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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  Worth the Advertising Exposure - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CJStroy - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with this vehicle. The car is very roomy, great leg room, and great trunk space. The sporty look is nice for a sedan. Although the vehicle is good as far as performance, space, speed, gas milage both highway and city. I have had some problems with the steering wheel. The electical system malfunctioned and had to be replaced making it unsafe to drive. The remote start up is a good option for cold climate areas. I am also glad the 04 Malibu is in the top 5 as far as air bag safety -with its side curtain air bags. I would definitly encourage the purchase of this vehicle. You definitly get your moneys worth.

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  just bought - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tauja - May 11 - 1:16 pm

  Well I have only had this vehicle going on a month now, but so far it is okay. The 05 model appealed to me because it was stylish and spacious at the same time. I really like the chrome details, especially on the black and red. My family and I are tall, so for us to fit comfortably is important. The only thing is, without looking at the logo this car can be mistaken for many others out there. Also by purchasing a 4cyl, I saved money, but was surprised by the amount of power the car still has for it only to be a 4cyl. The gas mileage is great.

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  Great Mid Size Vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jolly Wally - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Pebbles and I just love it! Our Malibu was very affordable, gets great gas mileage, and has all the power features you would expect on a more expensive automobile. It has the euro sport look, rides nice, and plenty of head and leg room. Thanks Chevrolet! We sold our foreign car, which by the way, sits very low to the ground; the seats in our Malibu are more comfortable.

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  My Malibu is Great! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ET - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I drive 60-120 miles most days, and this car is great. Ive had very few problems with the vehicle, and Id recommend it to anyone.

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  Watch Out! - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JKBaumgard - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket leaked coolant into engine with only 48,000 miles on engine. This is happening on other six cylinder Malibus too. GM would not offer help in paying for repairs.

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  still looking - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tnrn - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive been shopping for a new family car for almost 4 months. After all the hype and sticker shock finally drove a Malibu LS. A lot of standard features for the money, seems to be a fairly solid car, reasonable price, $2000 cash back now and I can cash in those GM Card points Ive been piling up.

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  NEW 2002 - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jetskiace - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought our 2002 Malibu and very happy with it.In 1989 bought a Corsica (V6) new and still own with 157,000 miles, bought a new 1992 Chevy S-10 4x4 pick-up(V6) now has 110,000 on it, this is my 3rd new GM car in 13 years, also leased a 1996 S-10 Blazer for 3 years, all great cars/trucks for me. Maintain them and they run for alot of miles, my youngest girl will be driving the Corsica soon and see no reason why we cant see 250,000 miles on it.

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  Watch out Toyota. The Malibu is Back! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Armando - April 30 - 12:00 pm

  GM has finally turned it around. The Malibu is once again a great car to own. It rides quiet, the interior is great, and the 4 cylinder engine with the 6 speed auto has great power! I test drove the Camry, Accord, and Maxima and found that the Malibu blew all of them out of the water!

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  My97 - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sean266 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used and have been very happy with it from the start. It is extremely reliable.I use it for work and have taken it all over LOng Island.

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  Thank Goodness for warrantees You need i - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By at - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I was very disappointed with this purchase, and because it lost value so quickly, I feel strange trading it in... I have taken this vehicle in about 8 times for front end work all under warrantee, but now im starting to wonder... 1. control arm in front (sqeak within the first 4k miles), 2. bushings in back (sqeaking on a new car?), 3. three sets of disc rotors (they warped under the weight of the vehicle), 4. engine mounts collapsed, 5. head gasket (coolant spilling into engine!), 6. rear electric window problem (did not fix), 7. unexpected bad handling in windy conditions, 8. front end shaking at Hwy speeds. I wish I had bought a HONDA ACCORD -- it still would be worth a few BUCKS!