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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  Great so far! (update....still great!) - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chris - May 6 - 5:46 am

  We purchased the new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT-1 with the Convenience and Technology, Leather, and Driver Confidence packages in December of 2015. We have loved the car in the six months we have owned it. We have put nearly 6000 miles on the car (including a trip through the mountains of Colorado to the Grand Canyon) and have averaged nearly 33 mpg overall. We got 38 mpg on our 2500 mile round trip vacation. The ride is extremely quiet and comfortable. The seating is great (I am 65) in both the front and back. There is plenty of room in the trunk for our trips to our baseball tournaments. The exterior gets stares everywhere we go -- love the body style. The engine acceleration wont knock you back in your seat but it is fine for our driving habits. It also does very well in the snow and rain and gripping on the highway. The safety features are awesome! Lane assist, front, side, and rear warnings, blind side warning, etc. are definitely worth the upgrade. Our complaints are small but include a lack of storage for coins and sunglasses, a lack of dual climate controls, and no memory settings on the drivers seat. We are now at approximately 10,000 miles on our car (after 11 months) and we have averaged 32.5 mpg with a combination of city and highway driving. Our best was 41 mpg of straight highway driving. We still love the car with no new complaints. One of the best parts is that there are not very many 16 Malibus on the road even after a year on the market. My wife gets compliments on the car nearly every where she goes.

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  Oh My God! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MaliBoomer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  is it really 200 horses..seems like more. My uncle has a camry and it seems the mali has better handling. My neighbor has his BMW just to show off to the other neighbors. The day i pulled into the garage with my malibu I swear i saw his head turn when we was washing his car and he thought it was a volvo i think he got bitter when i showed him the remote start at a car that is $21,000. The speakers are good too. enough said.

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mark P. - April 23 - 1:16 pm

  I was looking to buy a G35/G37, but received an additional $1500 incentive from GM. With the $2600 GM card rebate, I ended up buying the Malibu for around $23,000. The Infinity was a little better, but cost $15,000 more. The Malibu has a great interior, ride, performance, handling, build quality, and the reliablity should be good. Check out the Motortrend Car of the Year Award (Jan 08). Its almost as good as the $43,000 CTS and I think it should have won the COTY award. I recomend buying the LTZ model for a few thousand more. You get the 3.6 DOHC motor with the 6 speed auto and the nicer interior, wheels and other comforts. I am happy with the gas mileage of 21mpg mixed city and highway.

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  Family Car?? - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By funlut - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I was so excited to get rid of my Trailblazer and go back to a Malibu. I had a 98 and loved it. I was even more excited to have a sunroof and remote starter. It drives great and it comfortable and quiet. The only thing that is stumping me is child safety locks arent standard or available to be installed. My last three Chevy vehicles had it but now that I need it I dont have it. Figures! I didnt even think about it until the day my two year old opened the door on me after putting it in park to grap the mail.

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  Love my Malibu - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By chevpower - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my Malibu, it is classy, stylish, and very comfortable to ride/drive in. I love the Bronze exterior as well, paint job is excellent. The best part of this car is the power, excellent kick! The trunk is very, very roomy, and I love all the room on the inside of the vehicle. I would buy a Malibu again! This car is an exceptional value for as little as $10,000.

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  Malibu Base - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Aravind Ravi - March 22 - 7:40 pm

  it is roomy and very affordable family car. It is better than Camry or Accord. It also gives more fuel economy than what it says it gives. Very good looking too.

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  04 Malibu makes driving fun again! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JayClark - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 04 Malibu. It really makes driving fun again. I get a lot of compliments and looks from everyone everywhere I go. They are all surprised that its a Malibu, because it looks like a more expensive car. Beautiful car for the price. No need to by a $30,000. plus vehicle when Malibu has everything for less, including looks.

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  Love It! No Regets! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sylvia - March 10 - 11:00 am

  We considered others but felt the Malibus 4cyl test drive was better than the 6cyl on other makes. It is a comfortable, quiet, luxurious drive! Controls are easy to use. I love it that the remote starter also turns on the rear window defroster which is great when you live in Buffalo, NY! I love the free OnStar with hands free calling and GPS access. I wish the mileage was better. I drive more hwy than city and I only get 20 mpg overall. I wish the cupholders were more convenient to use and there was a better place for my purse when I have a passenger. Ive only had it for 2 months, but I think its going to be hard for me to ever have to give it up!

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  A breath of fresh air - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ad Man in Texas - February 21 - 2:00 am

  After months of searching for the right mid-size sedan, I found out about the Malibu through research on Edmunds.com. I fell in love with its conservative styling, outstanding performance and competitive pricing. Perfect for daily commutes and longer road trips. Plenty of standard features on the 4-dr. Sedan model made stepping up to another trim package unnecessary. An all-around fantastic car.

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 4TIMEGRAN - February 7 - 3:00 am

  I have only had this car about a month, but I love it. Along with the Malibu, I test drove the Ford Fusion, Altima and Impala. The Malibu won me over by far. It rides and drives smoothly and quietly, much like a more expensive car. I purchased the LTZ model and it was well worth the extra price for the extras that you get. The two-toned leather interior is great, also I have the Dark Red exterior color. This color really sets off the chrome trim that the car has. Everywhere I go, people compliment my car. It also gets pretty good gas mileage. The first weekend that I had it we took a short road trip. It got about 28 mpg. Should get around 30 once it gets broken in good.