2009 Chevrolet Malibu Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
190 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu undergoes a number of key changes. The six-speed automatic becomes more widely available with the four-cylinder engine, and the four is now standard instead of the V6 on the top-level LTZ trim. Bluetooth connectivity also debuts as an option, while stability control becomes standard across the lineup. Power-adjustable pedals are no longer offered.

Pros:
  • Strong performance from V6, excellent ride and handling balance, roomy cabin, comfortable seats, high crash test scores, solid fit and finish.
Cons:
  • Some subpar cabin materials, no rear center armrest, fussy manual-shift feature, a few key luxury features are unavailable.

User Reviews:

Showing 171 through 180 of 190.00
  • I got a Lemon - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    My 2009 Malibu has been into the shop 3 times in the first 10 days of ownership. So far, they have "repaired" the following items. - fuel pump controller - engine computer - sun roof - driver-side power window - electronic compass I emphasize "repair" because although a number of parts have been replaced, the dealer has no idea why so many things are going bad all at once. Obviously in terms of a root cause, nothing has been repaired. So far, GM is unwilling to do anything outside the warranty process -- ie, keep taking it back for the dealer to throw parts at it -- unconscionable position. I am shredding my GM card. Never again...

  • Chevy making cars that appeal to people - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    One time in my teens I has to drive my Grandpas old 1997 Lumina for a year. I hated everything about it. It sucked gas, it turned like a bus, it had a giant V-6 with no power, it was ugly it, it was dated, the bench seats were terrible. The interior was from a bygone decade where you essentially had a couch in front of a slab of gray plastic with other black plastic bits stuck in haphazardly with no What I havent told you is this was Grandpas brand new 1997 Lumina in 1997. I was a German car fanatic and I used to make jokes well at least a VW is not an American car. Anyway we went to Vegas and we were given a rental car 2012 chevy malibu, I fought tooth and nail to not get a Chevy. Give me a Toyota, Nissan, anything but a Chevy. But the lady said it was spring break and the Malibu was a mid-size and I was waiting in line at 12:30 AM so I reluctantly took it. I went out to go get it and when I first saw it I though not too bad looking of a car. And then I opened it up and the interior design was so thoughtful it shocked me. There was an actual flowing design that was multicolored with accents and nice lighting. I was very surprised by every aspect of the car. My wife liked it and how it drove. in 2013 my wifes X5 finally became too expensive to repair. So we looked at Malibus and I found a 2009 LS with 80k miles and they only wanted $9k. Fast forward 3 years the car goes in for maintenance 3 times a year and we generally do whatever Chevy recommends. Last year was about $800 dollars in repairs. Leaking transmission pan/transmission service tie rods and a tune up. The car has never failed us and has never needed a major repair. $1500 dollars in year in total maintenance is awesome. I used to pay $1500-$2000 year to service our 2 BMWs. I have actually thought of getting rid of my M3 and buying a Camaro SS or Vette just because of how reliable our Malibu has been. Were looking at getting my wife a 2016 Mailibu when our Malibu hits 200k miles roughly 2 years from now. Cons: Visibility is hard at 45* looking diagonal out the front because the A pillar and mirror are so large, the visibility out the back is also poor. The trunk opening is small, and most large things need to go in the back seat. The whole front end has to come apart to change the light bulb but its nothing a harbor freight socket set, some cold beer and a lazy Saturday cant fix. Chevy fixed these issues in later Malibus

  • 2009 Malibu LTZ 4cyl - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    This car is so sweet to drive. 4 cyl 6 speed auto transmission. On highway 65MPH tach is under 2,000 RPM. Fit and finish is good. Also very quiet 18 inch wheels. Just a sweet ride all around

  • Test drive one now! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    This is the nicest car I have ever owned! Great on gas, quiet, great looking, handles like a dream. If these are the cars coming from GM now and in the future, by stock now! I just cant say enough great things about this car! Love It!

  • Great Car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I would definitely buy this car again, it has served us well.

  • Malibu 6cycl - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    Before buying, drove Genisus, Buick, and Hundai. This was best by far after considering price etc. Attractive interior, good acceleration on 6 cyl. wouldnt have a 4 cyl, too slow and mushy. We are very satisfied with this car. We also have an 08 2500 diesel, that we love. Chevy all the way. Traded wifes HHR (Spring Edition loaded. Thought price was right

  • Dont like the shift paddles - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    Great car but they screwed up when they moved the manual shift to the steering wheel. You still have to put the shift stick in Manual before you can use the paddles. It would have been more convenient if they had left the ability manual shift on the shift lever like most other manufacturers. Another complaint is that GM changed suppliers for the built in garage door opener. The new units will not work on any door or gate installed within the last 10 years. My 2002 Envoys unit worked fine on all my gates. My wifes only complaint is seeing out the rear window.

  • I love my 2009 Malibu LTZ V6! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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    Ive had my red Malibu LTZ V6 almost 2 weeks and I absolutely love it. It looks like a million bucks - everywhere I go people ask me, "What kind of car is that? Its so pretty!" It drives like a 4 door sports car and handles like a dream. So far it is getting 30-31 mpg on the hwy and 18-22 in the city. It seems to get a higher avg mpg as I get a few more miles on it. The OnStar nav is great as I have no sense of direction. The seats are beautiful and comfortable and the trunk is roomy enough for a trip for 4 for a few days in N.O. The elec plug in the back is awesome. Everyday I find more to love about this car! I feel like a celebrity when I drive it because everybody stares at it

  • Great reliable car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Purchased used with 82,000 miles has been a great reliable car, has 107,000 now after 2 years and all Ive needed to do is regular preventive maintenance, has had a couple non-serious recalls that I sent to garage to fix, but looking at purchasing a new Malibu while mine is still worth almost what I owe on it.

  • Camry and Accord killer - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    We leased the all new 2009 Malibu. I have nothing but praise for GM for delivering this vehicle. The interiors are so nicely done and the car so silent on the highway that you feel like you are in a luxury sedan. The 4 cyclinder engine has ample power for interstate passing and gives excellent gas mileage. We averaged 33 on the highway and 26 in the city. Priced at just around 20K Malibu is an excellent choice for those bored with Japanese cars.

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