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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  Get the V-6 with standard steering - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By steve - December 18 - 7:43 pm

  Test drove the lt1 and found it to be a fantastic deal with only one flaw. The electric steering on this car is not right. It seems to over steer for every correction the driver makes and thus creating a constant moving of the wheel to keep a straight line. The electric steering definitely needs some fixing here and I doubt that gm is going to jump on that for this model. Best bet is to get the v6 with the standard hydro steering.

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  Suggest you try a Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Pris - December 17 - 2:00 am

  My chevy maliby is fun and easy to drive and has a lot of conveniences like adjustible steering, pedals and seat. Excellent gas mileage. I like it very much, although Ive only had it for two months. My only wish is more confortable seating. Plusher seats.

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  Very Disappointed - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By C Boehlke - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Malibu after 7yrs with a Cavalier. Thought that I would have the same wonderful, reliable car as with the Cavalier. Unfortunately, I have many mechanical problems with this car. Brakes!! were replaced, gear problem-- transmission work, A/C fan unit replaced, difficulty changing the A/C (or heat) from floor to defrost and everything in between. Beware to anyone buying a used one..it may have been someone elses problem.

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  Problem, but the no problems - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Patrick - December 11 - 7:10 am

  The problem was that at 15hrs. after taking delivery of the car? It had to take a week off in the shop waiting for a transmission part to come from Detroit before I got it back. Since then though, its been a great car. I average about 28 real-world mpg. The 4 banger is more than adequate to get me down the road. The 6 speed was a really ..REALLY needed addition to the 09’ line-up. And it does work well, though a little meandering at times with gear selection. The car is quiet and comfortable. All in all? I’m happy with the purchase.

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  Wonderful Surprise - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pwin - December 5 - 4:43 pm

  After being in a 2003 BMW 325i with countless problems and loud wind noise this car was a wonderful surprise. I test drove the Camry and Honda and was all set to purchase the Camry but after getting into the Malibu there was no turning back. I was not expecting to purchase an American car but when I got in it there was no comparison. the ride is smooth, quiet and the interior is the best. If Chevrolet can transform all their cars into one with this much quality the competition needs to watch out!

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  A whole lotta car for under 30k - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ebrown50 - November 9 - 6:36 pm

  I just bought my 2008 Malibu LTZ in June of this year. I just hit 1500 miles on it. It has been an awesome car so far. I got it in black granite with the coco cashmere interior. This car looks so sleek. I test drove the Accord V6 and Camry XLE and SE. I had no intension of buying a Chevy but with my last car being a Camaro and it having been reliable for the 9 years I had it I figured I would give a Chevy a test drive at the least. The car certainly kills its competitors as far as appearance. It handled better than the accord and camry and the Malibu LTZ was over 4 grand cheaper than a similarly equipped Camry or Accord. Driving down the road I dont feel like Camry #9999

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  Wow... who knew ? - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tmt33kp@gmail.com - November 4 - 3:22 am

  Decided to trade in my 2014 Rav4 with 79,000 miles and was looking mainly at a Cadillac. After kicking the tires on a few, the salesperson called me back and told me about a demo with 3,000 miles on it and it turned out to be my "new" vehicle: a champagne colored Malibu LT with the Convenience and Technology package. No one was more surprised than me. First off, I must not be watching or paying attention to tv commercials that feature this car because I had never heard about it until it was brought to my attention. I checked the consumer reviews for the good and the bad and nothing I read scared me away. So I went and took a test drive and was immediately impressed..... by the ride. Previously owned a Lincoln Continental that gave me the most comfortable ride Ive ever had. Until this car. To call it a smooth a ride is an understatement. You should just try it. The seats are comfortable with lumbar support; all kinds of adjustable and with the tilt/telescope steering column... I have no idea why people would write a review stating it is anything short of good - if not great. Get the seat exactly wear you want it prior to taking a test drive and you will see what I am talking about. Blind spots? I used the side mirrors and while a blind spot monitor would be nice, I have had no problem in city or highway driving with blind spots. If nothing else, I guess I can thank the reviewers who mentioned it as it does have me double check :) By the way, Im 510" tall and if I wanted to, I can adjust the seat high enough to hit my head.. or lower it to ride gansta style if I was a younger and stupider man trying to impress.... well, no one is really impressed by that. Acceleration is smooth but you will not drag race with this car. But is has plenty of get up and go from the stop. On the way home I passed a semi on a two way country highway road and it had no problem going from 50 to a quick passing speed and there was still plenty of power left had I needed it. The verdict? For a sedan with all the space... absolutely comfortable.... good to great gas mileage....has great street appeal.... and all of it for in my case, under $23,000.... well, it pretty much sells itself. I just knew nothing about it and I would like to think I keep up on things... but this one (almost) got by me. By the way, a shout out to Heiser Chevrolet in West Allis, WI .. agreat group of people who did more for me in three hours then their competitors did in 3 days. Literally.... if you are in the area and looking... stop by there and see how it feels to be treated like an interested consumer.

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  SUV to Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BEEJAY - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I went in looking for another truck or SUV and came away with this great car. I think a lot of people once they see the new Malibu are going to jump on this hot little band wagon!

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  Texas Malibu - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Texas Malibu Owner - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Malibu used with 23K miles because I needed some basic transportation on a budget. What I got was a bargain…so many features for so little money. Ive had no problems at all with it (none, zero, nill), and Im rough on cars. The A/C works great, despite the brutal Texas summers. It accelerates quickly for a basic four- door and handles quite well too. The ABS brakes work well and are very helpful. Its comfortable and roomy, and the looks are contemporary and stylish without going overboard. Definitely a great car for what I paid, Id highly recommend it.

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  2009 LT2 4 cylinder 6 spd. automatic - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BJN - October 29 - 1:46 pm

  We had a 2007 GM with a V6 so we were a little worried the 4 cyliner would not have enough power. To our surprise the 4 coupled with the 6 speed automatic has enough power but is also very quiet. The downshifts are subtle. Car runs 70 to 75 easily, gets excellent gas mileage getting 25 average with mostly intown so far and its only got 450 miles on it. I think when on a trip car will easily get in the mid 30 MPG range after full break in. Car is very comfortable