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2016 Chevrolet Malibu

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$21,625

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

31

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

193.8” x 57.6”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(185 reviews)

The good:

  • More rear legroom
  • Multimedia system
  • Ride and handling
  • Teen Driver safety system
  • Fuel economy (hybrid)
  • Refined lane departure prevention

The bad:

  • No interior trunk release button
  • Cabin materials and design in base and middle trims
  • Road noise
  • 2.0-liter prefers premium gas
  • Busy eight-speed (with 2.0-liter)

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2016 Chevrolet Malibu trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • All-new five-seat midsize sedan
  • Front-wheel drive, gas and hybrid powertrains
  • Much more interior space, especially in back
  • Available teen driver safety monitor system
  • Hybrid estimated at over 45 mpg city
See also: How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

2016 Chevrolet Malibu review: Our expert's take

By Jennifer Geiger

Consumer reviews

(185 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value 4.2
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.2
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Most recent consumer reviews

GASOLINE SENSOR MAlFUNCTION

My engine light is on when my gas tank is not full because of the fuel sensor . It just hit the 5 year mark! 78k miles. Chevy wants 180.00 to look at it! This also happened to my last Malibu! My 2005 had the same problem!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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The 2016 Chevy Malibu isnt a good choice vehicle

I got this car back in 2016 by 17-18 I was already taking it to the shop and I have spent a lot of money on this car. Then the mechanic tells me that the car's with the turbos on them your motor want last to 150k to 200k the engine will malfunction. I paid the car off about a month later the engine went out. And I took my car to get serviced everytime it was time to and look what that got me I feel like Chevy or GM should be held responsible for that because they should know about what the turbos do to there motors

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Very Solid Purchase

I purchased my Malibu LT (1.5L) new in August 2016 and have absolutely loved it ever since. It has a quiet and refined ride, roomy interior with ample leg room for rear seat passengers, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, clear and easy-to-use infotainment system, fold-down rear seats, and some nice ambient interior lighting. While the 1.5L turbo engine won’t win a drag race, it’s still peppy enough to allow confident expressway entrances, and fuel economy is excellent for a 5-passenger sedan. Typically, with combined city/highway driving, I’ll see an average of 34 mpg (low of 24 to high of 44+). Driving at 50-55 mph on our flat So. Florida expressways will easily get 45+ mpg, while cruising at 70-75 will still get in the high 30's. The 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes are good and inspire confidence. At 108,700 miles, aside from regular oil changes, I’ve replaced the battery twice, replaced a tail brake light bulb (warranty), had a cooling system flush, a fuel system/throttle body repair ($200+), and got a new set of tires. I’ve only been stranded 3 times (flat tire from expressway debris, and twice with dead battery) over 6+ years of ownership, so reliability gets high marks. This car is ubiquitous for a reason – it’s a very solid purchase.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 185 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
10.2%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Maintenance
24 months/24,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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