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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  Great quality car - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mary - January 11 - 1:40 pm

  The interior is very good quality, material on seats very durable. I drove this car as a rental and then bought it when I needed to get a car because I liked it so much. I saw other reviews where they needed brakes after 15K miles, but I just got the front ones replaced at 43K, and the back ones are still OK, so I dont know. Only thing is the intake manifold gasket had to be replaced at 43K, which is sooner than normal on most cars, and I dont know the reason for that but apparently its common.

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  What Happened? - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By FelixT - January 3 - 3:02 am

  Had 2000 and 2003 Malibu and thought that GM was finally on the right track with interior design. In 50 years of car ownership I can say the daytime readability of instrumentation is the worst I have ever had. The speedometer has only even numbered markings and the fuel gage level is difficult to interpret with quick glance. The markings are difficult to see unless in direct sunlight and become invisible if you wear sunglasses. Hard to use air flow & temp knobs. Center consle awkward to use. Drivers seat has lump in center from front to back. Electric power steering is scary with poor road feel at straight line highway/expwy speeds over 50 mph.

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  Great Car - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By knoxdj - December 29 - 12:09 pm

  Has been a great car... would recommend to anyone if it has the 4- cylinder... Do not purchase the 6- cylinder everyone I know that has one has problems after problems. Biggest thing we had to replace is the water pump. I have owned this car for 5 years and it has been the most reliable yet. Great buy!!

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  Great Basic Commuter Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By psece - December 27 - 9:36 pm

  Needed a safe mid-size car that got great mileage. Mostly used for commuting but will carry the family on the weekends. I have over 8,000 miles on it and it has never gotten under 27 mpg. My commute is 50/50 freeway/city streets so I am very happy with the mileage. It is a very quiet car and the 4 cylinder never has me wanting more. The chasis is very european in its ride qualities with a taunt ride. This car does everything that I need of it well.

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  Bills Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill Kramer - December 20 - 4:10 am

  Love driving this car.Handles like a pro. I also love the automatic shift. The engine is fairly quiet and responds immediately.This 4-banger is above all my expectations. The interior design is unimaginative and looks like someones fishing car. The rear seat room is almost non-existant.I love the information panel and the radio exceeds most.Overall I would rate this car a 7.5 out of 10.

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  Great Ride! Finally a contender - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jay_Jay - December 20 - 2:00 am

  A great american sedan with European handling. Take a way the badges on this car and you may mistake it for an import. the fit and finish is near flawless. THe engine is silky smooth and the car drives like a dream. This has to be the best sedan overall chevrolet ever made.

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  Nice Reliable Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tyler - December 7 - 5:51 pm

  I just bought my Malibu August of 05. I have been driving it ever day since I bought it and I am loving it. I am suprised by the amount of powe the 4cyl has. I am a college student and the with the MPG is awsome. I have take several trips with the car and have never had a problem. Passing cars is no problem with the 4cyl.

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  Bargain - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mjw - November 25 - 8:14 pm

  Purchased for college daughter but mom stole it away. Great value. Build quality not up to foreign standards but loaded with convenience and safety features. Gently ride, adequate handling. Not bad looking. Rear doors allow excess wind noise.

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  My 1998 Chevy Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Fran - November 25 - 4:54 pm

  For the most part, this car has been a great friend! Always reliable, & gets me from point A to point B. Not a fancy car, and nothing to really look at. But if you are looking for a vehicle that is well made, reliable, & can sit 4 to 5 persons at one time this is the vehicle for you!

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  No real problems - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Like my car - November 8 - 4:35 pm

  The car is roomy, and reasonably comfortable. I have not had the problems like I have read about but I have had the 1&2 setting on blower switch go out. The car feels solid and has plenty of get up and go for merging into traffic. I would like headlights that I could shut off if I wanted to, but really it automatic lights are a better idea so I dont have to remember. Car has 64000 miles and the water light came on. Took it to shop and they replaced a gasket. It was under warranty so it dod not cost much. The interior seems chintzy. Cheap pastic buttons and switches, but at least it is reliable.