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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  There should be a law... - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chevy is crap - March 1 - 11:16 am

  What a piece of crap this Malibu is. Just under 40,000 miles and the rack & pinion has to be replaced...700 dollars. No wonder the foreign cars are getting a lot of business! I have owned Toyota....drove the hell out of it....no problems....sold it at 148,00 miles and it still had the original clutch and it worked very well. There should be a class action suit against Chevrolet for pushing this P.O.J. car! Even the first month of ownership...the key would come out of the ignition....JUNK JUNK JUNK!

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Patricia Armstrong - February 3 - 9:33 am

  Bought mine in February. It only has 12000 miles on it. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED stranding me and in the process totally destroyed a piston and some other things. The dealer has taken over a week to even come up with the part and actually since these are MAJOR components on a NEW, I would prefer for them just to replace the engine. THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER 2016 MALIBU in the dealership waiting on parts FOR THE SAME ISSUE. Car is a nice, fancy, UNRELIABLE POS.

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  Absolute Piece Of Junk!! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Paul Spadafore - April 20 - 10:27 pm

  For consumers out there stay away like the plague!! The car is a year old, and has been in the shop three times in the last month. Check engine light keeps coming on,battery died, and the windshield wiper pump went all with less than 30,000 miles. The latest incident the check engine light went on,and killed the power to the car. My wife was able to limp into the parking garage at work at 5mph. She drives 40 miles one way to work,and I bought the car for reliable transportation to Detroit. My Saturn with 130k is a better option. I am in the process of trying to get GM to buy back the car. Absolute piece of junk is to kind for this car!!

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  Motor poorly made - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By meme71173 - March 17 - 8:02 pm

  GM is having trouble with the motors dropping the pistons. Instead of replacing parts to correct the problem. They have decided to change the oil type the car uses and do adjustments to the computer to try and correct the problem. Not a good fix, my 2016 Malibu dropped a piston at 67000 miles, and it was well maintenance. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Worst decision Ive ever made. - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By AJ - May 3 - 7:29 pm

  Bought this vehicle with 2 miles on it, have had several occasions the brakes go out randomly, the electronic navi goes out randomly, and the engine is terrible. im now in a battle with the dealership because the engine has [non-permissible content removed] as well as many other customers but they will not waranty my vehicle because i didnt have the oil serviced at the dealership. WORST CAR BUY EVER, and all the Chevy vehicles Ive bought this one has definitely made me consider kia or honda the next time i purchase a vehicle. (Ive owned an Impala, Camaro, Silverado, Cavalier)

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  Junk Car - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Y S - January 23 - 9:11 am

  My engine light turned on after 7k miles was over a month at the mechanic. and i got the customer service from GM No help no nothing

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  Scrap Heap the malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By multicatz - October 18 - 2:00 am

  this "car" is nothing more than junk on bad tires. it is totally unreliable, makes strange sounds and beeps, and the horn honks for no reason. the radio has heavy static or gets 2 stations at the same time. the CD player ruined 2 tracks of a CD. the tires do not hold air. it has never been aligned properly. it gets a miserable 15mpg city and barely 20mpg hiway. it also randomly locks us out, locked me in once. dealership, salesman, and service are rude. none of the problems have been resolved. i was told the noises do not exist, then I started recording them. now there is no explanation. the service department even "scolded" me for not filling out a good service report. a real lemon!

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  Its a POS - DONT BUY ONE! - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By IHATEGM - January 28 - 2:00 am

  We have had the engine overhauled. All parts replaced in the entire engine, suspension and exhaust systems. Interior is as plan as it can get. Seat are uncomfortable for long trips. The car could not have been made or designed any worse

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  madeamistake - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By madeamistake - January 20 - 2:00 am

  i bought a used 2003 chevy malibu w/19000 miles on it and i think i made a mistake i read all the reviews and they all seemed to agree it was a very good car but after owning it for 2 months i am not happy it dosent handle well it always feel like the suspension or the wheel alignment is out of wack it dosent have very good gas mileage (i might get 30 highway miles to 1/4 tank of gas. dosent this dealer preach 23-32 miles a gallon? no way!!!) anybody ever heard of ergonomics?? guess gm didnt the gearshift is too long and its in the way of the ashtray and the radio believe me im ready to take it back

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  2000 CHEVY MALIBU LS - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By RonG12 - December 28 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A DOG. DONT BUY IT. ITS BEEN NOTHING BUT HEADACHES SINCE DAY 1. BRAKES AND ROTARS REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS (IT NOW HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT). WATER PUMP REPLACED, BLOWER FAN REPLACED, AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED. SPENT OVER $1500 OUT OF POCKET ON ALL OF THESE "NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" MALFUNCTIONS. GM DOES NOT HELP IN THE LEAST. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS LOUSY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM CAR........NEVER.