12 amI have had my Malibu for a couple of months now, and I have really enjoyed driving it. I get lots of compliments on the exterior styling. I like the interior accent lighting and so do passengers when they arent fumbling for the door handle. I havent experienced the advertised MPG, but also havent taken any long road trips yet. I average 25-28 MPG around town and short trips.
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my new Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
By jerryoboe - November 16 - 2:00 amIve had my new Malibu for 4 days. I traded in a 1998 Malibu with 104,000 miles. So far, it has been a delight to drive the car. The car is totally different from the 98. I cannot believe that Chevrolet can deliver a car with so many extras for $21,000. The owners manual could be a little more clearer as far as the electronics. Because the car is so new, the dealer had trouble figuring out how to program an extra key. It finally took 10 seconds to program the extra key; one downside - I cannot believe that an extra key costs $61.00.
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new car purchase - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
By percy456 - November 15 - 9:17 pmReplacing 04 Maxx LT w. 32K miles on a whim. Also drive Buick Lucerne. LTZ has almost all features except memory seats. On 2-25 mile test drives at 64MPH,LTZ averaged 41 per DIC on I80. LTZ is quieter,seems more solid than 04.Think we are going to enjoy it!
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glad tidings - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
By larry - November 5 - 10:31 pmwe all expect the best and this malibu has performed much better than average. one complaint that i have is mileage odometer is off reads about 103+ miles for every 100 chev says this is not unreasonable and wont fix. i have had turn signal bulbs burn out but replaced with heavy duty no problems.
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Good Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
By Malibu03 - November 4 - 9:10 pmPurchased vehicle at 31,000 miles, 2 years old. I always have my cars serviced at the appropriate times. Never had to do anything to it until the brakes went after 3 years of driving it (20,000 mi/yr). This past week the fuel pump went, but I purchased a 7yr/100,000 service contract which paid for the replacement. Have always liked the car. No other issues and Im at 90,000 miles.
