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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  Love it, Love it, Love it!!!! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Nikki - July 10 - 12:34 pm

  I bought the 6 cyl LT2 model about four months ago and I absolutely love it! I had a lot of time to search around for cars and test drove the Camry, Maxima, Mazda 6, and the Audi A4. There wasnt anything special about the Camry and the Mazda 6 didnt handle very well so it eventually came down to the last three and overall I preferred the Malibu over the others. The ride is just as smooth and quiet as the other two, so if you can live without the silly little extras the Malibu is the way to go. You definitely get the most value for your dollar.

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  Hard to say - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By VtSteve - July 10 - 9:13 am

  The obvious allure of this car is the exterior styling. Not dramatic, just great, clean lines. The interior is roomy, and the trunk is quite large. Having driven all of the Malibus competitors, I thought this car would be Chevys big score. Then the small disappointments set in. From my perspective, the one thing I cant live with is the front entry and egress. The stylists clearly won the battle here. Exiting the car makes me feel like Im in an Italian sports car. Nice interior, well laid out, well-equipped. Trunk opening narrow, but spacious trunk. Still dont like the klunky 4 banger.

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  Its been a good car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bruce Stevens - July 10 - 12:49 am

  Bought new 2009 LTZ leftover in Aug. 2010 has 158,000 miles on it and has been basic maintenance. Headlights bulb replacement is poor design. Steering light came on a couple of times but has been fine since. Handles great, rides great, better than my Jag. 28 mpg avg. 30-32 on long trips. I would buy another Malibu.

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  thrilled with my used malibu lt - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brett - July 8 - 10:56 am

  I bought a used Malibu LT with 18,100 miles on it and have had for just over four months. Car has been great...I have a 100 mile daily commute (roundtrip) and have put 12,000 miles on the car in 4 months. Zero problems. Car has been terrific. XM is great, interior looks awesome and the ride is very smooth if you put up your windows you hear nothing outside. This was my first car purchase and I am beyond happy with it so far.

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  American manufacturing feat - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Alex Povolotski - July 7 - 10:58 am

  This vehicle deserves more attention, keeping in mind it has recently won in the family mid-size sedan competition. Its a real feat of American auto engineering. Just take all the controversy surround the GM company away and think of the vehicle as a piece of machinery. The design is outstanding, both external, and internal. The fit and finish is at par with many Japanese manufacturers. The cabin is accommodating and the drive is comfy and noise-free. The six-speed auto transmission is a marvel of engineering. In fact, GM went ahead and beat Toyota to it. Toyota followed with its own 6- speed soon after though.

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  Good Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jaytee1984 - July 3 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this car in College with 49k. It now has 88k and have only had minor problems, the fuel pump went out at 86k, and the blinkers wont work every once in a while. Also the check engine light randomly comes on for a day or two. The first 2 years I had this car i drove it a lot and have only had to do regular maint. and it is a great little car, wish I would have gotten the sunroof tho.

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  Bunch of Small Problems - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lmonty - July 1 - 8:58 pm

  I got this car 2 years ago from a Rental place, and it had 44,000 miles on it. It now has 63,000 miles on it, and things have been acting up. The passenger front and back windows dont work with the drivers side control, the heat/AC doesnt come on until the 4th and 5th setting, the hazard lights/blinkers dont work at least once a day, and Ive replaced the brakes twice. The ABS gives me a lot of trouble in the winter, it pulses and the brakes disengage--- very dangerous! Lastly, the coolant seems to be used up EXTREMELY quickly-- not sure what the problem is there.

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  Caution, I wouldnt buy another one - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By T. Bronk - July 1 - 3:07 pm

  I bought this car brand new in late 2004. I had it for about three months, when the steering gears needed replacement. About a year and 1/2 later, I had the same issue. Again, replaced the steering gears and guess what is wrong again. Not to mention I have already had the heater unit replaced and now the AC unit doesnt work. For the money, you get a good deal, but for the value, I dont think so. Its funny, I bought a Mazda & Chevy from this dealer, and when I asked them which 1 they thought I have brought into the shop the most, they said the Mazda. WRONG 7 years NO ISSUES. Chevy Malibu on the other hand... Going to head out and trade in this junk car, Now I know why they are going belly up

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  Great Choice - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By WTC - June 29 - 5:46 am

  Compared to Camry, Accord, Fusion, and Mazda6 before purchase. Loved the features and styling by comparison. Beautiful car, great looking/functional interior, lots of car for the money. City mileage not as good as hoped, not the best visibility out because of high belt line and rear shelf, and transmission a little sluggish at times around town. Otherwise very happy with purchase after 4 months.

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  Love this car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By campbell - June 29 - 5:30 am

  I did a lot of shopping around before purchasing my 09 Chevy Malibu. I have to say I fell in love with this car from the time I got behind the wheel. This car is by far the best in value and performance of other leading vehicles. I have the 2.4L4cyl and I am getting about 28 mpg on an average highway drive. It has enough horepower for me to take control of the highway driving. Love the new design of the Malibu, I have been asked by several people if the car was a BMW. This car has a European luxury style to it and looks sharp. The interior is very roomy and designed for comfort. You want options, this car has them. Love the free OnStar and the discount from the insurance company.