2008 Chevrolet Malibu Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.58/5 Average
235 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Fully redesigned for 2008, the Chevrolet Malibu is now roomier, more powerful and of notably higher quality. It shares a platform with the Saturn Aura but is definitely not a simple rebadge, as it features unique exterior and interior styling along with different suspension tuning for a softer ride.

Pros:
  • Strong performance from V6, excellent ride and handling balance, roomy cabin, comfortable seats, very good fit and finish.
Cons:
  • Some ergonomic gaffes and subpar cabin materials, no rear center armrest, a few key features are unavailable.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 235.00
  • Traveling Student - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought this car used at the end of June 2009 w/ 22,000 miles on it, right after GM bankruptcy and got a great deal for. The major attraction to me was MPG and it had an appealing interior, better than camry, altima, or accord and was priced way less. I purchased it to replace my Jeep Liberty b/c I was going to be traveling 50 miles to and from pharmacy school starting in the fall of 09 and the gas for my jeep would have bankrupted me. Overall, I love the car and have had few problems with it after driving it over 25,000 miles since June 09. It is a good car and looks way more expensive than it cost. Would recommend it to anyone.

  • Not a good purchase - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    We bought our 2008 malibu with 4 miles when we test drove it. After driving across country a few times, at roughly 26k, the vehicle information control module had to be replaced. Now at just under 40k, the catalytic converter is plugged. Also, when cold the transmission will not shift out of first under heavy acceleration, causing the car to say service traction, turn off the traction control, and make the transmission shift very hard. This is the first chevy we have bought, and it will be the last.

  • GOOD Car, "SOFT" rims, BAD sound system - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I have almost 21K miles on it and I still like it. My wife likes the interior so when our lease for the 2004 Malibu was up we bought the 2008 model. It is not perfect but our dealer takes care of our complains promptly - minor like door striker misalignment and wrinkle door seal. The engine has sufficient power but has an audible drone when driving about 80mph, nice and quite at 70 mph. Two things I do not like in this car. (1) the sound produced by the oem stereo system in my 2001 Cavalier is generations better than the 2008 Malibu. (2) the steel wheel rims seems to bend easily. I had two of the rims repaired in two years - never happened in my Cavalier (9yrs), nor in the other Malibu (4yrs)

  • 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr 4cyl - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought my Malibu pre-owned with 53k,this car caught my eye with the black metallic color and tinted windows along with chrome wheels, very sleek, sharp look, this is a 4cyl, runs great! great ride so smooth, love the interior great i average around 33mpg highway design and so spacious, gas mileage is and 24-26 in town, the bright lights are amazing so bright and covers a broad area for a car, love the small details such as the accent lights, cup holders, compartments, I am 28 yrs old and was skeptical at first if i should get a smaller sportier type car but after driving this i loved it and the exterior look is so sleek and sharp,I am so pleased absolutely love it, this is a keeper.

  • Wiley - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I posted a review in November of 09 and I must admit that I thought highly of the car. In fact I loved it. That changed quickly. I was having problems with my brakes squeaking, now my steering wheel is making noises and when I make a right turn, something is scrubbing. My car has been in the shop for three weeks and I dont think they know whats wrong with it. They say they may have to replace my steering column. They call to ask was my car vibrating, I told them no, so I guess it is no. I have never had this many problems, especially with a brand new car. I will have had my car for 2 yrs. come July and Im having all these problems now, thank God its still under warranty.

  • Trouble from the word go! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I bought my Malibu brand new in 2008 and owned it for 2 years before it caught fire stemming from the catalytic converter. The car first had a valve in the transmission not opening and closing. Then the catalytic converter and entire exhaust system went out. The door lock motor went out. My car went through 3 catalytic converters which were replaced by the dealership and 3 days after the last replacement the car caught fire and burned to the ground. I would not suggest this car to anyone. Beauty only goes so far! If you do purchase this vehicle please buy GAP insurance through your dealership!

  • so far so good - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Have put on 10000km so far on this car.Bought it used at 50000km. All in all its a great car, only issue so far is water in the headlight and squeaky front brakes, The tranny shifts rough sometimes. It will be interesting what the long term reliability of this car will be. great ride great gas mileage, 4 cyl works perfect. i wanted a turn key operation kinda car and so far so good.

  • 2008 Nightmare Malibu - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    Purchased in May 2008, first shop visit was in May 2008. At 26K miles, the TRANSMISSION has been repaired! I have had numerous problems with this car, I have a LONG history report that I would post up if I knew how. Steering column, clunking noises, transmission, back bumper popping out, side panel popping out, squeaky brakes, etc! & today at 36,042 miles, the check engine light is on so the car is in the shop yet again! I just picked it up on Saturday at 29,800+ miles & last night at 36K "Bing" on comes the check engine light. Ive had it with this car, too many problems! I was in love with it at first, but now it has become a nightmare! I am a very unhappy & unsatisfied customer!

  • Absolutely Confident - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I purchased my Red Malibu 2LT two years ago and could not be happier with it. I havent had a single issue with it and I feel 100% confident that it will be a very reliable car. The interior is gorgeous with the two-tone cashmere/cocoa trim and the Red Jewel paint is awesome. I have received so many complements on this car and it never gets old.I am getting great gas mileage in combined driving and my car feels completely solid. The safety features in my Malibu make me feel very secure. I am especially pleased with the small details put into this car, such as accent lights by the inside door handles. I recommend this car to anyone looking for safe, reliable, and stylish transportation.

  • Love the car but dissappointment sets in - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
    By -

    I love my car! Its a joy to drive. But at 55,000 miles I am having repetitive problems. Spent approx $1400 in repairs due the warranty is out in 2 years due to my required mileage. It is in the shop for the 3rd time for the same repairs. Traction service light keeps coming on, auto door lock failure, brake lights keep coming on when I am not pushing the brakes!! I have maintained this car with schedule maint. We keep our cars 10 or more years and have driven them in excess of 300,000 miles. Sadly I dont think this one will last 100,000. Repairs are expensive at the dealership. I am so disappointed. But do note that we also own a 2006 Silverado Truck and it has been a great vehicle!!

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