Great Car for family people
Vaibhav Kumar on 08/11/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating:
Reliability Rating:
Safety Rating:
Technology Rating:
Value Rating:
Hi, This is a VERY comfortable car and reliable car- Very good control on Road, Comfortable Bucket seat, Spacious rear seats, collapsible rear seat, lots of trunk space (so you can carry enough things when going for Picnic or family outings), Great Bose Speakers.
Not A Family Car
Matt on 12/09/2015
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 2
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 3
Safety Rating: 4
Technology Rating: 3
Value Rating: 3
I bought my 2012 Chevy Malibu LS new in 2012 due to us losing a company car, and we went cheap on the trim. I have 2 children (under 5), and I can't say that I'm all that impressed with my Malibu, especially when comparing it to my wife's 2009 Ford Fusion SEL. The Malibu's 2.4L engine is very underpowered for a sedan. The transmission has never downshifted smoothly when approaching a light/stop sign (I'm assuming GM programmed the transmission this way to improve fuel economy). The fuel economy isn't as advertised (especially around town). We've had 3 recalls on the car, and for only having 39,500 miles, there are more squeaks and rattles than my wife's Fusion. The brakes and tires have worn very quickly. My friend has complained about the same issue with the same car. The throttle hesitates, and it seems the torque converter has a difficult time applying power to the wheels at lower RPMs. The paint scratches very easy, and the trunk opening is so small. We cannot the same types of items in my Malibu as we can in the Fusion (stroller, infant's swing, etc). On the positive side, we haven't had any major issues with it so far, and it is a very comfortable car to drive. The cabin is very quiet, and the car is easy on the eyes. The car is good in the snow, and the Bluetooth technology works great. The car warms up quickly in the winter. It is probably a nice vehicle for a single driver, but for a family it doesn't quite get the job done. I wouldn't recommend buying this vehicle.
Chevrolet should be ashamed of these cars
shadizar on 08/23/2015
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 3
Performance Rating: 1
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 1
Safety Rating: 2
Technology Rating: 1
Value Rating: 1
The 2012 Malibu with the 2.4 engine is severely underpowered. It goes fairly well on a flat highway, until you need to pass or accelerate, and then the engine roars and the car doesn't go much faster. With four people inside and a trunk of suitcases, it is absolutely pathetic trying to climb a hill. The engine just will not pull the car up the hill! You will have better luck using the manual downshift because the transmission is never in the right gear and it haso be floored to downshift. Chevrolet should be ashamed of this cars "performance," or lack thereof. It's embarrassing when trying to climb a hill. I know these aren't performance cars but my 97 cavalier would zip right by this thing on any kind of incline. Dealership service team checked it over and reported engine was working properly and there were no repairs they could do to make it any better.
Bad points: No power. Fuel economy is about 28 mpg at best. Brakes needed replacement at 30k. Wheel bearing failed at 30k. Tires worn down to nothing at 38k. Many recalls. Paint scratches very easily. Stereo sounds good but doesn't go very loud. Trunk opening small.
Good points: Fairly quiet ride. Comfortable front seats. Warms up quick in winter. Goes well in snow.
This car would be ok for a single driver with no passengers (as the more weight in the car the slower it goes... seriously its that underpowered.) And only then if most driving was on a flat road with few hills and small ones at that. I would not purchase it again. Very pricey and poor performance. My 201 Cruze is twice the car this Malibu is!
Nicest car I've ever hated
rom225 on 06/21/2014
Performance: 1
Comfort: 2
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 3
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 2
Performance Rating: 1
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 4
I bought my 2012 Malibu LT1 4cyl new to replace my 1998 Malibu base 6cyl.
I have a 66 mile one-way trip into work which includes 50 miles of open interstate driving with the last bit a drive through town on a divided 4-lane stop-and-stop traffic hwy.
I went with the 4cyl because it was 19K and the 6cyl started at 30k.
Convincing myself that the 34mpg would make me feel better.
6cyl I avg 26mpg, the 4cyl I avg 28mpg.
second year at 60K miles the map sensor failed and needed to be replaced, not a warranted part.
In Love w/ my Malibu
fireguy841 on 01/26/2014
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Bought my Malibu used but it rides like a brand new car. On a scale of 1-10 I'm at a 9.75.
I love the smooth ride it provides along with the great look it has. I bought the top of the line one with chrome 16 inch wheels, chrome door handles, low profile tires, leather/suede interior power everything. Love that it sits low to the ground giving you almost a sports car feel with the feels of a luxury car. Great gas mileage, not to mention it rides great in the snow. Definitely love this car. It is my 4th chevy I've owned and is my all time favorite.
SaigonPaulie75
saigonpaul75 on 07/09/2013
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I introduced to my wife 2011 Malibu(Summit white) LT1 model when it was new and she bought it and loves it..So this may 2013 I went and bought my 2012(former lease) with 14000 miles for a great price(same color) but it's LT2 model and loaded with heated seats. We laugh about it. It's like driving an expensive car that we only paid $17000 each. Oh yeah! There are cars that cost $50k+ and it's all about name brand and status symbol. We can't afford those and so in our own way, this is our Mercedes or Audi lol..But less fortunate people than us only wish they could own this Malibu. So we are very happy and proud to own 2 cars with the same color and park in our driveway at our cozy home lol..
May be last Chevy..
bigbearrc on 12/01/2012
Performance: 1
Comfort: 2
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 1
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 2
Reliability: 3
Comfort Rating: 2
Performance Rating: 1
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 3
Downsized form a 2002 Impala to this for gas mileage. Big mistake. Impala averaged 28mpg. I am lucky to hit that using cruse control full time. Car is very underpowered. Almost dangerous to pass anyone. Car has great looks , but appears to be all flash and lost its basics. Stering while stopped acts like it lacks the power to steer car.
Had for three months and want to replace. Will after getting some of the deprciation. Looking at 2013, it would appear GM knew this car was very deficient.
Good car, but some shortcomings
brownco4 on 10/25/2012
Performance: 4
Comfort: 3
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 3
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 4
PROS - Fun to drive (acceleration, handling, seat comfort); I like the power moon roof.
Quiet ride and nice, roomy trunk.
CONS - Tilt steering wheel is too low (even when it and the seats are adjusted).
Mileage on my Buick LeSabre is better than this Malibu.
Finally, the trunk release works, but the lifters do not lift, opening it unlike any other car I've ever had.
Gas mileage not as advertised
vthow on 09/19/2012
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
The 2012 Malibu I purchased was stickered at 34 MPG. The best I have been able to get is 25 MPG all highway. The Malibu is a good car but one of the selling points in buying this was the MPG so I am very disappointed in the misleading advertising.
Work Car
rlhinmi on 07/16/2012
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 4
Recently my workplace replaced the 2009 Impala I had been driving with a 2012 Malibu. The exterior design looks more modern than the Impala, but the ride is much more stiff. The steering is very light, reminding me a little of the Buick my grandparents had in the 80s. The build quality seems good--solid Ka-thunk when doors close. Interior graphics for the trip computer and clock seem dated. The power adjustment for lumbar support is a nice touch. In 1500 miles of mostly highway driving the car has been getting 22.5 MPG with E85, which is required by my workplace.
Three months into ownership...
brownco4 on 06/05/2012
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
We're off to a good start.
The car looks nice standing still and has a moon roof that adds to the look.
It's a unique off white color outside and has a leather with suede look seat.
Soon after buying this we drove 1400 miles over a weekend with four adults.
Both front and back seats were comfortable.
The headrests in front and the seat belts are some of the most comfortable we've ever had.
Front seats also recline for naps on those trips.
Acceleration is good, and this car will roll along for hours at high, interstate speeds with indifference to winds.
The car is very quiet also.
The large trunk is very nice as well.
Excellent Deal + Hidden Features
elpglenn on 02/28/2012
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
After shopping around and comparing the Malibu to the Accord and the Sonata, I found the Malibu to give you the most for your money.
The remote start and Bluetooth pretty much came standard on most of the Malibus, plus with OnStar I am able to get turn-by-turn directions that actually SHOW UP on the radio screen.
I am very impressed!
I thought I would be loosing out on navigation but if not having a map is okay with you then this is a winner!
Acceleration could be better but picks up pretty good for a 4-cylinder.
Braking action is good and it hugs curves very well.
Overall, I like all that the Malibu offers for under $25,000!