Item: Chevrolet Malibu
Rating: 4.5
Author: CarMax

Customer Review Summary for Chevrolet Malibu

4.5

(603 Reviews)

Great vehicle

2012 Chevrolet Malibu CARLOS CARTER - Laurel, MD 06/01/2015

Great gas mileage. the only con i have would be wasn't informed it was both automatic and manual. I was driving one night and it sounded as if I was in a gear looked down and I had to shift the car into drive. I later found out about this feature. Although it is great I would have liked to know before hand just to make sure not to mess up anything in the future

Love my car!!!

2014 Chevrolet Malibu Esmeralda Martinez - Riverside, CA 01/28/2016

I had forgotten what it was like to drive a sedan but but car handles business. It has saved me sooo much on gas it's unbelievable. So worth the purchase. My only regret was waiting so long. If you drive a gas gusler like me you will truly appreciate this car. It handles beautifully. Totally worth it.

Nice Car with great fuel economy

2010 Chevrolet Malibu Sandy - Denver, CO 04/16/2015

Not as much power as my old Mitsubishi but it's a comfortable ride and the interior (leather seats and seat warmer, etc) are very nice. It's not super flashy but is still a good looking car and I've been pleased with it's performance. I'm a road warrior for my job and it gets awesome mileage

Chevrolet Malibu Overview

The Chevrolet Malibu is one of the most popular cars in its class, and has been for some time. As of 2017 it offers few changes from previous model years based on its selling well in the past. A new nine-speed automatic transmission has been added and one trim level has been discontinued, but other features remain unchanged. As is, the Malibu performs well in the marketplace and against its competitors, leaving Chevrolet with little reason to make changes. The car handles well and the interior is roomy and luxurious, keeping the Malibu as an excellent choice for a car in its class.

Chevrolet Malibu History

The Chevrolet Malibu has been one of the company's iconic choices for years. Drivers like the car for the sporty handling and style, but they also enjoy the roomy interior and more luxury-focused features that they may not find on other cars of the same size. For people who have always enjoyed the Malibu, or for those who have never owned a Chevrolet before, the car can be just the right choice for size versus sporty feel. Among the options drivers can expect on the newer model year Malibu are:

Sporty handling, especially around turns
A spacious interior that is friendly to taller drivers and passengers
Fuel efficiency without the need to sacrifice too much power
Responsive options for dashboard controls

How It Drives

Even though the base 1.5L engine has acceleration that can be considered mediocre, the Chevrolet Malibu is still a fun vehicle to drive. The larger engine and the hybrid option are also good choices for a better, stronger driving experience. The handling is impressive, though, with a sporty and responsive feel. This is especially notable around turns, but even on a wide open road you can feel the reaction in the steering wheel.

Used Chevrolet Malibu Value

In the past the Chevrolet Malibu sold well as a family sedan, but was largely overlooked by anyone wanting a sportier car. Now that the model has changed and evolved, there is a wider interest base for the vehicle. Despite that, however, the older Malibu models do not hold a lot of value. They are comparable to Ford and Chrysler cars in the same class, but not cars that would command a high price for older model years. Newer model years stand out from the crowd more boldly, allowing Chevrolet to maintain its value more easily and provide car buyers with a car they can enjoy for years.

Design & Performance

The body style has changed over the years to match the trends of the time, but the overall size and basic body of the car has remained similar to the original. It is designed as a family car, and there is no reason for Chevrolet to pull away from what works. But a sleeker, more sophisticated look has been introduced over time, and that has kept the car relevant. Some of the best design and performance aspects of the newer models include:

A combination of a roomy car that is also stylish and sleek
A hybrid model available, offering superior fuel economy
A recent redesign that has added to the car's popularity
Several different trim options to help buyers get just what they need and want

Powertrain & Engine

The Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a 1.5L engine in its base model, which many people feel does not offer enough power for the size and weight of the car. That can lead to sluggish acceleration and difficulty maneuvering quickly in traffic. The six-speed transmission also struggles a bit, with some low-speed lurching. However, the hybrid engine and the other, larger engine that the Malibu offers reduces the underpowered feeling, while the nine-speed transmission takes care of any clumsiness or lurching the car might experience. Higher trim levels with these options provide a good combination of power and fuel economy.

Body Style & Interior Comfort

The interior of the Chevrolet Malibu is comfortable, even for taller people. The dashboard is uncluttered and intuitive, and the design feels well thought-out. The room inside is good in the front and the back, and there is plenty of cargo space in the trunk. With the Malibu, drivers can expect:

An eight-way adjustable power driver seat
A telescoping steering wheel
Large doors that open easily, making getting in and out comfortable and convenient
Climate controls that are easy to use and centrally located
A MyLink touchscreen interface with high placement for ease of reach

From the original model family sedan, to the sporty family car, the Chevrolet Malibu is a popular choice for anyone who wants to have plenty of room for other people. The car is great for trips or around town, and worth a second look.

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