Chevrolet Malibu 2008-2011 review

2011 Chevrolet Malibu. Photo: GM Canada

The 2008-2011 Chevrolet Malibu was a big leap forward for GM. If you look at the previous generation Malibu, it's very easy to see. Buyers appreciated it too and the 2008 Malibu sales went up significantly compared to the 2007 model.
If you are in the market for a family sedan, the 2008-2011 Malibu deserves consideration. It is a good-looking car with clean smooth lines and refined interior with upscale feel. It handles well on the road and has a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride. The Malibu's overall quality has improved too, although for now, it's too early to judge its long-term reliability.

Overview

Chevrolet Malibu interior. Click for larger photo See more photos below

Chevrolet Malibu rear seat area. Click for larger photo

The Malibu's trunk is deep. Click for larger photo

The Malibu's 2.4L Ecotec engine. Click for larger photo

The 2008-20011 Malibu has front wheel drive and is only available as a 4-door sedan; the five-door Malibu Max of the previous generation has been dropped. The 2008-2011 Malibu features a longer wheelbase compared to the previous model.
In US and Canada, the Malibu was available in LS, LT and the top-of-the-line LTZ trim levels, as well as a Hybrid. The Malibu LT was further split into 1LT and 2LT, where the 2LT model was better equipped and had more options, including the V6. The Malibu Hybrid was not as technically advanced as the class leader Toyota Prius, and it was discontinued later.
The Malibu came with either fuel-efficient 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC engine or 252-hp 3.6L DOHC V6. Both engines had Variable Valve Timing (VVT). The "classic" cam-in-block 3.5L V6 was also available in some fleet vehicles, but it's rare to find. Most of the used 2008-2011 Malibus for sale that I found on the Autotrader had a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. For 2008, transmission choices included 4-speed automatic and 6-speed automatic. For 2011, the six-speed automatic was offered on all trim levels. The 4-cylinder Malibu models use an electric power-assist steering system, while the V6 models employ a time-proven hydraulic-assisted steering.
Inside, the Malibu feels rich, with a nicely shaped dash and sporty-looking gauges. The steering wheel seems a bit too large at first, but easy to get used to. The seats with suede-like inserts are comfortable. The fit and finish is good, although some of the interior materials could be better. The front and rear pillars are quite thick, creating blind spots in the corners. The rear seat space is adequate for two adults, with good legroom. The trunk is deep, although the opening sure could be wider. The rear split seat folds down to accommodate longer items. See more Malibu interior photos below.
On the road the Malibu handles very well, much better than you'd expect from a family sedan for this price. The car feels stable on curves, with limited body roll. The ride is smooth and quiet; road bumps are well absorbed by the suspension. During a test drive, I drove over the railroad tracks and it was barely noticeable inside. What could be better, though, is the turning circle, which is a bit too wide.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control, front, side and side curtain airbags were standard. Stability Control was standard on LT and LTZ for 2008, standard on all models from 2009. The 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu received 5 stars out of 5 in the NHTSA frontal and side-impact crash tests. Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA has introduced tougher tests. The 2011 Malibu received 4 stars in the front and 5 stars in the side crash tests. For more details, visit Safercar.gov.

Pros

- Exterior styling
- Refined interior
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Good crash test scores
- High level of standard safety features
- Fuel economy for 4-cylinder engine

Cons

- The trunk opening could be wider
- The turning radius is quite wide
- Visibility in the corners

Overall

The 2008-2011 Malibu is a lot better car than the previous model. It looks good, it drives well and has well-designed comfortable interior. Seating inside it and remembering GM cars from ten years ago it's easy to see that the GM moves in the right direction. With the current Camry and Accord models having more complaints than usually expected from them, Chevrolet Malibu should not be disregarded. As with any car, the first-year model draws the most complaints, most notably about door locks and electrical power steering, so I'd recommend to look for 2009 and newer Malibu. The used car reliability prediction for the 2009 Malibu was rated 'above average' by the Consumer Reports in 2011. Also it's worth to check with the dealer if any recalls or software updates need to be done.

What to look for buying a used Chevrolet Malibu

As a first step, check used car history records, especially as the Malibu is a popular car with the rental companies. Follow this link: How to check used car history.
- Check the service records if available.
- During the test drive, watch for any irregular noises from the steering. There are plenty of complaints about the steering.
- During a test drive watch for the way the transmission shifts and for any vibration at highway speed. There are some complaints about both issues.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed before buying a car, as in some cases the repair might be expensive.
- Check all the electrical features, including the radio.
- Check all the door locks and if they are opening and closing with the remote; there are some complaints about problems with the door locks.
Read more what to look for when buying a used car
- Before buying a car, I strongly recommend to have it inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Check the insurance quotes before buying a car.
Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.

Maintenance tips

Touch up stone chips and deep scratches before they get corroded. Regular oil changes are important to keep your engine in a good shape. Use good quality parts. Read How to keep your car running longer. For the Oil Life System to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed. Your owner's manual has the directions how to reset the engine oil life system. Keep the interior of the car dry as there are many electronic components that can get corroded in the presence of water. Keep all the fluids clean and topped up, use only the recommended type. At least once a year have your car inspected in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Check more Car maintenance tips. Read here Why your Check Engine light comes on.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Specifications

Chevrolet Malibu Photos

2008 Chevrolet Malibu LE 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LE 2008 Chevrolet Malibu gauges Center stack UltraLux Sheer Suede seats feel great Center console Center console Fit and finish is good Split rear seat folds down. Rear cup holder Malibu's 3.6L V6 engine 17-inch wheel Malibu's headlight

2011 Chevrolet Malibu LE