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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  98 Malibu problems - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jmahonis - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Front brakes get wobbly way too soon (rotors warped). Had to have rear bushings replaced twice, an ABS speed sensor went bad, and, worst of all, something like front strut mounts had to be replaced. Most of these items are things I never had to have service on with any other cars.

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  Looks Can Be Deceiving - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dustin - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car after lease in July of 2001 from dealer. Since then I have already replaced the breaks (rotors worn totally down) and had the transmission completely rebuilt at only 41,303 milesand $2200. The electrical system has also failed twice (all power and guages shut down while driving). As I am typing this my car is sittig at AAMCO for the second time since purchase.

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  I got a Lemon - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By loosescrews - December 28 - 7:10 am

  My 2009 Malibu has been into the shop 3 times in the first 10 days of ownership. So far, they have "repaired" the following items. - fuel pump controller - engine computer - sun roof - driver-side power window - electronic compass I emphasize "repair" because although a number of parts have been replaced, the dealer has no idea why so many things are going bad all at once. Obviously in terms of a root cause, nothing has been repaired. So far, GM is unwilling to do anything outside the warranty process -- ie, keep taking it back for the dealer to throw parts at it -- unconscionable position. I am shredding my GM card. Never again...

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  Smooth and quiet - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brandon - October 16 - 1:00 pm

  Poor quality inside and out, with a lot of plastic. However, its a comfortable and quiet car thats easy to drive in any weather.

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  never again - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JMAN - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR THINKING I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE 36K MILES LATER I AM TRYING TO GET SOME WHAT OF MY MONEY BACK TO BUY SOMTHING FOR LONG TERM USE THE CAR ISNT HOLDING UP BROKEN RADIO 3X SUSPENSION IS SHOT THE BAKES ARE GARBAGE THE CAR INTERIOR MAKES NOISE WHILE DRIVING AC TURNS ON AND OFF HORN BROKE AND THE RADIO IS STILL BROKE BECAUSE CHEVY SERVICE IS SO BAD I DONT HAVE THE ENERGY TO GET AGRAVATED ANYMORE

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  2000 Chevrolet Malibu LS Sedan - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kb2uoe - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Rides nice, basic transportation and reliable. No great shakes on the fancy stuff, even though its an LS.

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  Wouldnt buy one again - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By bruce2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought what was to be an excellent driving and dependable car from an elderly lady. turned out to have a lot of problems in the next 8 months. Ball bearing in front suspention needed to be replaced w/ only 40000 miles and head gasket leaked at only 38000 miles. Bad shocks.

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  Bad, Bad Malibu!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By badmalibu - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Malibu 3yrs. Brakes replaced 3xs/yr. Im do for a brake job now after only 4 mths! I only get about 20K mi. on 60K mi. tires. I have 93K mi. on my car & purchased at least 3 new set of tires since buying the car. 60K mi. * 3 set of tires = 180K mi. total. Not including the original tires that was replaced around 30K mi. Maybe we should all complain to GMC & get a recall on the brake system & the suspension for the tires. CD player doesnt work anymore. Get ERR each time CD is inserted & the systems kicks the CD back out. Sometimes sensor light comes on & I would have to turn the engine off, & restart the car hoping it would reset.

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  Losing the Battle against Europe - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By wookiee - May 11 - 5:06 am

  This car was marketed to me as a European design with European type quality. After owning several German cars and being quite satified, I was a bit hesitant buying a Chevy. However, I got a GM discount & solid rebates which sweetened the deal considerably. I pulled the trigger on the Malibu and now have buyers remorse. I should have went with my gut. The car is subpar when compared to its foreign peers. Average quality at best. Ive had the car in 3 times for brake problems. The dealer finally replaced all four assemblies. Bottom Line: the car is ok if you get a discounted deal.

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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