Chevrolet Malibu

Name: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Brand: Chevrolet

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The four-cylinder Malibu was updated with a six-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy and throttle response for this model year. Otherwise, Malibu remains well rounded overall. The car handles well and has a competent powertrain, along with a very quiet, spacious and well-trimmed cabin.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Chevrolet Malibu

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Ford Fusion

Honda Accord

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2023

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Midsized cars Ratings

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

$4,150 - $5,150

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chrysler 200

$3,475 - $4,900

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Avenger

$4,000 - $4,550

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fusion

$4,750 - $5,700

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Accord

$7,125 - $7,775

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Genesis

$5,725 - $6,550

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Sonata

$4,425 - $5,650

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$4,425 - $5,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Kia Optima

$4,675 - $5,450

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 Mazda 6

$5,075 - $5,825

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Mitsubishi Galant

$3,800 - $4,350

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Nissan Altima

$4,325 - $5,300

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Subaru Legacy

$5,000 - $7,525

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Suzuki Kizashi

$3,400 - $4,500

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Camry

$6,550 - $8,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$6,550 - $8,000

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen CC

$4,275 - $5,175

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Volkswagen Passat

$3,850 - $5,100

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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See All Midsized cars Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.4-liter 4 (169 hp)
3.6-liter V6 (252 hp)

6-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2016-Present

Current Generation

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 remained the up level engine choice until it was dropped in 2023, and was 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. For 2019, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Chevrolet dropped the hybrid model for 2020. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity was new for 2021. For 2023, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection became standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning became optional. Updates for 2024 included standard rear park assist, which provides alerts identifying nearby objects behind the vehicle. 2025 is the final model year for the Malibu.

2013-2015

2013 Redesign Year

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.

2008-2012

2008 Redesign Year

A 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.

2004-2007

2004 Redesign Year

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.

1997-2003

1997 Redesign Year

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.