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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  Good Value for the Cost - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By G2the2ndRnd - September 9 - 2:00 am

  We (my wife and I) looked at about 15 different vehicles before deciding on the 2004 Malibu. The main reasons that we chose the Malibu over the Accord or the Camry was cost and the self starter, plus the XM radio was a nice addition. We have owned the car for 2 months and so far we are very happy with our purchase - meaning that the car has handled well in the ice and snow that Columbus has been having this year. We are looking forward to the warmer weather and being able to use the sun roof! Also, kudos and applause for building a window washer container that holds the whole bottle, no leftovers with the Malibu!!!!

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  The New Chevy is Here!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By R. R. - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The new Malibu has great handling, style and comfort features. I love the auto start and heated seats. The car I purchase did have a problem with the side view electric mirrors, but the dealership took care of it without difficulty.

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  Horrible Experience With This Car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By One Unhappy Customer - September 8 - 9:00 pm

  Within the first 10 days of ownership, had to return this vehicle for following repairs: - incorrect fuel pump controller installed by factory. - defective computer - dead sunroof, power windows, The dealers only response is to throw parts at the car. They cant explain why the computer went dead, why the sunroof and windows are blowing fuzes, etc. With each new malfunction they assure me that the car is now fine. Right... The message from GM is that all these problems are unrelated and there is no single underlying root cause. Right... At this point it is plain that my brand- new 2009 Malibu LTZ is defective and unreliable. I will never buy another GM product

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joe - September 7 - 1:06 pm

  We purchased the 6 cyl. LTZ 3 months ago. As of now we have 2100 miles on it and get 23 mpg around town. On a recent trip we got 30 mpg. I find it very comfortable to drive. I drove for over 8 hours on our trip and wasnt a bit tired. My wife thinks the seats are a bit too hard but I think they are OK. The initial quality of this car has been outstanding. I hope it lasts as long as our 1986 Olds 98 did (22 years).

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  Not too great - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Arnold - September 5 - 10:25 pm

  I had this car for three years. Fuel consumption is great, all controls are good location. Smooth ride. Steering control and braking is excellent. Visibilty is great. Stereo doesnt have aux input and hard or cannot be upgraded. engine are noisy. I sent the car several times to the dealership for steering problem, cd drive running continously, small area paint peeling off under 2 front door and at the luggage door. Within two years under 12000 miles, they had replaced the lower ball joint and lower arm assembly due to clunking noise in the front suspension when it hit a bump even though that I drive it carefully.

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  Sexy & Fun - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 4Bliss - September 5 - 9:44 pm

  I purchased my Malibu less than 1 month ago (I have the 2LT w/ the 6cyl 6spd). I am disappointed only in 2 things. I previously owned an 02 MonteCarlo SS and loved it. My Malibu has a lot of the same luxury features. The 1st thing is the fuel economy, much less than advertised & less than my SS(though still early - only gone thru 2.5 tanks/gas) and Im still learning how it drives compared to my Monte. The 2nd annoying thing is the cruise control. Monte had such smooth cruise control, going up and down hills, Malibu is a little obnoxious when the cruise is engaged (revvs up loudly when adjusting speeds uphill- again, its early.

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  Should have leased it instead - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kb - September 4 - 8:55 pm

  The styling of the car is impressive as it has the lines of a much more expensive car. The ride has been disappointing. Very bumpy and not driver friendly at highway speeds. I was willing to overlook the firm ride if highway stability was solid but thats just not the case. The transmission has a tendency to shift up at low RPM (1K-2K) leaving normal acceleration feeling tired. Although, the 6cyl is very responsive if you step on it or use the paddle shifter instead.

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  Not Bad - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Curt - September 3 - 10:12 pm

  I heard a lot of complaints about brakes, but Ive only replaced my pads once in the last 40,000 miles. Gas mileage is okay--we get about 22 around town, but it is a V6. On the freeway we get about 30. The car has had some electrical problems. The blinker sound would continually go on, and we had to replace the entire blinker module in the steering column that cost $300 and happened around 75,000 miles. Besides that, it is the only repair we have done. A couple of times the car has disabled it self due to a faulty theft system. It takes 10 minutes to let you back in. I still dont regret buying the vehicle. Bang for the buck it has served us pretty well.

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  Quality At a Great Price - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill - September 2 - 1:37 pm

  What an exciting car! Not only did the Malibu catch my eye on the road, I couldnt resist owning one after I saw it. Only a couple hundred miles so far. Cant wait for my first road trip.

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  Good and reliable - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Matt - September 1 - 8:21 pm

  Ive had this car for about three years now. Its at about 70 thousand miles and still running great. I have the base model, so there isnt a lot of power, but the gas mileage is great and its got a decent amount of pep for a four cylinder. The ride is smooth and the transmission is fluid. It has plenty of leg room and the interior, while not made of top grade materials, has held up nicely to a 4 and 1 year old.