Chevrolet Malibu

Swoopy styling and modern powertrains are highlights of Chevrolet's Malibu. The car is competitive among midsized sedans, with a quiet cabin and easy-to-use controls. In tests we found the Malibu to be quiet, with a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Two four-cylinder turbo engines are offered: a 1.5-liter with a six-speed automatic--which got 29 mpg in our tests--and a more powerful and refined 2.0-liter backed by an eight-speed automatic. A hybrid, utilizing some of the Chevrolet Volt's technology, is also available. It got an impressive 41 mpg overall in our tests. Up front is a roomy, comfortable cockpit and an updated version of Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system. But the cloth seats are a bit short on support. The rear seat is roomy, so long-legged passengers can stretch out.

Completely redesigned for 2016, the Malibu is much sleeker than the boxy sedan it replaced. A new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine became the base engine, improving fuel economy to 29 mpg overall. A 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder remains the up level engine choice, and it is now mated to a new eight-speed automatic. The hybrid powertrain is all new, with dramatically improved fuel economy. Rear-seat room is also much improved, while the car's composed and compliant ride and quiet cabin remain.

The V6 engine option was dropped, but the normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines are quiet and refined in operation. The rear seat is tight, but the LT model is nicely equipped overall. We suggest opting for leather seats, as the standard cloth seats have scratchy fabric and so-so cushion support. Also skip the Eco model; you can get the same fuel economy for much less money. The 2014 models have slightly more rear-seat room. Changes for 2015 include a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

An excellent 2008 redesign made the Malibu quieter, more responsive, and gave it a more comfortable ride. We considered it to be among the best family sedans. The interior is significantly upgraded, with better materials and improved fit and finish. A mild-hybrid powertrain was also offered for this model year. Stability control became a standard Malibu feature for 2009.

Available as a sedan or four-door hatchback, the 2004 Malibu is a solid, well-rounded competitor, with good fuel economy from the available V6, as well as responsive handling and a supple ride. Look for one with side-curtain airbags. This version of the Malibu scored a Poor in IIHS crash tests without them.

Although it has changed little since its 1997 introduction, the Malibu still provides good basic transportation and holds its own among low-priced V6 sedans. It costs less than a four-cylinder-equipped Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but lacks the refinement of those models. Handling is fairly nimble, but tire grip gives out easily at the limits. The standard 3.1-liter, 170-hp V6 gets the job done but isn't very refined. The ride is compliant though a bit jiggly. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The interior is roomy, with a rear seat that's actually more comfortable than the one in the larger Impala. The front seats are fairly comfortable, and the controls are logical. Many interior fittings feel insubstantial and cheap.