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2012 Chevrolet Malibu consumer reviews

$22,110–$22,200 MSRP range
side view of 2012 Malibu Chevrolet
(143 reviews)
78% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 3.9
  • Value 4.1
  • Exterior 4.3
  • Reliability 4.2
Explore the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Shop the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Dissapointed Malabu owner

After driving a 2002 Buick Century for 10 comfortable years, GETTING 19-20 MPG city and 29-30 MPG highway, I thoght I would would trade for a 2012 Chevey Malabu advertsed in dealer adds and in newspappers and TV as getting 22MPG AND 33MPG. Was I ever suckerd in!!. Driving 45MPH and watching the tachometer I am getting 14.9 to 16.2 MPG. I have taken the car back to the dealer 3 times and have been told that is the way the computer is set and nothing can be done about the mileage. I was told I was using the wrong kind of gasoline so I changed stations, no difference. Needless to say, for the first time, I am totaly dissapointed. My advise if your thinking of a new car don't believe the advertisements, the window sticker , or the salesperson.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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I Love, Love, Love My 2012 Chevy Malibu

Besides it's stylish swag, the Malibu drives like a dream. The steering response is amazing GM finally got it right. I have the bear bones model 4 cylinder, cloth seats, wheel covers and it is absolutely beautiful. The door alignment is right on, very quiet inside as you drive. You feel like a million even though you've spent a fraction. I would recommend this car to any. Before I leased this one, I rented to see how the 4 cylinder would hold up as I've always preferred a 6. The acceleration was surprising I've driven it twice to Maryland with great comfort in the ride and peace because of it's reliability thus far. I love the Malibu! Huge Fan.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Good But Not Great

I bought this car on last day of April 2012. So far I have had no mechanical or electrical problems. Steering is a little vague on center, especially driving on asphalt roads with tire ruts. The car is very quiet. I just wished Chevy had put laminated side windows in the back so I would'nt have road noise coming from behind my head. The door height is a little low. I bump my head if I don't watch out. Getting in and out is a kind of rough, I guess because the car sits so low to the ground. Visablity is okay. I though it would be a liitle constricted with the raked windshield and the wide c pillar. I took the rear head rests out so the rear visiblity is not too bad. I am only averging 21 MPG. My 2004 Malibu got 26. The turning circle is a little too wide because of the long wheelbase. Sometimes it is like I am driving a bus. The rear suspension is also noisy, especially driving over speed humps. I really like the USB port. I don't even listen to XM radio. I don't think I am going to renew the subscription. Overall this is not a bad car. It could have been more sturdier like foreign cars. The 2004 for was like a tank.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Give it a try

I have owned mostly Japanese and German Sedans and generally purchased them certified used at the 2-3 year period. Since I live in a Metro ZOO where one spends ALOT of time stuck in traffic or is fighting to keep up with the flow of traffic at 10-20 above limit on Interstates -- two things are critical -- a good stereo and some acceleration. Normally that means a V-6. However, I rented a 1LT Malibu for about 10 days and couldn't believe the comfort, quiet ride, handling and all in a 4 cyl. So, I decided with Malibu priced reasonably I wouldn't pay much more than for a late model used Import. Test drove the V-6 and decided the 4 cyl. was good enough got the 1LZ - very happy great stereo rides smooth, leather and sunroof and Bose and all the other features for $22K - really hard to top!!!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Great car!

Bought a new Honda Civic last year, and really hated the car and Honda service. The Honda had awful road noise among other little issues and Honda claimed everything was normal.. Well I traded that normal piece of junk in for a Malibu and love it!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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The Car You'll Love to Drive!

I had only planned to test drive this car. There was nothing wrong with my last Malibu, just wanted to see how the new one drove. Wow! First, it was so quiet, and very easy to maneuver. I wondered how the four-cylinder engine would perform, and was pleased to feel the power. Good mileage, sporty looks, and Malibu reliability has kept me a Chevy Malibu owner for 14 years, and with my third new Malibu now sitting in my garage, who knows? Maybe another 14 years!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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2012 Malibu

This is my first new Malibu. I love to drive this car because it has a 4 clylinder DOHC that has more power than my last Ford with a 6 cyclinder. It is easy to handle and has a very smooth ride. The price we paid for this car was a great deal. I would highly recommend this car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Terrific Car, Great Fuel Economy

I have owned my Malibu LT2 for 9 days now, took a trip for work and didn't refuel until I was over 400 miles into it and still had just under a 1/4 tank of fuel. Fuel Economy "A+", Very Stylish, Road noise was very minimal, Handling was very good, Comfort of seats, ease of all controls onboard made it for a very pleasurable drive. Handling on the road/hi-way/freeway was exceptional and really caught me by suprise of even the power it has for just an eco 4cyl. powertrain. I bought it with the Black Granite Metalic paint, and everyone besides myself keeps commenting on how they love the color. If you couldn't tell, I am a super happy, super suprised new Chevy Malibu owner. I would totally recommend this vehicle to anyone!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Really fun to drive

We have less than 30 miles on our 2012 Malibu, so I can't write about long term reliability. Please ignore that 5 star rating. Cons: Small trunk for its size, I think, but traded in a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, so the Malibu trunk is huge! Some minor 4 cylinder engine noise when accelerating. Pros: Luxurious ride and comfortable seats. VERY quiet and roomy front seat interior. Super quiet cruising in town or on highway. Great sound system. Cruise control is smooth. I was immediately at ease in this car. My 30 year old son in law loves his, and it's superior for an old man like me, too!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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The car has been wonderful.

One of the best cars I have ever owned. It has great style airodydamics, great handleing. Just a great driving car...

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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