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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  Very happy with my new Malibu - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sportyndm - May 27 - 6:50 pm

  I got the LTZ V6. I got it for college and life after. So far I love everything about it! Its fun to drive and handles very well in any situation. Even with the V6 i get great MPG.... on the Highway i was getting 31.7!!! and its rated at 26. In town about 19, rated at 16, I believe. You cant go wrong with the malibu. I was comparing the altima, impala, and the malibu. This car feels so solid and responsive compared to the others.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rebecca young - May 24 - 10:00 am

  The all new malibus are great cars, fun, to drive, and very sleek!

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  Would only change one thing so far - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By swt_h - May 17 - 10:06 pm

  Owned for a little over a month. Love almost everything about it, except - the seat hugs me, love the heat options in the seats and I havent been able to all the station preprogram radio options. it seems that my legs are too long for the design of the seat and the height of the steering wheel. Getting in is not as comfy and quick. I have to sit and swing in. I have tried to adjust everything every which way. Also its a little tight for car seat behind me.

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  Magnificent Malibu Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By anna peterson - April 23 - 9:43 am

  Love it! Great features, great looks, great price. A really functionally wonderful car. All you could want, and it gives 30 mpg on the highway. The quality is outstanding.

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  Economical to drive - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By TOMMMMMMMM - April 18 - 7:52 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Malibu LT at auction. It gets 34 mpg highway and 30 mpg driving across mountains. It displays outside temperature, mpg average, a trip a and b and fuel range before fill up. The seat has adjustable lumbar support and height adjustment. Its a really nice car for the price. The rear seats fold flat and the passenger front seat folds flat. Im impressed with the quality. I paid $7800 and it has 49k miles.

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  Red Malibu LTS - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By McKinney Malibu - April 18 - 5:36 pm

  This was my first American car purchase in over 15-years. I tested the Malibu versus the Acura TSX, Camry and Accord. There was no comparison. In addition to being a great value, the luxury car-like styling, comfort, quiet ride, interior room and taut suspension closed the deal. With this car, GM is (finally) world class.

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  My 4th Malibu - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Irene - April 18 - 3:46 am

  I have been driving Malibus for a long time. This has been the nicest one I ever got. I traded in my 2004 Malibu and got a good trade in value for that car too. This car rides so smooth and you have plenty of pick up for a 4 cylindar car. My last one was 6 and I can barley tell the difference in the pick up. The gas milage is much better too. I love the XM radio and the OnStar which I did not have before. The controls for the radio on the steering wheel are nice and the hands free phone service. My car seat fits well in the back and leaves plenty of room for two more people to sit. The trunk holds a lot and is easy to load. I love my new Malibu

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  Handles well in accident - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jeckmoore - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I loved my car. I owned it for 4 days before I got into an accident. It handled very well in the accident and onstar called right away. This is truly a beautiful car. I also considered a Mazada6 but I felt the Malibu felt more sturdy. I hope it will be the same when I get it back.

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  love my new Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By car brother - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have the car just over 24 hour and I am having such a good time with it. Ive recently owned Saab 9-5. Volvo 850 and we currently have a Jag X-type. The Malibu holds its own very well against these cars. The fit and finish is very good.

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  Good family 4-door sedan - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By memann - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The new 2004 Bu has excellent steering (electronic assist), lots of room, convenient dash instrumentation, and the remote start feature kicks &ss! It isnt a "flashy" car, but Im sure some aftermarket products can spice it up, if thats your thing. I recently sold a 02 Honda Accord and can say that I prefer the handling of the Malibu. However, Honda has a lot more interior style. The ONLY knock I have on the 04 Malibu is luxury. There is limited luxury. But for me, a family sedan is what I needed, and wanted. Great work - take one for a spin!