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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  Brand new, Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tucquan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for a month and have enjoyed driving it each and every day. It rides nicely and is VERY quiet. The electric assisted power steering is very smooth. I feel relaxed and comfortable while driving. All-in-all, this a great car for the money. I really feel that Chevy got this one right.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DVB - May 15 - 7:55 pm

  I rented this car for a very long road trip(3500 miles)with no expectations whatsoever. At first I was somewhat put off by the lack of pizzaz both inside and out, but the car quickly won me over. It was more comfortable than my Honda pilot for long travel, and the gas mileage was exceptional for a full size car at 37 for pure highway driving and no worse than 33 in mixed driving. It also performed well in the mountains, had a good stereo and not much road noise. It lacked some electronic features, the cup holders are inconvenient, and had a small b/t seat storage compartment. Overall a good solid, no frills auto.

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  Is it the car or it the reviewers? - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Pliskin - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised to see all the really negative comments here. Ive had my Malibu for 4 years, and while Ive only put 20K miles on it.Ive had really no major problems.Yes, the tire ware is a bit faster than usual. Yes ,the AC cuts off for seemingly no reason (although if you turn the blower off and then back on, it works fine for another 15 minutes and then you do it again). Yes, the build quality could be better but the price/features ratio on this car is fantastic. Its not a Lexus folks...it is a plain car that has just what you need and nothing you dont.

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  Best car that I ever owned - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MV - May 5 - 2:29 am

  I have covered 105,000 miles in the last 4 and a half years. Never had a single problem except for a plastic handrest breaking during warranty. Changed brakes once and spent $120 for the 100,000 mile service and changed all tires at 95,000 miles. My wife loves Japanese cars but after seeing my Chevy, she switched to GM as well. I am waiting for the 2008 Malibu to upgrade.

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  Overall Fair - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By davidred - April 24 - 3:39 pm

  This car currently has about 116,000 miles on it and we are the only owners. It was purchased brand new back in 1998. I have some very mixed reviews on the car over all. Mostly with areas of suspension, A/C control and ABS light. We also had a the CD player replaced while it was still under warranty. The body of the car has done well over the past nine years and the engine just recently started giving us trouble. We have a coolant leak into the engine. Overall I give the car a fair rating. I probably would not buy another one.

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  My 2005 Malibu LS V6 - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ethel - April 24 - 9:58 am

  I have had to have a new steering rack, new front exhaust, new sun visors, and a new ignition switch put on this car already. Thank God it is still in warranty. The tires that came with the car had trouble holding tire pressure so I had to buy 4 new tires also.

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  The Usual Suspects, Dont Buy - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By fladad - April 21 - 8:58 pm

  I have owned this since new and despite babying it, its been a huge disappointment in reliability. Replaced brake rotors 4 times, alternator, AC wwitch panel, new radiator and just now a blown head gasket. I will sell it as soon as its fixed. GM quality is still horrible.

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  Absolute Piece Of Junk!! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Paul Spadafore - April 20 - 10:27 pm

  For consumers out there stay away like the plague!! The car is a year old, and has been in the shop three times in the last month. Check engine light keeps coming on,battery died, and the windshield wiper pump went all with less than 30,000 miles. The latest incident the check engine light went on,and killed the power to the car. My wife was able to limp into the parking garage at work at 5mph. She drives 40 miles one way to work,and I bought the car for reliable transportation to Detroit. My Saturn with 130k is a better option. I am in the process of trying to get GM to buy back the car. Absolute piece of junk is to kind for this car!!

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By TJ - April 20 - 1:13 am

  This is a very nice car, if GM had been building them like this all along, they wouldnt be in the mess they are in now. A comfortable ride, excellent fuel economy, my last trip at 61 mph I averaged 34 mpg and the 4cyl does quite well even with a full load of folks. Prior to my retirement I was averaging 26mpg in crappy Washington, DC commuter traffic, excellent! The interior is very classy and the outside is a head turner. This is the first vehicle I ever owned where people have stopped me and asked about the car. There was one slight flaw in the paint finish between two seams, well see if it causes a problem down the road.

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  A Sleeper - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Never too old - April 18 - 8:56 pm

  Bought it used, with less than 4,000 miles, and Ive put about 2,000 on it to date. Ive been very satisfied with every aspect of this car so far with 2 exceptions - torque steer and fuel economy, as mentioned in other reviews. The handling, suspension, and performance are very good. Seats are comfortable, and controls are easy to reach. Steering wheel buttons for radio and cruise control are a bit small, however. This car may not be a Lexus, BMW or other high priced sports/luxury car. It is what it is. But I like being different from everyone else. You dont see a Malibu SS at every corner, and its fun to have people say "a Super Sport? I didnt know Chevy made it!"