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Chevrolet Malibu

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$2,925 - $3,000

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The Malibu is an unassuming sedan with a roomy interior and a noisy V6 engine. Ride and handling are acceptable. Interior quality is unimpressive. A complete redesign arrived for 2004.

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2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2003 Midsized cars Ratings

$2,925 - $3,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,900 - $3,075
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,475 - $4,650
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,025
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,900 - $2,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 3.1-liter V6 (170 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2016-
Current Generation

Completely redesigned for 2016, the Malibu is much sleeker than the boxy sedan it replaced. A new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine became the base engine, improving fuel economy to 29 mpg overall. A 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder remained the up level engine choice until it was dropped in 2023, and was mated to a new eight-speed automatic. The hybrid powertrain is all new, with dramatically improved fuel economy. Rear-seat room is also much improved, while the car's composed and compliant ride and quiet cabin remain. For 2019, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Chevrolet dropped the hybrid model for 2020. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity was new for 2021. For 2023, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection became standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning became optional. Updates for 2024 included standard rear park assist, which provides alerts identifying nearby objects behind the vehicle. 2025 is the final model year for the Malibu.





2013-2015
2013 Redesign Year
The V6 engine option was dropped, but the normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines are quiet and refined in operation. The rear seat is tight, but the LT model is nicely equipped overall. We suggest opting for leather seats, as the standard cloth seats have scratchy fabric and so-so cushion support. Also skip the Eco model; you can get the same fuel economy for much less money. The 2014 models have slightly more rear-seat room. Changes for 2015 include a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
2008-2012
2008 Redesign Year

A 2008 redesign made the Malibu quieter, more responsive, and gave it a more comfortable ride. We considered it to be among the best family sedans. The interior is significantly upgraded, with better materials and improved fit and finish. A mild-hybrid powertrain was also offered for this model year. Stability control became a standard Malibu feature for 2009.

2004-2007
2004 Redesign Year
Available as a sedan or four-door hatchback, the 2004 Malibu is a solid, well-rounded competitor, with good fuel economy from the available V6, as well as responsive handling and a supple ride. Look for one with side-curtain airbags. This version of the Malibu scored a Poor in IIHS crash tests without them.