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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  Fantastic! Base engine is definitely adequate - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By James - August 26 - 9:56 am

  Spent 6 days and over 800 miles driving the new model Malibu as a rental. Surprisingly, this was the new 2016 model and not the 2016 Limited that you would typically find in a rental fleet. I currently own a 2015 Malibu 1LT and love it as well. I would say that the new 1.5L base engine in the new 2016 Malibu is definitely adequate. Acceleration is not going to push you back into your seat, but is certainly adequate, even for merging into high speed traffic in Washington DC with short on-ramps (I know, rare that you ever have to merge into "high speed" traffic in DC!). The seats were especially comfortable in the front. While I prefer the leather in my 2015 Malibu, the cloth seats were exceptionally comfortable for long drives (3+ hours at a time). My rear-seat, adult passengers did comment they felt the seats in my 2015 1LT were more comfortable than these in the new 2016; however, they did state that they werent uncomfortable nor did they feel cramped. I was very impressed with the fuel economy of the 1.5L base engine as, just like I get in my 2.5L 2015 Malibu, I averaged 40+ mpg on the highway at 60-65mph speeds. If you are willing to sacrifice fuel economy, the 2.0L turbo sounds like it provides very nice power; however, the fuel economy of the 1.5L combined with very adequate acceleration make this a definite winner in my book.

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  Excellent Drive - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By adclarke - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I did not expect the Malibu to have as smooth a ride as it does. It is a comfortable, reliable car with a classy style all its own. Recommended buy!

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By almadrid - July 30 - 2:46 am

  Excellent car for the money. Chose it over the Accord and Camry due to styling and performance. It is a very quiet car with the insulation and laminated glass that GM incorporates into these cars. Test ride one and you will be surprised on far GM has come in terms of quality and style. Being a prior Quality Assurance specialist in the defense industry I can attest to the quality built into this vehicle.

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  Reality - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Talley - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a hihg value/price ratio car, nonetheless quality could be improved much more; "abs" platic used in the interior seems and says "el cheapo". A/C very erratic, had to fix, change control panel US$500.00; alternator give up w/o warning US$500.00 repair; gas guzzler. noisy front suspension. bland tires.

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  One problem - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Frjohn - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I like the car but the power steering was a great problem. The steering wheel would move on its own (pulsating) and locked up on two occasions. The entire steering column had to be replaced. I was very disappointed in getting the car fixed. parts were not available and it took 10 days to get the car out of the service department. Pretty good car -- terrible service makes for an unhappy owner.

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  MAXX - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jackqaone - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I drive the malibu MAXX LT, a well constructed and appointed car..lots of room, mileage is good ( better than my Honda), and the power is more than adequate...the car is one of GMs gems and should set the standard for midsize sedans with a hatchback all at a cost far below the Japanese cars.

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  Best ever owned - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bob - July 22 - 9:23 am

  I purchased a Aveo 3 months ago was so impressed I decided to buy my wife a Malibu. Talk about being surprised. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Im 51 and have owned many. Fit and finish are as good as any Lexus and Toyota, Honda. Let me say this the ride is wonderful. The interior is just the best. The four banger is more than enough power for me. Handling is great. Ten in my book.

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  Love my Malibu! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Donna Marie - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Malibu! I traded a Malibu 2002 LS for this Malibu. The Chevy Malibu line has improved immensely! My new Malibu is an excellent handling automobile. I enjoy driving it every time I get behind the wheel! As a bonus, I receive many compliments on the design ....I am really very happy that I own this car!

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  Love my 2008 LTZ Malibu - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Cbrus - July 4 - 3:16 pm

  We purchased this car in late 2007 after considering the Altima and Camry for several months. We just fell in love with the styling of this car and value for the money. Once we test drove it there was no turning back. We have the V6 LTZ - which Id say is the only way to go with this car -- and so many features are standard. This car handles like a dream and we get so many compliments on the looks. In my town we are still part of the very few who have this car and it seems to turn heads wherever we go.

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  Why buy anything else? - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By steve - June 29 - 11:36 am

  No reason to buy a Toyota with the Malibu here. We actually bought an LTZ with a 4 cyl. engine and the 6 speed transmission. This is a new feature for the Malibu. Now you have great looks with the LTZ and a great fuel economy. Plenty of power and acceleration with the 4. I have owned a Toyota Camry and this car has it beat handsdown. No wonder the Chevolet dealers cant keep them in stock!