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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  Never will get a GM product again!!! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Keith - June 28 - 10:45 am

  After having car for 5 months, I had 10 things wrong with it. The dealer kept my car for 1.5 weeks, only for them to tell me they couldnt duplicate any of my complaints. First, the drivers door=was misalingned from factory, after dealer "realingned door, then it wouldnt close properly. It ripped the rubber gaskets. Also, the drivers door lock on the handle was getting so it wouldnt work (had to press the button at least 6 times to get it to unlock). The drivers seat bottom had a "loose" feeling to it when going around corners, told the dealer they wouldnt feel it in the city (straight roads), they couldnt get it to do it. The list goes on, too much for this review. All I know is after 5 months, I took a hit and unloaded this car and bought the Ford Fusion, MUCH better car and was cheaper than the malibu!!

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  TOTALLY SATISFIED - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dgarcia - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I AM COMPLETELY IN LOVE WITH MY NEW MALIBU. I TRADED IN A 99 MALIBU LS AND FEEL AS IF I AM AT THE TOP OF THE LINE WITH MY 04 MALIBU LT. IT IS FULLY LOADED WITH FEATURES I DIDNT THINK I COULD AFFORD. I AM TOTALLY SAFE AND I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE. KUDOS TO CHEVROLET FOR THE UPGRADE.

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  1000 miles and radio problems - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By NewGMowner - June 17 - 6:30 am

  My XM radio is not receiving a signal, the malibu is in the shop for three days to fix - I have 1200 miles on the car, not happy. The lastest is they may have to replace radio - more time in the shop. The four cylinder, six speed automatic transmission is great. I like the car - even with the radio issue. Hard to believe but I would strongly recommend this Chevy to all. I test drove many cars - this car is as good, I believe better than: Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and etc. I wanted to buy American and thought I might have to accept less - the Malibu is a great car - really. The gas mileage is excellent for the cars size and weight. All will like the mpg - very quiet. GM lives!

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  No love affair here! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By monkeyjaws - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The AC on this car is loud and intermittent...had it fixed once and drove off by the time I got home (9 miles)it was shutting off and on again. The brakes are awful on the interstate, feels like the car is vibrating itself out of alignment. Tires wear quickly too. The upgrades CD system is very nice. The sun roof is wonderful...a fun car to drive...mechanically very reliable.

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  2 MONTH CRITIQUE OF MY MALIBU - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By john HOPKINS - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car since late July. The car is comfortabe on long road trips and the highway fuel economy is great (33-35 mpg on regular gas). Initial overall quality has been exellent. The new 3.5L V6 engine is very responsive.

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  Love our 2017 Malibu LT - 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Howard Harris - May 31 - 10:54 am

  Great price for a great car.

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  Mali-Benz - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mali-Benz - May 29 - 3:20 pm

  The 2008 Malibu really should have been renamed to Mali-Benz. I love everything about this car inside and out. It looks great, drives great and the price is great. I usually trade cars every 2 to 3 years, but I dont think Im going to want to give this one up ever. I wrote this same review within a month of purchasing this car and after owning it for almost 7 months now, I love this car even more now than I did when I first purchased it. I even enjoy washing it. Worth every dime I paid for it and then some.

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  Very Nice Car for the Money - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By David - May 11 - 5:42 am

  I have had this car since March and have put 17,000 miles + on it. I have had some interior vibration and rattles in the dash that seems to be poor design, problems with the adaptive cruise control being disabled for no reason and had that unit replaced. There have been issues with the sun roof privacy screen/shade locking up resulting in the sun roof not working and had to have it reprogramed at the dealer. While these issues are annoying overall the car is fantastic. The ride is excellent both city and highway. The gas mileage is outstanding 24+ in town and 33+ on the highway exceeding the published mpg ratings. The interior space in this car is excellent as well. I would recommend this car.

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  Great value! Great ride - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mondo1748 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Im a Chevy fan now. This car is affordable yet it has the power to move when you need to and rides just as good as a Caddy. I would recommend getting the LT package. The upgade to leather seats with sunroof and other LT add-ons comes cheap and gives you alot of bang for the buck I have driven this car to work on terrible roads under slushy and wet conditions. The traction control along with the hadeling made the car an easy ride. I barely feel the pothole patch work road I cover everyday Chevy Pulled out all the stops on this car. This car gives safety features that most others dont even offer also. Congrates Chevy on a job well done.

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  My new Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By John fields - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I use this car for "around town." It has a hugh trunk space that fits 4 sets of golf clubs and assorted gear with room to spare.I have a bigger car but I feel just as safe in the Malibu.Pick up and speed is geat especially with the V6. The car magazines mention the "plastic interior but I see no differencce in the plastic dash on my friends Toyota.I have the LS that has all the comforts and extras found in the more expensive cars.I have put 2200 miles on it so far with no problems.