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2012
Chevrolet Malibu

Starts at:
$22,110
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New 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn LS w/1LS
    Starts at
    $22,110
    22 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LS w/1FL
    Starts at
    $22,200
    22 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LT w/1LT
    Starts at
    $23,470
    22 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LT w/2LT
    Starts at
    $26,300
    22 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LT w/3LT
    Starts at
    $28,300
    17 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LTZ w/1LZ
    Starts at
    $28,600
    22 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LTZ w/2LZ
    Starts at
    $30,200
    17 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Notable features

Four-cylinder or V-6
Standard six-speed automatic transmission
Standard OnStar navigation service
Three sets of child-seat anchors

The good & the bad

The good

Ride quality
Decent handling
Crash-test ratings
Easy controls

The bad

Weak four-cylinder
So-so cabin materials
Rear visibility
Small trunk opening
Turning circle

Expert 2012 Chevrolet Malibu review

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

Vehicle Overview

Available in LS, LT and top-of-the-line LTZ trim levels, the five-seat Malibu is Chevrolet’s entry in the important midsize sedan segment. Its competitors include the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. A redesigned Malibu is scheduled to debut for the 2013 model year.

New for 2012
There are no significant changes for the 2012 model year.

Exterior
The Malibu features a prominent two-bar grille and squared-off rear. A glass sunroof is optional. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 17-inch wheels; optional 18-inch rims
  • V-6 models have dual chrome exhaust outlets
  • Available remote start

Interior
A variety of two-tone interior themes are available to accent the dashboard, center control panel, door trim and seats. The instruments have blue backlighting, and a 110-volt household power outlet is available. A premium Bose stereo is optional. Interior features include:

  • Laminated glass to reduce cabin noise
  • Metallic accents
  • 60/40-split folding rear seat in all trim levels   
  • Standard satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription included
  • Standard cloth seats; leather upholstery optional
  • Available Bluetooth connectivity
  • Available steering-wheel audio controls

Under the Hood
The Malibu is available with a four-cylinder or V-6 engine, both of which use variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Both engines team with a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers get a significant horsepower gain by stepping up to the optional V-6. Mechanical features include:

  • 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 pounds-feet of torque
  • 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with 251 pounds-feet of torque
  • Six-speed automatic with manual shift control
  • Standard variable electric power-assist steering


Safety
An electronic stability system is standard. Standard OnStar features automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics, a monthly status report and Turn-by-Turn Navigation with a six-month trial plan. Additional safety features include:

  • Standard side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Standard side curtain airbags for both rows of seats
  • Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes

2012 Chevrolet Malibu review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Available in LS, LT and top-of-the-line LTZ trim levels, the five-seat Malibu is Chevrolet’s entry in the important midsize sedan segment. Its competitors include the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. A redesigned Malibu is scheduled to debut for the 2013 model year.

New for 2012
There are no significant changes for the 2012 model year.

Exterior
The Malibu features a prominent two-bar grille and squared-off rear. A glass sunroof is optional. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 17-inch wheels; optional 18-inch rims
  • V-6 models have dual chrome exhaust outlets
  • Available remote start

Interior
A variety of two-tone interior themes are available to accent the dashboard, center control panel, door trim and seats. The instruments have blue backlighting, and a 110-volt household power outlet is available. A premium Bose stereo is optional. Interior features include:

  • Laminated glass to reduce cabin noise
  • Metallic accents
  • 60/40-split folding rear seat in all trim levels   
  • Standard satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription included
  • Standard cloth seats; leather upholstery optional
  • Available Bluetooth connectivity
  • Available steering-wheel audio controls

Under the Hood
The Malibu is available with a four-cylinder or V-6 engine, both of which use variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Both engines team with a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers get a significant horsepower gain by stepping up to the optional V-6. Mechanical features include:

  • 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 pounds-feet of torque
  • 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with 251 pounds-feet of torque
  • Six-speed automatic with manual shift control
  • Standard variable electric power-assist steering


Safety
An electronic stability system is standard. Standard OnStar features automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics, a monthly status report and Turn-by-Turn Navigation with a six-month trial plan. Additional safety features include:

  • Standard side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Standard side curtain airbags for both rows of seats
  • Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
4/5
Combined side rating front seat
4/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
3/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
4/5
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.9%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.9%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 100,000 miles
Battery
8 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 100,000 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

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Consumer reviews

4.1 / 5
Based on 143 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.1
Performance 3.9
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • Bought this car new in 2012.

    Bought this car new in 2012. Just quit driving it with 373400 miles. Only replaced the water pump. Transmission was never touched, fuel pump, alternator, heat, ac still work and original. Maybe I was extremely lucky but this car was awesome.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My headlight keep going out connector has a shortage and

    My headlight keep going out connector has a shortage and I think my ignition switch is going bad a ton of electrical problems considering this vehicle …. But does anybody know what it means when it says “engine power reduced on your dash board” like what could be the real cause of it i have gotten so many different answers !
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I find this to be a dangerous vehicle please read

    Not unlike many many Malibu's, very very serious transmission problem. That immediately stops you from driving and costs THOUSANDS of Dollars (plan on $5K+) to fix and Chevy knows about it and WON'T RECALL!! IT SHOULD BE RECALLED!! It's dangerous!! I would never have bought this car had someone left this review. I'll never buy another Chevy again because of this model and the shotty engine Chevy glued together. SHAME ON YOU GM/CHEVY!!!! This car is gonna get someone killed if it hasn't already!!!! For the good it does ride comfortably while it does run, trunk is roomy, and it does pretty good on gas.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    17 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My plight personally

    Very mechanically reliable but the head lights keep burning out and it's just irritating since the bumper has to come apart to fix it every week or two. Be sides that and the sound from running the ac unit which sounds terrible idling loudly . Very happy with car mechanically .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Malibu. Sometimes Transportation

    The reason that you cannot and should not believe the good reviews for ANY GM car is because the people who bought GM in 2009 are investing companies who also own the magazine companies. This car has horrible basic reliability issue throughout. It starts and runs sporadically. GM knows and DOES NOTHING.....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    31 people out of 36 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Not and will not crank not to happy with it

    Here for the past month I have had problems with my car not cranking and still does that if I drive more than 30 mins
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    9 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good car for the money

    I have had this car for 9 years now. It only broke down once (my fault). Other than that. It works for what I need it to. A bit slow but that’s what you get for the price. Very reliable, recommended for teens who drive cautiously.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Worst car I’ve ever owned

    In my research I’ve noticed thousands of people who have purchased this car and all have the same issue of the car starting when ot wants to. If GM is going to recall something they need to recall this Make and model because this is a common issue. I just got a whole brand new engine and its still starting when it wants to
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    22 people out of 27 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • NOT AT ALL

    THIS VEHICLE HAS A BIG ISSUE ON THE RELAY FOR THE FUEL PUMP THERE ARE THOUSAND OF COMPLAINTS BUT NO RECALLS. IT SHUT OFF WHEN DRIVING AND I HAVVE REPLACED TWO FUSE BOXES AND 7 RELAY'S TO GET IT TURN ON YOU HAVE TO SHACK THE WIRE'S???? AND THATS SOMETIMES. PLEASE RECAL THJIS ISSUE
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    11 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Worst purchase Ive ever made

    Let me start by saying I’ve been a loyal Chevy customer for over 20yrs until I bough this 2012 Malibu, I will never buy another Chevy. I bought this car brand new 5/12/12. I’ve had nothing but recalls and problems. This car sat for 2 years and didn’t run, before that I’d be driving and the car would turn itself off, I would have to disconnect and reconnect the battery to get it to go a few more miles just to have to disconnect and reconnect the battery so I could get it somewhere to park it. I called GM headquarters to try and get help and they told me it wasn’t their problem. I work in the insurance industry and a lot of my clients that own these cars are having the same problems. This car has done nothing but cost me a xxxx ton of money and it’s still under 100,000 miles. DO NOT PURCHASE A MALIBU!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Car has finally made it to the 8 year mark.

    This Vehicle is for the cheap. Only been 8 years and experienced numerous problems. The steering is so difficult. It's like playing tug of war every turn. The driver has no space. My elbows have no room. I'm 5'10 180. I'm not a big guy. Also the shocks and struts had to swapped at the 6 year mark.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2012 malibu ls 2.4

    The seats aren't very comfortable at all they sit to low and hardly no padding . Dash board is ok . Hard to move around in side the couch. Blind spot h The rear headrest are in the way .for looking in the mirror.out back and quarter panel make looking when backing up impossible..stiff ride.car gets good mileage. The car doesn't need a 6 speed transmission.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is available in 7 trim levels:

  • LS w/1FL (1 style)
  • LS w/1LS (1 style)
  • LT w/1LT (1 style)
  • LT w/2LT (1 style)
  • LT w/3LT (1 style)
  • LTZ w/1LZ (1 style)
  • LTZ w/2LZ (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 33 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 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Chevrolet Malibu owners.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. 78.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 143 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 3.9
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.2

Chevrolet Malibu history

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