2002 Chevrolet Malibu

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$425–$5,445 Inventory Prices
(3.7) 18 reviews
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2002 Chevrolet Malibu
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Key Specs
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Overview
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Key Specs

of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Sedan See similar vehicles
  • Combined MPG:
    24 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    170-hp, 3.1-liter V-6 (regular gas)
  • Drivetrain:
    Front-wheel Drive
  • Transmission:
    4-speed automatic w/OD
  • View more specs

2002 Chevrolet Malibu Overview

By Cars.com Editors
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 alre...
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

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Latest 2002 Malibu Stories

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Consumer Reviews

3.7
18 reviews
Exterior Styling
(3.9)
Performance
(3.7)
Interior Design
(4.0)
Comfort
(4.3)
Reliability
(3.6)
Value For The Money
(3.8)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Over 233k and it was still going

by HYY on November 24, 2017

I kept it for 14 years. When it was replaced it was still running fine. It restored my trust on American car. Read full review

(5.0)

I love my Malibu

by Gang Green from Glendale on November 6, 2017

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 ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu currently has 4 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Malibu received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker