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:

• 

  Very UNHAPPY - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By UnHappy - March 19 - 3:29 pm

  I got my used 2006 Chevy Malibu in June of 2007. Since then I have had the POWER STEERING fixed a total of 4 times and the problem still occurs. I could be in the middle of driving and the power steering signal will display on my LCD screen and my wheel will lock up on me in the middle of the road. Its very scary and I am tired of getting it fixed and CHEVY is not fixing it. I go it fixed last month, Feb 2009 and now the problem is back a month later. I am not a happy customer.

• 

  Frequent Repairs - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By critter - March 1 - 12:52 am

  There is not much more to say except that I had multiple repairs on this car just months after I had purchased it. The coolant was coppery tan, needed changed and flushed although it only had 28,000 miles on it to begin with. Horrible, problems from day 1, had to have repairs before the 1st week, drove a borrowed car from dealer.

• 

  Junk - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jim - January 26 - 7:51 am

  These cars are junk. Horrible brake system. Intake gaskets prone to failure. Piston slap noise when started cold. A/C problems. Ignition switch and other electrical problems. I could go on. A company that sells a car this poorly designed should be shunned by the buying public forever.

• 

  NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MidwestMalibu - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I used to be a fan of american motor cars until I bought this one. With a NEW ENGINE, A/C, Starter, Battery, Sprayer nozzel, seat belt latch, Trunk Carpet, lights werent focused, and some other items in a period of one year I can firmly say that this car is undeniably a P.O.S., Toyota/Honda here I come. P.S. Now the car is starting to randomly stall, a common problem, one that GM refuses to recognize and fix for free, too bad they didnt learn from Saturn, the company they destroyed.

• 

  Bye Bye GM - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chevy Lemon - November 11 - 4:24 pm

  Rotors at 6K, lot rust..not, headlights shake, both units are loose, tap on the lense, youll see, no GM fix! Tie rods replaced at 12K along with rotors, again! Power train control module, door latches, security system, horn blows all by itself, check engine light, thermostat, blows all over the road, wind & road noise, car shakes so bad the visors move, rattles, clunking under the floor & pedals, 34K & going for another rotor "fix" as we speak #7, you can only file them so many times, replacement might work but no, tires are junk, told I needed 30K on them before they will replace under my warranty. What! No wonder GM is going under. Worst car ever. A roach! So much for "Buy American"!

• 

  Malibus are trouble - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By nicole - November 4 - 12:26 pm

  I bought this car used at 70,000 miles and have had it only a year. I have had more problems than I can believe. I put more money into it than it cost in general. Ive had my car to 4 different auto shops and 2 dealerships several times and no one can permanently fix the problem. Ive fixed the starter module twice, fuel pump, ignition switch, 3 censors, radiator, brakes twice and several connections were so rusty they quit working. Right now its sitting in my drive way because it wont start. Do not buy a Chevy Malibu ever! Its a huge waste of money.

• 

  I will NEVER buy another Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Nikki - October 7 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased my Malibu 14 months ago. 6 cylinder, looked sporty and was roomy. I loved it for one whole month, and then it started to fall apart. In the last year, I have dealt with and replaced the following: power steering module twice, entire steering column, slip joint, lower control arm, tie rod, all four rotors and brake pads. The horn fuse lasts about 1 week before it blows out, and there is a short in the electrical system, and because of it I have replaced all turn signals and head/brake lamps in the last year. And the sun roof pours water into the back seat, and every drop shows on the cheap material. I am looking for a new car, and I will never ever buy another Chevy.

• 

  The reason well never buy GM again - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dissatisfied Owner - October 5 - 2:30 pm

  This has got to be the worst car Ive ever owned. The air conditioner wont stay in recirculation (coldest) mode. Weve had it serviced six times in five years (after warranty expired $400 a pop). It works for a few months, then breaks again. Local Chevy dealer kept it for over a week last time to figure out what is going wrong. Still cant figure it out. Living in North Central Texas, cold a/c in summer (and sometimes spring and fall) isnt an option -- its a necessity. Our next car will definitely not be a GM product -- from two people who bought exclusively GM for our entire driving lives.

• 

  Poor Quality - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By chriskobesko - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car in April of 2004. I really like its looks however the build quality is hoorible. I have 5200 miles and I have had the heater stop working for 2 days, the temp gauge works when it wants to, and I have heard loud sporadic valve noise on occasions. I have more interior rattles tahn my 1990 towncar had-many more. It is usally hard starting especially when hot. _ Keep in mind this car has 5200 miles.

• 

  What were you thinking Chevy? - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Big Pine Man - August 26 - 1:14 am

  I love Chevys but not this one. This has been a terrible car for me. I have so far invested about 3000 dollars in repairs. Fuel pump went, heater core, complete ignition and ignition harness needed to be replaced because car would not start, antifreeze leak, rotors, and several other smaller repairs. All these repairs were done when the car had less than 90000 miles. I love my 1998 Cavalier and my 2008 Silverado, but I would never recommend this car.