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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  2 thumbs up - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By paul - October 11 - 4:06 am

  Recently bought the 2005 LT model. The car is excellent, smooth on the road, lots of interior space and is fun to drive. In the short time Ive had it Im getting about 26 mpg city and 31.7 highway. Prior to buying, I had read reviews giving the car high ratings, and reviews saying the car is so-so, and that Honda (Accord) and Toyota (Camry) have nothing to worry about when compared to the Malibu. All I can say that after comparing all three and now owning the Malibu, the Malibu can easily hold its own against the Accord & Camry.

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  Love my Malibu - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By afs1234 - October 7 - 1:46 am

  I switched to Japanese imports because of the poor experiences Ive had with US car models. After reading the JD Power review on the new Malibu, and test driving every import model in this class, (Accord, Camry, Altima, Mazda6), I decided to take a chance again on a Chevy. The car is great! I love the quiet, smooth ride. The interior is well designed and very comfortable. And I was able to buy the features I wanted without having to upgrade to expensive features I didnt want. I also spoke to someone who use to work with GM and found out GM put a lot of work into making the Malibu a top quality car, which sold me on the concept that this car would last as long as the Asian imports.

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  GM offers value and reliability - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By RonD - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with the Malibu. It is quiet with a solid feel on the road. Handles rough pavement well and the seat are very adjustable, especially with the telescoping steering wheel. The engine is smooth and has plenty of power. The steering is a little too light for my taste, but my wife likes it fine. Only complaint is the tires are not up to the standards of the rest of the car. The handling is just adequate and I suppect the 15" Bridgstones dont have the grip Im used to.

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  Happy go lucky - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Donna Gunman - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I cannot believe that people still blindly flock to CVamry and Accord. This car is no Corvette or BMW. But it is a dream to drive. Although the styling is cute, I would like to see the new malibu to get a classier and sportier look.

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  Keep Away - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Frantz - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Full rotor replacement at my expense at 14,000 miles qith dealer offering to pay half then backing out.Only paid half by going to Tuffy instead of dealer and Tuffy warranteed product.Replaced valves at about 24,000, then whole engine at 26,000, constant electrical problems and ZERO help from GM or from dealer.These cars are a natural citrus product, good for lemonade!

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  almost there - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By crusier - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice Car. Almost there except for new electrical assist power steering. Taking it back for service again. Fails after period of twitching in steering wheel. Re-start clears for a while. Big interior. I am 62" and have plenty of room thanks to adjustable pedals and seat. Plenty of power with V-6. Nervous about electrical stuff. Time will tell.

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  2004 chev. malibu lt 3.5 v6 - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By robert c. krug - September 22 - 10:00 am

  roomy, plenty of power,good handling, good gas mileage,numerous new features like factory installed remote start, very comfortable for driver and passengers and much less costly than camry or accord comparably equipped.

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  My little zippy Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cece - September 10 - 5:11 pm

  All i can say I love my Malibu. I did a lot of research on this car, and when I sat in it I knew it should be mine. I had also had been looking at the Ford Focus when I pulled in the Ford lot to tell them I decided on the Chevy. I received nothing but compliments.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Safety Fan - September 7 - 1:49 pm

  We bought out Malibu a little over a year ago and loved driving it on short and long trips. Great gas mileage for its size, lots of room for people and all the stuff we carry along, and pretty comfortable on the long rides too. But the best thing about it just happened a couple of weeks ago when my wife was in a head on collision. The whole front end was smashed in and she limped away with just a broken collarbone and toe. Front and side airbags and the seatbelt did their job and now were taking the insurance check to buy an 06 Malibu.

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  Okay car - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By crazychemist78 - September 3 - 12:00 am

  We bought our 99 Malibu used. It handled fairly well, not at all as you would expect for its size. Since then, it has had new brakes 2x, has a perpetual coolant leak and constant electrical problems. The fuel gauge no longer works, two relays have gone out, the HVAC controller died, the blower resistor burnt out taking the blower with it. The windows work when they want to. The factory CD/cassette players no longer work. Not much power for a V6 (I could out-accelerate it in my 4cyl 5spd Kia Sephia.) Smooth ride. When the windows are rolled down hot air comes up through the floor. Have since bought a 2002 Malibu which has been a dream, so it could have just been this particular car or year.