Chevrolet Malibu

A stylish redesign made the current Malibu one of the better-looking entries in the mid-size category, as well as giving it an improved interior with more rear-seat room, refined powertrains and improved fuel economy. A new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder is the base engine, … while a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is optional. A hybrid powertrain is also available, netting an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined. 

The 2013 redesign will not be remembered as a benchmark in Malibu history; our 2013 review noted little more than a large trunk and quiet interior as its high points. Better news was the addition of the excellent Chevrolet MyLink multimedia system. Base power came from a new … 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder was optional. An Eco version delivered an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined thanks to a mild-hybrid powertrain. Unfortunately, interior quality was not up to par, and the backseat was cramped. 

Much improved all around, the 2008 Malibu had a longer wheelbase and more interior room, plus more style inside and out. Improved interior materials with available two-tone themes were a big improvement, and the ride was quiet and comfortable. This was also the last generation of the … Malibu to offer a V-6 engine. Standard power came from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and a mild-hybrid version was also available. 

Based on a platform shared with GM’s former Opel brand, this generation was the only Malibu to be offered as a Euro-style hatchback in addition to a sedan. With a large rear opening and sliding rear seats, the Malibu Maxx hatch added practicality but was not a big hit with … buyers. Four- and six-cylinder engines were available, and Chevrolet brought back the SS nameplate for 2006, featuring suspension and trim upgrades and added performance from a 240-horsepower, 3.9-liter V-6.

Returning after a 14-year absence, the Malibu nameplate came back in 1997 as a front-wheel-drive replacement for the Chevrolet Corsica. Long on value (if not excitement), power came from a standard 150-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or an optional 155-hp, 3.1-liter V-6. Standard safety … features included antilock brakes. This generation remained in production until 2005 as the Malibu Classic, which was sold to fleets.