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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  Cathy reviews the Malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cathy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Hi! I purchased the car in Feb. 2002 and I love it. I test drove a ton of other cars, and I really liked the Malibu. Lots of power, but with good fuel efficiency. I also really like the spaciousness of the interior. Im not a big car fan, so this was somewhere in the middle- lots of interior space without feeling like its a boat!

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  OK, but not Recommended - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By AnneTexas - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had the same repetitive problems with my Malibu. From automatic windows breaking twice to the air conditioner going out 3 times. Most recently the Alternator went out with no battery warning whatsoever. For having the car less than 3 years (bought new), its been in the shop probably 10 times. Though nothing extremely major has broken, I do not recommend this car.

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  Worth the Wait - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JS - January 26 - 7:56 pm

  We have been waiting for a sporty and roomy sedan like the 08 Malibu. Just purchased recently and we are very pleased so far. It has the largest rear legroom we have seen so far in its class. Even more than the Impala due to the way the front seats are constructed with an indentation in the back of the seat. Very quiet interior. We went with the 4cyl instead of the 6, but it has a surprising amount of power. Excellent trunk space and if you do need more room there is a 60/40 fold down rear seat. Vehicle handling is decent and it is a relatively smooth ride. The new interior and exterior styling is what stands out for me. Chevy did a great job with that.

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  uncomfortable seats - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tony P - January 22 - 2:00 am

  driver seat(material) digs into lower back at seam very hard to drive in city let alone highway. If I had to order car again I would check what other seats are available.Chev is trying to alter my seat if possible to make things right.Test driving car without a winter coat on is my recommendation

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  I WILL NEVER BUY A GM AGIAN!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Very Disapointed - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car with 5k on it. Had problems with starting. Had to take to dealer 3 times. Replaced breaks at 20k rotors and pads. At 40k Transmition started shifting really hard. Engine light keeps comming on. I have done my best to take care of this car. I though maybe I was the only one having problems untill I found this web site. Used to be a GM guy Now I switched to Ford. Traded in the Chevy and got a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. Hope this will be a better car. I will never buy GM agian.

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  47/48 mpg is a straight up lie! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By John - January 12 - 10:40 am

  I bought a 16 Malibu hybrid to replace my Jetta tdi (scandal buyback) from the first tank I was skeptical of the posted fuel economy, my dealer had excuse after excuse( break in, cold weather, driving habits) for the poor fuel economy, I have yet to get better than 35 mpg out of a tank, lifetime average of 34.7mpg over 6300 miles. I drive 60,000 miles per year which translates to an extra $2000 in fuel costs getting only 75% of the window sticker economy of 48 mpg. I contacted gm but they would do nothing at all and said it had to be my driving habit. Given my vw is a diesel and not a hybrid, its rated for 42mpg and since 2013 Ive had very few tanks of fuel less than 50mpg (8 mpg over rating) so Im fairly certain its not me. 2017 malibu hybrid is rated for 6 less mpg than 2016, odd considering the power train hasnt changed, hope they start a class action against gm, Ill join in! And for anyone thinking Im a gm hater, Im not, I also have a 15 duramax sierra Denali, a 14 Acadia Denali, an 02 quadrasteer sierra Denali and an 06 envoy, all of which Ive been very happy with. I can honestly say after this experience Ill never buy another gm product, not for the car itself, but for the way I was treated, gm may as well just said "hey, thanks for being loyal and spending almost a quarter million dollars on our vehicles in the past ten years, now bend over and accept our thank you" because thats how i interpreted it! Long story short, Stay away from the hybrid!!!! And if you buy any Malibu, invest in a travel pillow for your back, youll need it if you drive more than a half hour!

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  Chevrolet finally did it right - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Zack - January 8 - 4:40 pm

  I have always been a Chevy lover, but have recently owned a Ford. I research every big purchase to death. Once I sat in the car, I fell in love with it. This is coming from a guy used to driving pickups. It gets great feul milage and is very confortable for long trips. It is extremly quiet. I get comments all the time on it.

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  If you have it, sell it, and dont ever purchase - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Kyle Phernetton - December 30 - 9:22 pm

  What a mistake this piece of junk is. There are countless recalls and they are all on insignificant things. Do yourself a favor and google "2011 Chevy Malibu Engine Power Decreased" and read the reviews about this POS. There is no recall for a problem that costs not only $2,000 TO FIX, but can be deadly. Long story short, there is a faulty sensor that goes out somewhere between 50,000-120,000 miles (roll of the dice) that is going to without warning make your car shake and reduce your engine power. There are stories about people on the freeway that had this happen while driving and their car dropped to 25 miles per hour. Go in to get it fixed, $2,000 to replace the damage this stupid sensor has caused. Dont buy this car. Ever. For any reason. Until there is a full recall dont touch it.

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  Surprised - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jim - December 30 - 3:26 pm

  I bought this car to get out from under a Chevy truck. It was the best deal I could get at the time. I not a big fan of American cars, but the Malibu has surprised me. I get very good gas mpg, around 25 city and 33hy. Very quiet for a car under 21K. It has all the things you see in Toyoya, Honda, Nissan, etc. Its a mid size car but gets Honda cCvic gas mpg and is very quiet unlike the Honda. Toys are a different matter. I think they are a little better but this is subjective. I ride in both models (Malibu/Camry). Car fan is loud when set on 3 or higher. AC is OK, not great but gets the job done. Ive had better. It takes a litte time to get use to but overall a good value for the money.

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  Malibu equal to or better that imports - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By junie - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Chevrolet did their homework and have introduced a great car in the Malibu. I researched all I could find and finally was able to purchase this car. The Epsilon plateform is truly world class...tight, firm, quiet and confident. I had been an import owner, but never really believed in their hype. Now Chevrolet has the car that will convert many like myself.