Skip to main content

2002
Chevrolet Malibu

Starts at:
$17,760
Shop options
New 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $17,760
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LS
    Starts at
    $19,965
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 2002 Chevrolet Malibu review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Conservative in appearance, Chevrolet’s mainstay, bread-and-butter midsize Malibu sedan accounts for plenty of sales each year. The total dipped a little in 2000 to 207,376 units, but that figure still makes the Malibu a major player in the market.

A CD player and floormats are newly standard for 2002, and LATCH child-seat tethers go into the rear positions. New 15-inch alloy wheels go on the step-up LS sedan and are optional on the base Malibu. For appealing sounds on the road, a 100-watt, two-channel subwoofer audio system is now standard in the LS model. Stereo systems with cassette and/or CD players incorporate the Radio Data System (RDS), which displays weather and traffic emergency warnings. The RDS also allows station selection based on the desired type of programming.

Exterior
Like most midsize automobiles, the Malibu comes only as a four-door sedan. Mounted on a 107-inch wheelbase, the Malibu is 190.4 inches long overall — just an inch or so longer than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, two of the Malibu’s foremost competitors. Standard tires are 15 inches in diameter, with cast aluminum wheels on the LS sedan. All Malibus have a four-wheel-independent suspension.

Interior
With a five-passenger capacity, front bucket seats are standard; a front bench is not available. The spacious three-place rear seat offers nearly as much room as some full-size sedans. A split rear seatback on the LS sedan folds to expand trunk capacity beyond its already-spacious 17.3 cubic feet. A wide, low trunk opening permits easy loading.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, programmable power door locks, an electric rear-window defogger, CD player, tachometer, tilt steering wheel and remote trunk release. Extras on the LS sedan include cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote keyless entry and fog lamps. Custom cloth front bucket seats in the LS have six-way power adjustment on the driver’s side.

Under the Hood
A 3.1-liter V-6 engine develops 170 horsepower and drives a four-speed-automatic transmission. Antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
The Malibu appeals to drivers most concerned with practical merits and overall value. This midsize car offers plenty of each, but little in the way of luxury or roadgoing excitement. Just about everything falls at least into the “acceptable” category, including performance, while interior space ranks as ample. Buyers who don’t need to be stimulated by lush sheet metal might find the Malibu appealing, especially when its price is compared to that of an equivalent Ford Taurus, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide;
Posted on 4/15/02

2002 Chevrolet Malibu review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Conservative in appearance, Chevrolet’s mainstay, bread-and-butter midsize Malibu sedan accounts for plenty of sales each year. The total dipped a little in 2000 to 207,376 units, but that figure still makes the Malibu a major player in the market.

A CD player and floormats are newly standard for 2002, and LATCH child-seat tethers go into the rear positions. New 15-inch alloy wheels go on the step-up LS sedan and are optional on the base Malibu. For appealing sounds on the road, a 100-watt, two-channel subwoofer audio system is now standard in the LS model. Stereo systems with cassette and/or CD players incorporate the Radio Data System (RDS), which displays weather and traffic emergency warnings. The RDS also allows station selection based on the desired type of programming.

Exterior
Like most midsize automobiles, the Malibu comes only as a four-door sedan. Mounted on a 107-inch wheelbase, the Malibu is 190.4 inches long overall — just an inch or so longer than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, two of the Malibu’s foremost competitors. Standard tires are 15 inches in diameter, with cast aluminum wheels on the LS sedan. All Malibus have a four-wheel-independent suspension.

Interior
With a five-passenger capacity, front bucket seats are standard; a front bench is not available. The spacious three-place rear seat offers nearly as much room as some full-size sedans. A split rear seatback on the LS sedan folds to expand trunk capacity beyond its already-spacious 17.3 cubic feet. A wide, low trunk opening permits easy loading.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, programmable power door locks, an electric rear-window defogger, CD player, tachometer, tilt steering wheel and remote trunk release. Extras on the LS sedan include cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote keyless entry and fog lamps. Custom cloth front bucket seats in the LS have six-way power adjustment on the driver’s side.

Under the Hood
A 3.1-liter V-6 engine develops 170 horsepower and drives a four-speed-automatic transmission. Antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
The Malibu appeals to drivers most concerned with practical merits and overall value. This midsize car offers plenty of each, but little in the way of luxury or roadgoing excitement. Just about everything falls at least into the “acceptable” category, including performance, while interior space ranks as ample. Buyers who don’t need to be stimulated by lush sheet metal might find the Malibu appealing, especially when its price is compared to that of an equivalent Ford Taurus, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide;
Posted on 4/15/02

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2002
    3.9
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Starts at
    $17,760
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2016
    4.8
    Chevrolet Malibu Limited
    Starts at
    $22,565
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2008
    3.8
    Chevrolet Uplander
    Starts at
    $21,540
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2008
    4.0
    Chevrolet Cobalt
    Starts at
    $14,410
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2011
    4.0
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Starts at
    $21,975
    22 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.5
    Pontiac Grand Prix
    Starts at
    $21,815
    20 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2010
    4.5
    Mitsubishi Lancer
    Starts at
    $14,790
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.3
    Ford Fusion
    Starts at
    $17,430
    23 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.6
    Buick Lucerne
    Starts at
    $25,745
    17 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2002
    4.5
    Buick LeSabre
    Starts at
    $24,660
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

3.9 / 5
Based on 22 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 3.9
Performance 3.8
Value 3.8
Exterior 3.9
Reliability 3.9

Most recent

  • Good and reliable never left on the side of the rd

    I bought the car used at 191,669 and she now at 208,781 miles. She is a good reliable car the only things that broke where thing the previous owner neglected, headliner was removed before I got her. She ran out of coolant when I first got it and over heated and the temp gauge topped out but few thousand miles later head gasket is fine the only problem is a slight lifter tick that was there when i bought the car. She will spin tire if you know how. The seats are comfortable
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car ever

    Affordable reliability. Never left me stranded. Normal maintenance only. NY winter salt finally ate through the frame. Cried when I had to let her go to scrap. Best reliability ever!!!! Was never in mechanic for other than normal repairs or maintenance. Couple springs here, brakes there. No engine or tranny issues. Had it until 2016. Bought used when it was 5 years old.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • First and most reliable car

    My first car was a 2002 base model Chevy Malibu. It has been reliable for me from 72,000 miles to where I'm at now with 265,000 miles on it. The cheap interior and lack of design character aren't the best but for its age, it's pretty reliable, and that's what really matters.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very comfortable

    Most comfortable car I have ever owned and would recommend for anyone. I bought mine as a beater and worked flawlessly. I wish I still had mine
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Over 233k and it was still going

    I kept it for 14 years. When it was replaced it was still running fine. It restored my trust on American car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love my Malibu

    There are not enough words to express how reliable this car has been for me. She has over 160k miles and still is fun as heck to drive after all these years. I bought her new in my favorite green color. The Malibu model is a can't miss purchase.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car ever!

    I have owned upwards of 20 vehicles in my lifetime; from the 1970's model year to 2002. I have also driven numerous brand new cars (up to 2017 model year). I bought my Malibu with 89,xxx miles on it. It now has close to 150,000 and still running strong. I've done very little maintenance wise to it. I am looking for a newer car; but plan on keeping this one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Really?

    I have owned a 2002 Malibu since 2004 and put about 100000 miles on the vehicle myself. Problems are: Anti theft system, lower intake manifold gasket, front wheel bearing. Had the lower intake gasket replaced in 2008 currently needs replacing again. Beware the Malibu's produced in Lansing Michigan. Came from the factory with silicon nylon lower intake manifold gasket needs to be replaced every 50000 miles. OOPs did I forget to mention the key ignition probs. In all I do not see how anyone that has owned this car and put more than 20000 miles can give it high ratings.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car

    We have a 2002 Malibu with 290,000 MILES on it. Bought it for $9,000 back in 2003, ten years later it is still going. We put about $2,000 in repairs over the past 10 years. Super Value!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great First Car!

    This Malibu is the first car I've ever owned, and I can tell it will last me a long time. Partly because I bought it with <60,000 miles on it, and partly because it is just about flawless. The gas mileage could be a bit better, so far I've gotten around 18-19 mpg city, and the acceleration from a stop isn't the best, rather poor, actually. But everything, literally, everything else about this car is fantastic. Of the reviews I've read, owners either love their car or hate it.. and I am one of the ones who loves their Malibu. So I, for one, recommend it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I like it!

    This car is great car to drive when you are in a hurry on the highway. When you are in a complete stop on a stoplight and it turns green, you are able to go to the speed limit pretty quickly. I love my Malibu! Its a great car to have!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A Great Car

    I bought my 2002 Malibu used with 23000 miles. I drove it for 7yrs. till I had the lower intake gkt. leak coolant @160000 miles. I have had no other concerns. My car now has 175000 miles.It is still a GREAT CAR. And recommend to friends and family.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Chevrolet dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • LS (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Chevrolet Malibu owners.

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. 68.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.9 / 5
Based on 22 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 3.8
  • Value: 3.8
  • Exterior: 3.9
  • Reliability: 3.9

Chevrolet Malibu history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"sedan_midsize","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Sedan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]