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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  Cant beat the price!! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jay Bartel - April 1 - 7:53 pm

  GM rebates and other incentives convinced me that I could be happy with this stylish domestic vehicle. The ride is excellent, with the Saab platform. The 4 cyl. is a bit of a dog but the mileage Im getting is worth overlooking this (28 ave., city.) The seats are comfortable and the instrumentation is easily reached and visually convenient. Real nice sound system for an "aging rocker"! Lots of backseat and truck space in addition to the spacious front cabin area. Handling is adequate as are the brakes. The Malibu meets my realistic expectations of a quality car. It is not however, my Camry.

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  A pretty good car - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joe - March 29 - 5:50 pm

  V-6 1998 Malibu has served me well. I have 126,000 miles and she still rides well. Proper maintenance and the car will last.

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  first time - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By KTM450 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is an affordable sporty sedan with headroom that Honda and Toyota can not match. We love the shift by wire thumb control, using compresion to hold us back going down hill and aproaching stop signs. If you do not feel like the hassle of shifting the breaks are more than adequate. Passing acceleration from 65 mph - 85 mph is impressive. Ergonomics are excellent. All of the controlls are visible and accessable. The trunk has plenty of room for safety equipment and CHRISTmas gifts.

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  Air bag light - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Terri - March 22 - 4:37 am

  Is anyone having issues with air bag light going on periodically? Chevrolet dealer stated they cannot repair it unless the light is on when I bring it in. I am concerned about my safety but that does not seem to be a concern of theirs.

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  Lemon all the way - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Yvonne Lancaster PA - March 16 - 7:41 pm

  I have had this car for 4yrs and it has had nothing but issues. I probably spent as much in repairs as I have on the sales price. Replaced catalytic converter,starter,fuel pump,several sensors, and now they say the gasket needs replaced, talk about a lemon, I will never, never buy another GM car which was all I believed in buying previous to this money gouging vehicle. Get with the program GM.

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  $24 Grand! This Car Exceeds Expectation - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Darren Roker - March 16 - 8:16 am

  You gotta be kiddin me! 24 thousand, and this vehicle rides, handles, feels every bit as good as my wifes BMW 3 series, which cost almost double! The gas mileage and quiet 4 cylinder engine are truly the best I have witnessed to date.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By bill of rights - March 11 - 4:38 am

  I do a lot of driving for business so I needed an inexpensive car that got good gas mileage and would be reliable. I got a great deal on the 07 because the 08s were coming to the dealer lots. The car now has 21000 miles on it with no problems at all. 95% of miles are highway and I have averaged around 31mpg at 70-75mph. The front seats need more padding and the car doesnt like the wind on the interstate. Overall the car has been great and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good solid car and doesnt want to break the bank.

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  Love It! - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By smiley - March 10 - 4:06 pm

  Before I bought this car I hated driving and this car has completely turned that around. This car is so easy to drive, its quiet, fast, and comfortable, I really feel safe driving it, and the bun warmers are the best. This car also does great in the snow I did not even need studs. I really recomend this car for overall value, one thing though it has a rattle noise when the fan is on. Great car though!

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  Lemon - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CarGuy - March 6 - 5:40 pm

  This was my first car ever, and what a mistake it was! I bought it for pretty cheap, but the repairs got me. Ive had to put in a new intake manifold, new heater, new fuel injector, new alternator, and most recently a new transmission, plus a ton of little things. I bought the car for $3000, and I have put $2500 dollars into it in under 2 years! The car itself isnt to bad when its running.

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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!