Chevrolet Malibu

Name: 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
Brand: Chevrolet

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Malibu is a solid, well-rounded sedan. Roomy, it offers easy cabin access, a quiet interior and a comfortable ride. Its V6 engine delivered quick acceleration and competitive fuel economy among competing V6 family sedans. While overall crash protection is average, the Malibu received a Poor in the IIHS side-crash test when tested without its optional side airbags.

2006 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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100

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Chevrolet Malibu

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Accord

Hyundai Sonata

Toyota Camry

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2006 Midsized cars Ratings

2006 Chevrolet Malibu

$2,900 - $3,975

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chrysler Sebring

$2,900 - $3,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Fusion

$3,175 - $3,975

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Accord

$4,075 - $5,425

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Accord Hybrid

$4,075 - $5,425

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Sonata

$3,475 - $3,625

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2006 Kia Optima

$2,900 - $3,475

EPA MPG NA

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2006 Mazda 6

$3,050 - $4,100

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2006 Mercury Milan

$3,300 - $3,800

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2006 Mitsubishi Galant

$2,850 - $3,175

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2006 Nissan Altima

$2,925 - $4,050

EPA MPG NA

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2006 Pontiac G6

$3,175 - $4,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2006 Pontiac Grand Prix

$3,475 - $4,800

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2006 Saab 9-5

$3,375 - $3,700

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Legacy

$3,525 - $4,975

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota Camry

$4,650 - $5,175

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

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2006 Volkswagen Passat

$3,025 - $3,500

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.2-liter 4 (144 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (201 hp)
3.9-liter V6 (240 hp)

4-speed automatic

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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.

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Model History

2016-Present

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.

1997-2003

1997 Redesign Year

Although it has changed little since its 1997 introduction, the Malibu still provides good basic transportation and holds its own among low-priced V6 sedans. It costs less than a four-cylinder-equipped Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but lacks the refinement of those models. Handling is fairly nimble, but tire grip gives out easily at the limits. The standard 3.1-liter, 170-hp V6 gets the job done but isn't very refined. The ride is compliant though a bit jiggly. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The interior is roomy, with a rear seat that's actually more comfortable than the one in the larger Impala. The front seats are fairly comfortable, and the controls are logical. Many interior fittings feel insubstantial and cheap.