Product Reviews
News
Take Action
About Us
search
Become a Member
Donate
Search
All Products A-Z
    Become a Member
    Donate

    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

    We’re so glad to have you as a member. You now have access to benefits that can help you choose right, be safe and stay informed.
    Get Started
    2012
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Malibu Change Vehicle

    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.
    Alerts
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2012
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Malibu

    Overall Owner Satisfaction

    Consumer Reports’ Annual Owner Satisfaction Survey can improve the chances of finding a compatible car match. How? Our survey data reveals whether, all things considered, owners would buy the same car again. The answer to that question is what determines our owner-satisfaction rating, which is a powerful piece of intel because it predicts how well a particular model will satisfy other owners.

    Overall Owner Satisfaction

    Owner Satisfaction with:

    Driving Experience

    Includes acceleration and handling

    What Owners Say

    “Handles nicely, acceleration is poor. 4 cylinder is undersized and gets poor gas mileage, should have gotten the 6 cylinder.”

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “Handles well, parks well (I can judge where the front and rear of the car ends)”

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “6 speed transmission enables the 4 cylinder engine to have a sprightly feel, and the car handles bumps well and handling is firm enough. There is plenty of road noise”

    ROGER H., LA (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “under powered with 4 cylinder engine compared to previous Malibu that had a 6 cylinder. Otherwise a good performer. Serves our needs very well.”

    P M., IN (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “feel slighty cramped when driving”

    WILLIAM N., NY (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)
    Load more

    Comfort

    Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride

    What Owners Say

    “Noise is very low, climate control works well. The ride is nice and controlled. The interior is not holding up well, seat is cracking already from a small female driver and low mileage.”

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “Good”

    JACK M., IN (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “Seats are a little thin.”

    JOHN M., RI (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “When back windows are open only, there is a ringing sound in the ears that is very piercing. When driving with all windows closed and no air or fan on, there is air that comes through the vents.”

    JUANITA D., CA (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “Condensation can be so bad on the inside that -all- windows often require cleaning with paper towels. Dealer brushed it off, no attempt to check it out. In the winter the windows are frequently covered with heavy frost which takes quite a while to clear-20 minutes or more. The automatic start keys have new batteries yet only work randomly. Again the dealer brushed it off.”

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “The ride is not as comfortable as I would like. I feel every bump in the road even with new comfort ride tires. It would be helpful to have lumbar support in the front passenger seat, for times when I'm not driving. It would be helpful to have the cup holders with some kind of glow in the dark feature”

    EVA L., ON (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)
    Load more

    Value

    Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?

    What Owners Say

    “This vehicle has had so many problems that I don't feel that I'm getting anywhere near my money's worth out of it. I have had to put over $3,000 in repairs into it in less than 2 years of ownership.”

    JOANNE P., ME (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “I stalked this car online as it had been on the dealer lot for over a year so I knew they were desperate to unload it. I offered $18,000 for a $28,000 list price car thinking they would laugh - and they took it. I had a further $3,000 GM MasterCard rebate so the car was only $15,000. The only great deal on a car I've ever gotten. Felt like I stole it.”

    RICHARD M., MA (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “I generally don't buy form dealers because I feel I can get a better deal with private party. But I gave dealer a max. price and other conditions and he was able to get one at an auction for me.”

    DALE T., OR (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “This car does not have in dash navigation so I can not judge. Overall the car was overpriced and it lost it's value extremely fast.”

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “The price was very good for its value”

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “I have never ever gotten the fuel mileage advertised for this car, even when driving on the highway. This has been a disappointment. My 22 yr. old standard transmission Ford Ranger truck that died resulting in the purchase of the Malibu, got better mileage!”

    MARY B., KY (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)
    Load more

    Styling

    How it looks inside and out

    What Owners Say

    “nice”

    Anonymous, LA (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “I love the way it looks”

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “Prefer the styling of the Ford Fusion and the new Malibu.”

    REG E., ON (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “I like the features on the steering wheel. Love the heated seats I would love a heated steering wheel and outside mirrors A WIPER ON THE BACK WINDOW SHOULD BE MANDATORY SAFETY ISSUE!”

    EVA L., ON (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “Everyone who gets in the car comments on how beautiful it is inside and out.”

    JOHN M., RI (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “LOW PROFILE”

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)

    “There is little pizzaz with this vehicle.”

    GERALD-SYLVIA P., FL (2012 Chevrolet Malibu)
    Load more
    Change Vehicle