2010 Chevrolet Malibu Review: One Of The Least Reliable Years For The Midsize Sedan

Jul 2, 2022

The 2010 Malibu lasts only around 150,000 miles with transmission and engine problems. At $7,838 to $10,493, it’s frankly way too expensive for a car with a lot of problems.

The Good

The steering is responsive, V6 engine offers good power and the controls are easy to use.

The Bad

Interior materials are low-quality, the infotainment technology is outdated and the angle of the rear seats is uncomfortable.

Is the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu a Good Used Car?

No, 2010 is a bad year for the Malibu. Owner reviews complain about excessive noise, mechanical issues, and high ownership costs.
Reliability ratings are below average. There are fewer complaints on 2014 and newer models, making them a better choice for shoppers.
Performance is average from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 offers good power.
The 2010 Malibu is a very safe sedan, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is decent, getting up to 26 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Jacob C

Very smooth driving car, sleek perfect for A to B driving

Nothing really wrong with the car haven't had issues with it for the 3 years I've had it. There has been some small problems like tire sensors going out or it seems like headlights go out quick. The only thing I don't like is taking off the entire bumper just to change the headlight, it isn't fun.

Danielle W

It is very clean and looks nice. It is black and it has a glossy, shiny finish.

I love my car, it is very easy to drive and comfortable. It has a lot of space and is so nice to drive. It is great for long distance driving, it gets great gas mileage. It has seat warmers for cold days and it is warms up really easily. It is a fairly safe car in my opinion. I have been in one accident and I didn't get hurt at all.

Judith R

Good used car with no major problems.

I purchased my 2010 Malibu used. Overall it is a good ride and has needed standard care. I have had to change brake pads and front disk brakes. The electrical systems are good except for the service tired and check engine lights come on. I checked both out and have been told it is a sensor problem.

Cassandra H

Dependable vehicle with style.

It is the perfect size. It also get really good gas mileage especially during long trips. The only downfall is that it is a very difficult car to work on. The parts are expensive but, the car do not break very often. As long as the maintenance is kept up with you will have no problems with this car.

Kelli O

Great reliable car with style.

This car has been very reliable. I have owned it for 10 years and it still looks and feels new. It has never broken down and other than regular maintenance such as oil changes and new tires it has been a dream car. I will keep this car as long as possible.

Autumn W

Ease of handling while driving and for maneuverability for parking.

For a 2010 car it has good gas mileage, is reliable, and spacious, it also has seat warmers... I prefer a touch screen interior, and the exterior is white which is hard to keep clean..

Gabriella M

Whether It's a ride to go to work/ out of town it is always a pleasure to drive it.

It saves me a lot of money when it comes to gas. My husband and myself drive it. It's just a really lovely car that is not expensive. I have had it for going on 2 years now and it's a perfect little family car as well. We go to Oklahoma all the time in it and gas is always cheap which is a plus but it has never let us down.

Mm M

Pretty cool car, very dependable.

Smooth driving and braking in the car. Wipers are a different size than most common wipers, so you have to get specifically sized ones. Good gas mileage. Comfy seats. Nice and comfy back seats. Great sized trunk, that is good for groceries and for luggage when vacationing.

Negative Owner Reviews

Cassandra W

Stay away from Chevrolet Malibu

Worst vehicle I've ever owned. Transmission fluid can't be checked from underneath the hood. You must remove the front bumper to replace a blown light bulb. Car has had constant problems with throttle and many other problems

Dale L

Good car on mileage and gas usage. Stinks on getting in and out.

My car is functionally. I got it for it is room. I never thought that it would be so hard to get in and out of. I have arthritis and getting in and out of the car is getting to be a chore. The gas mileage is good. It is so hard to keep clean. When you have a breakdown it cost a small fortune to fix. Do not like this car. Looks very stylish on outside.

Cheryl O'Donnell

Chevy Malibu

I bought my Chevy Malibu used last year, had 58,000 miles on it. Only had one owner and was in very nice shape. She had the transmission replaced a month befor we bought it according to the car fax. 15 months later at 74,000 miles we are replacing it again. I love the car but putting alot of money into it

Sydney C

Chevy Malibu: save the trouble.

I have spent over $4,000 in repairs. Everything breaks. Not reliable at all. I feel as if when one problem is fixed, 14 more happen. A lot of electrical work & not sturdy body. I have taken care to multiple shops over the last year and seems that I am basically rebuilding the entire vehicle one part at a time.

Pamela B

It is terrible. Do not buy it. You will not be happy.

It is a terrible car makes too much noise and is not comfortable. Needs a sunroof. Needs nicer seats.

LINDA SMITH

WORST CAR I EVER BOUGHT !

NO, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE I BOUGHT A " SPECIAL MODEL " { 2010 MALIBU -- LT { ( PAID ALOT FOR THE VEHICLE } AND HAD " ALL KIND OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR " INCLUDING " AT 10.000 REPLACING ALL TIRES , AT 30,00 0 MILES THE " TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE " COMPLETELY REBUILT " -- ANOTHER $ 4,000 AND AT 40.000 MILES --- THE " ESC LIGHT " CAME ON MORE PROBLEMS -- ANTOHER $1,000 -- THE CAR WAS A " LEMON" AND HAD ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS !

Marie M

My car has a dislike for any tire apparently!

Gas guzzler, tires go bald in less than a year no matter what tire is purchased and with rotation. We've had car checked out and nothing wrong with it that should be causing this issue. Getting ready to replace all tires again for the 5th time since purchasing car in 2014.

Dustin M

Silver 2010 Chevy Malibu. Wheel bearing.

Fantastic gas mileage. Only problem I have had is that I had to replace the same wheel bearing 3 times in 2 years. It makes it to Mississippi and back on less than 4 tanks of gas.

What Do Critics Say About the Malibu?

Consumer Reports says the Malibu has a competent powertrain, but very low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Malibu a 4.2/5 liking the powerful V6 engine, but disliking the lack of interior storage.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Malibu 4.3/5 and enjoy the quiet cabin, but dislike the lack of technology.

What Common Problems Does the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Have?

Many of the most common problems on the 2010 Malibu are very serious including transmission failures, stalling engines, and broken timing chains.

Transmission failures are the most frequent complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. Some owners rebuild the transmission costing about $1,800, while others replace the entire assembly for $3,200.

Stalling while driving is another issue that shows up at roughly 45,000 miles. Computer failures are the most frequent source of the problem, and cost about $600 to replace.

Broken timing chains show up at around 100,000 miles on some Malibu models as well. Replacing the timing chain is a labor-intensive process, and costs about $2,500.

There are 4 recalls, with the most serious ones being for the transmission shift cable and steering shaft u-joint which both cause damage to the vehicle.

How Long Will the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Last?

A properly maintained 2010 Malibu should last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, according to Repair Pal, at $509 per year.

Most 2010 Malibu models will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel tank pressure sensor for $200, door lock actuators costing $250, and the front engine gasket, which costs around $850.

Anne R

I bought my 2010 model in 2013 & I have had no problems with it until recently. My tire pressure sensor seems to be going bad as it tells me I have low pressure when in reality I do not.

Al W

Yes, the two thousand and ten Chevrolet Malibu lt w/ 1lt is a reliable vehicle to drive, but is does also have problems.

Amanda M

It is very reliable. I bought my Malibu used with 60,000 miles on it. Since then I have added about 20,000 miles on it and have only had to do the minimum as far as maintenance. I have of course done my standard oil changes, but other than that I have only had to replace light bulbs in one headlight (front and back), my breaks, and a wheel bearing.

Katie S

It is an extremely reliable vehicle and the only problem I have run into is not having the greatest gas mileage.

Karen B

It is reliable, however I have only had it a few months and I already need to change the brakes and gasket on the motor mount and it is having an issue with the tires.

Kassie B

My Chevy Malibu has been very dependable. I have owned this car approx. 2 years and I haven't had any trouble/maintenance issues thus far.

Nicole D

Yes it is a very reliable car. I have taken it on many road trips without any problems. The only slight problem I am having with it is the amount of heat from the control.

Wendell C

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is very reliable. I have had it for almost ten years. I have only had two major problems. Motor mount replacement and the rear shocks.

How Much Is the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Worth?

Blue book values range from $7,838 to $10,493, making the Malibu about $1,000 more than a Nissan Altima or Honda Accord. When new, the price range was $21,825 to $26,955. Depreciation is slightly worse than its rivals, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Malibu?

There are four models of the Malibu available for 2010. The technology was last updated for the 2008 model year, with some new safety tech added for 2011.

LS is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Keyless Entry
Cruise Control
OnStar
6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With Satellite Radio & AUX Jack

1LT is a step up and adds:

Colored Side Mirrors
Steering Wheel Mounted Stereo Controls
Premium Cloth Seating

2LT is a popular choice and includes:

17-Inch Chrome Alloy Wheels
Bluetooth Connectivity
Remote Engine Start
Suede & Vinyl Seating
Heated Front Seats

LTZ is the luxury model and features:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
LED Tail Lights
8-Speaker Stereo System With USB Connectivity

LS w/1LS

169-170 HP 22-25 MPG

View Details

LS w/1FL

169-221 HP 22-25 MPG

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LT w/1LT

169-170 HP 26 MPG

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LT w/2LT

169-252 HP 20-26 MPG

View Details

LTZ

169-252 HP 20-26 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Malibu?

The base engine is an average 2.4L-4-cylinder which makes 169 horsepower and gets up to 26 MPG combined.
An available upgrade is the more powerful 3.6L V6 producing 252 horsepower, which gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking only 6.7 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Malibu Come In?

How Big Is the Malibu?

The 2010 Malibu is slightly larger than some other midsize sedans like the VW Passat and Kia Optima. Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, and there’s plenty of legroom in the backseats to fit adults.

Cargo space is above average for a midsize sedan as well, with a 15.1 cubic foot trunk which fits 3-4 suitcases.

How Does the Malibu Compare to the Competition?

The Chevrolet Impala is a rival, which costs about $1,500 less. Passenger space is better in the Impala with seating for 6, but the infotainment is more up-to-date in the Malibu. We recommend the Impala since they last longer and are more affordable to own.

The Toyota Camry is a competitor which costs about $500 more. Reliability ratings are significantly better on the Camry, but the Malibu has more legroom in the backseats. We recommend the Camry since they last nearly twice as long, and are more up to date.

Ranks #10 Midsize Cars by Owners

2010 Subaru Legacy

4.6

2010 Toyota Camry

4.4

2010 Chevrolet Malibu

4.04

Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Malibu?

Anne R

Yes. It is easy on gas. Has a smooth ride. Has sufficient leg room. It has remote start, which is wonderful during really hot and really cold days. It has satellite radio. I have leather interior which is easily cleaned. Fits easily into parking spaces.

Al W

Yes, I would say to anyone that asks, that the two thousand and ten Chevrolet Malibu lt w/ 1lt, is a good vehicle to own.

Amanda M

Yes, absolutely, it is a perfect family car with excellent safety reviews. It has great gas mileage, and has not required a lot of maintenance at all. Super reliable.

Katie S

Yes the Chevrolet Malibu is a great vehicle, this model and all the other models run and drive very well.

Karen B

Yes my Malibu lt is a very good vehicle. I like it a lot and it is very comfortable to ride in. Pretty good gas mileage as well.

Kassie B

Yes my 2010 Malibu has been very dependable. So far I haven't had any trouble/maintenance issues, I have owned this car approx. 2 years.

Nicole D

Yes I have had the car for almost 10 years and have not had any major issues with it. The exterior still has a sleek design so it does not look outdated.

Wendell C

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has a very trustworthy vehicle. I have had some major work on it but the was in line with suggested maintenance.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Rocco Rochelli on October 24, 2022

These cars are money pits

It's a nice-looking car but that's it. These cars are plagued by electrical issues. Go to the Malibu forum and read the post of Fretting corrosion. Oh, and need to change a head light -- good luck it will cost you 300 bucks to replace a 19-dollar bulb. This car is a bad design. Most times you will need to take off the whole front end for a simple repair and mechanics love it cause its usually 2 to 3 hours labor. The suspensions are horrible, tie rod ends and control arms last maybe two years, struts are a whole other issue. You want to own a car like this you need a second car, money and patience. Figure on spending 1400 a year in repairs and lost time that's without anything that needs the front end taken off. Take a hint -- when you're driving around look at how many 2008 to 2010 Malibu's you see driving around -- you wont see many --owner got smart and ditched them.

LJ on June 12, 2023

I love my Malibu!! Highly Recommended!

I bought my 2010 Malibu 2.4 Gas LTZ about 6 years ago, with 34k miles. This is my second domestic vehicle on my 20 years of driving. I usually go for European. But this time around a friend of mine worked at a Chevy dealership, and he gave me deal I couldn't refuse. I follow the recommendations of the owner manual for preventative care, change my engineboil on regular intervals. Im at about 95k and I've never had an issue. I live in New England, I do wash my cars during the winter time, and I have no body rust at all. This is a 13 year old car we're taking about. I read above that the Malibus life is at about 150k. I say thats BS. My neighbor has a 09, same engine size with 204k miles. I'm not sure where they find these numbers!!

Dan Gordon on December 24, 2022

Stay away money pit

This car has been nothing but problems from day onetire rods ,wheel bearings ,suspension issues transmission failure and electrical issues. And WTF were they thinking on changing the headlight bulbs. I am a car guy and it took me an hour to change one bulb with the proper tools. Why would you have to pull the whole front bumper assembly off the car basically to get out a lightbulb shame on you GM never buying one of your cars again..The fact that you can’t check transmission fluid from under the hood, come on man.

Gary on March 28, 2023

These cars are junk they have safety issues witch are electrical problems. Such as tail lights not working, or third break light not working, airbag light turns on and off and those were recalled Iknow because I own one funny part is is that when it was recalled gm claimed that they fixed those problems but it happened again and they refuse to fix the recall because they claim that it's been serviced already and been fixed already

Deann motis on January 16, 2023

The worst car ever🤬🤬🤬

Transmission headlights suspension electrical problems Everything that could go bad has.single mother now I'm out a f job]!

Eriyona S on June 25, 2021

My vehicle is more like a sports car. It is small for one or two people.

Very reliable and best make for small people comfortable with their size. I haven't had any problems with my car so far. It is good on gas. It drives great. And it is a really good car to get someone young. I would most definitely recommend this vehicle for someone who gets on the road a lot.

Sauce S on June 24, 2021

It is really a good car just need a little work.

Well I have a white Chevy Malibu that is on the cleaner side. I would say a 7.5 out of ten. It runs well, no weird or abnormal noises. Take premium regular makes its crank weird so would recommend you only use premium. Coolant gets low kind of fast but that is nothing major.

Spencer W on June 24, 2021

The Malibu review it is just a really good reliable car.

The only problem I have really had are small issues such as the ac stopped working and the automatic locks stopped also but I will say this the car is 10 years old and it is very reliable it is never completely broke down it always starts right up and I took care of it so really no big issues with the car.

Susan K on June 19, 2021

Malibu is a very nice looking car.

The car is very comfortable. I have had some electrical problems with the car. Lights have come on that indicate a problem that is not there but the light will not go off. The paint job on this car is not great, but since I purchased it used I do not know if it is a factory paint job or not. Trunk space is great. Back seat is fairly comfortable but not if you over 6 foot tall.

Ashley L on June 13, 2021

Chevrolet Malibu pros and cons.

The Chevrolet Malibu is a great vehicle for younger adults looking to buy their first car. The only issues I came across from buying a used car is that things can go bad out of nowhere. My blinker does not turn off automatically anymore. As well as I am noticing a squeaking sound coming from this car. If you put great tires on it and get them rotated then it will drive very smoothly. Not the fastest car but is great for your first car.

Brittany M on June 11, 2021

I love the space. It has plenty of room in the front seats, back seats and trunk.

It is very roomy and the seats are comfortable. Very reliable and does not need much maintenance. It is, however, hard to find parts for, even tires. I had to replace my wheel after running into an animal, and I had to buy the wheel brand new after going to about 7 different junkyards. No one has 17in tires either, so just be aware.

Meg M on June 10, 2021

Size and color. Love the space. Drives pretty good!

I love my car! I love the size of the car! I would buy one again that is for sure. The only thing I have had to do that I hate. Is put a lot of money into the car. But that is what you get when you buy a used car. I like the way the vehicle drives. Great car in my opinion.

Todd R on June 9, 2021

2010 Chevy Malibu you cannot tell its 10 years old.

It is an excellent car for being 10 years old. As long as I change the oil it feels like a brand new car. The coolant definitely needs to be the orange kind. I enjoy the gas mileage as well. At 2 dollars a gallon you can feel your car up with 20 bucks.

Lauren M on May 24, 2021

2010 used Chevrolet Malibu.

Pretty reliable, however as it is lower down/a smaller car, you may have trouble getting in and out (my dad's said that, as he's over 6 feet tall). Typically experience need of repairs after several years - had the battery replaced in march of this year (I bought it used 2 years ago).

Abby Y on May 22, 2021

Classic comfort, slow and steady betty.

This car gets decent gas mileage, has ample space on the interior, and rides pretty smooth. The headlights are a pain to change, because you have to remove the entire bumper. I have had mechanics tell me they refuse to do Chevy Malibu headlight changes. The car is very wide, but I just prefer smaller cars. There is also a significantly large blind spots. Overall, I am happy with this car, but I wish it was a little smaller.

Ericka C on May 20, 2021

Not Malibu Cali but Malibu va.

Have had the car for 10 years. The car has run great. Have not have any problems besides the usual maintenance with cars. It is a smooth ride and has been running well. It is very comforting. It does not have the latest technology but it has so many other features that you will not be disappointing.

Lisa G on May 20, 2021

My car is a four-door white sedan Malibu Chevy.

I just purchased the car so I do not know much about it yet except I know it is easy to hit curbs in it. It is comfortable and reliable it is definitely gotten me where I needed to go I am going to take care of it because I plan on keeping it for good couple years to come.

Lauren V on May 19, 2021

So you are interested in a Chevy Malibu.

I really enjoy my Chevy Malibu. It is one of the more comfortable cars I have driven, with soft seats and ergonomic adjustment options. The heating and ac adjust very quickly, so no long waits for your car to cool off on hot summer days or warm up in the winter. I have had no issues thus far, the car drives very smoothly.

Joe D on May 18, 2021

Replacing headlights on a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is absurd.

The only problem that I have had is replacing the headlights. I attempted to do this in the normal fashion but could not figure out how to access the framework of the headlights. After doing a search on google I found out that the entire front bumper of the car must be removed first. The dealer I purchased it from performed the task. I instructed them to replace every bulb at that time. My total cost with a labor discount was $200.

Ezequiel L on May 11, 2021

My old reliable navy blue Malibu still drives like a sports car.

I own a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu lt. I purchased it from my mother after she decided to buy a newer model Malibu. She upgraded from 2010 to a 2016. Having been able to drive both my 10 Malibu and her 16 Malibu. We could both agree the sturdiness of my Malibu interior and basic features were much better even being outdated. The only thing that her new 16 Malibu had that I envied was the Bluetooth set up. Just some examples of the quality differences that I'll mention is the trunk stability to stay secured and closed was cheaply improvised. The quality of the gas cap is cheaper than mine. The floor mats seem cheaper than mine. Anyways this is just some of my reasons to why my 2010 Chevy Malibu is overall the better car than the upgraded 2016 Malibu. I also have only needed to replace my water pump. That's the only real maintenance besides the regular needs, gas, oil, headlights, spark plugs, tires etc. If you decide to own a Malibu I just would like to warn you that changing the headlights is no typical chore. I traditionally could change a light fairly easy and quickly fifteen minutes tops. Well cancel your plans for at the day or at least give yourself at least an hour and an hour and a half if you change both headlights.

Alex B on May 8, 2021

It is a great value for money.

It has great fuel mileage, but it constantly needs minor repairs. Nothing major has ever broken though. It has taken me through almost 145,000 miles with only a few problems. Over all, I’d recommend this car to just about anyone. I would buy it again.

Addy S on May 8, 2021

The malibu. Disappointed.

Gas mileage is not as efficient as I would like it to be, there are big blind spots, and the front bumper is incredibly difficult to take off but you need to remove the entire thing to change one headlight. The car is relatively spacious and can fit a lot inside, including the trunk.

Lizbeth R on May 6, 2021

My Chevy Malibu has not giving me any major issues and drives great!

Performance is good, has not caused me many problems. Efficient on gas and comfortable for a family of 3-4. Very practical and overall not expensive when having a buy any parts. I have had it about 6 years and the only issue I have had with it has been the throttle body part.

Sharron C on May 6, 2021

Costly repairs were needed.

It has had expensive repairs needed, multiple times. If I knew at the start of problems two years ago I would have bought a new car, but I sunk a down payment into this car over the course of a year. Car rides fine and is comfortable other than that.

Bria D on April 25, 2021

This car is extremely reliable and will not give you trouble.

Very smooth drive. This car is good on gas. The seating is comfortable, however the cloth seats stain very easily. After two years the only issue I have had is with the cars brakes but other than that the car runs perfectly fine. So I would say that it is been reliable with getting back and forth to work as well as traveling from state to state.

Gitanya D on April 19, 2021

Chevy Malibu safe, reliable, affordable, good crash testing reviews.

Problems: power steering warning light has come on but if I turn off the car and then back on it is fine. It is a safe car to drive, roomy enough for a small family. Good learning car for a teen driver. Safe and good control on winter roads. Good sound system in car. Plenty of charging ports for cell phones, enough cup holders for normal size cups. Could use more xl cup holders.

Melissa L on April 9, 2021

Reliable ride, great on gas!

My car has been very reliable, I've driven it across country a couple times now. I've only had to do typical maintenance to it for the most part. It is 10 years old, and I have owned it for the last 3 years. Still runs like a champ! I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable car.

Gabriella M on April 7, 2021

Whether It's a ride to go to work/ out of town it is always a pleasure to drive it.

Brandy A on April 6, 2021

Chevy Malibu four door is there any practical, could be made with better quality.

My car is pretty quick for a 4 cylinder. The paint quality is rather poor. It is chipping in several places. Interior is cheap plastic but is practical. You get what you pay for. The gas mileage is great for in town or highway miles. It also accommodates for smaller individuals and taller individuals.

Elissa W on April 3, 2021

I love the special rims that are on my car.

There’s always problems with my tired I currently need wheel barring’s. Other than that it is a nice car and runs pretty great. It has 2 different spots in the middle console which comes in handy. It also has a spot at the top of the dashboard that you are able to put things in. One thing that irks me is that you have to have your whole bumper removed when changing headlights which can cost $100.00. In use to being able to go to autozone and have them replace the light bulb with no problem but they cannot for this year in particular.

Mark S on April 3, 2021

It has great gas mileage and a low cost of maintenance.

The car is reliable. Has low cost of maintenance. The car is safe, fun to drive, and gets good gas mileage.

Lena A on April 2, 2021

It is easy to handle, especially when road tripping or parking.

It's a very reliable vehicle. The mileage on the highway is great. The rides are pretty smooth and it looks really nice from the outside and inside. I do not like that it is 6 cylinder and has poor city mileage.

Jill E on April 1, 2021

Very nice Chevy Malibu sedan.

I honestly love my 2010 Malibu. It's the perfect sedan. I keep a lot of stuff in the back seats, so I find the back very spacious. The truck is also very big, helped with trips out of town. The seats are nice and comfy, and it drives great. Had it for a year so far, and I haven't had any problems with it. Handles well on the highway. Interior is nice, sleek, and very nice on the eyes. I have a white one, with a tan and black interior. One owner before me. 10/10 would highly recommend this car.

Andy S on March 30, 2021

It is paid off and works for me.

It gets good economy and hasn't had many problems. I enjoy driving it!

Jason K on March 28, 2021

Couple Issues but overall dependable

From the get go it had safety recalls. One for Airbag and one for the electrical harness that would cause the alarms to go off in the cluster. GM offered free repairs for them. Other than that the car has been dependable and fantastic with regular maintenance. Its comfortable, has nice lines, and carries itself well for a four door sedan. Gas mileage averages are good if you are a commuter. Around 31 to 33 mpg. Overall it has taken good care of me.

Michelle E on March 27, 2021

That it is great on file and very reliable

Rides smooth. Reliable. Comfortable and stylish

Angie C on March 26, 2021

My vehicle is very reliable and was worth every penny I paid for it.

My vehicle is very reliable. It's great on gas and it has all of the things I need in a car.

Rocio A on March 25, 2021

Drives smooth, wired component in the middle, trunk kind of small.

It drives really smooth it is a nice car to drive and it also looks really good. Has good space in front and back seat but the trunk is kind of small. We haven’t had any problems with it since we’ve bought it, but the middle compartment is kind of odd it will not slide back to give room to put a drink so you kind of have to squeeze you are drinking

Paige B on March 24, 2021

Best car I have ever owned!

I really love this car. Rarely if ever has it given me car problems. The electrical system works great. In the winter, I am able to stay warm. In the summer I can stay cool. I can go on various different road terrains and not have to worry if I will make it home or not! Whatsoever.

Tyler C on March 23, 2021

Its an overall reliable vehicle. It may have electrical problems but they have not caused any major issue and the car is dependable. Very comfortable

I love that it is comfortable. It has been really reliable and the air conditioning is a life saver in the summer. It also feels very safe. The back is just spacious to fit my bike in which is perfect. Only thing is it has some pretty bad blind spots and has weird electrical problems but i haven't had any true major problems with it.

Jennifer B on March 21, 2021

My Malibu baby. I'm keeping this car forever ! Love the way you take those turns

I am 45 yrs old and my Chevy Malibu has been, by far my favorite to date. It has always made me feel safe and comfortable. The leather & suede seats are classy and practical. They keep you warm in the winter (the heated seats are awesome!) And your legs won't stick to the suede in the summer. The sound system is awesome as well. The important things like the motor, transmission and chassis. Are solid and with the normal maintenance has never let me down. Not only that it's a great looking car. I am very happy with my Malibu.

Jacob R on March 19, 2021

The ups and downs of my vehicle.

Everything about my car is perfect there is nothing wrong with it. But, if I had to choose a problem I am having is when ever I change gears like reverse to forward or forward to reverse it takes a while to get going. There is some things like cosmetics that need fixed.

Mara G on March 19, 2021

2010 Chevrolet Malibu: pros and cons.

The transmission, engine, and gear shift all work perfectly, even after ten years of use. However, the front body hood has never lined up quite right with the rest of the front. The biggest issue with the car is that a front headlight continually goes out because a connecting cable is frequently melted.

Tori J on March 17, 2021

The right fit, the right car for me.

Personally, my car is just the right size. It is not too small where I feel like I am sitting on the road when I am driving. It is also large enough to fit many things in my car and makes me feel safe amongst other large vehicles on the road. The color and look of it looks classy as well. It really is a great first buy.

Michael A on March 17, 2021

The most important thing others should know about my car is that it has good fuel mileage

The car has not given me any major problems. It rides easy and I feel comfortable behind the wheel. Also the trunk space is convenient.

Evelyn P on March 16, 2021

One of the best cars to own.

I got this vehicle back in 2011 as a used car. It has been so good to me. Not expensive to be fixed and pretty good on gas out here in NV. I have 2 cars and this is considered my primary over the ford focus 2016. I still haven't experienced engine problems.

Alexa B on March 16, 2021

The perfect first car! This car is great for anyone young and old!

This car is very reliable! It is a very smooth ride and super comfortable. The speakers are great. There is plenty of legroom across the back. The trunk is huge and can fit a lot more than you would think. They only think I have on the vehicle is that it takes a lot of gas which can get pricey very quickly. Overall a great vehicle.

Annie Z on March 14, 2021

Great car for carefree commuting.

Never had any problems with the vehicle itself since I got it about 2 years ago. I bought it from a family member, barely used but it had been unused for about 6 years. Reliable car, tells me if I need an oil change or anything like that. Pretty comfortable seating. Only thing I dislike is that the Bluetooth only connects to my phone to make calls and I cannot use it to play music.

pamela C on March 14, 2021

Malibu, I would highly recommend this car.

I have never had any really bad problems with my car. Just normal wear and tear. Oil change and brakes. Things like that. I would certainly purchase another Malibu. But would like to purchase a different kind of car. But my Malibu is very dependable. I would highly recommend the Malibu.

Amanda M on March 13, 2021

Possibly a mechanic special.

The reliability of this vehicle I would classify as average. While overall it performs well, it has several issues that have been left unresolved by the dealerships mechanics. There is a very definite clunking in the front of the vehicle, I believe in the steering shaft. While it is worse in the winter when the vehicle is cold, it can be heard and felt year round. There are issues with the Traction control where the warning lights come on every time I drive it. They don't stay on so the dealership says it's not covered by recalls. I don't feel that this model is GMs best by any means, but for an affordable vehicle I'd classify it as average.

Sabrea J on March 13, 2021

Reliable vehicle and sets the safety standard I am looking for in a car.

My vehicle has a very good performance level on gas and you get your money worth for the mileage. The maintenance and upkeep is not such a hassle and you have plenty of room in the trunk area of the car. Nice and roomy as well for the other passengers in the car as well.

Amber P on March 9, 2021

The vehicle itself looks very nice.

I bought my Malibu used but there seems to be a common problem with window switches on the drivers side not working correctly. I have replaced several fuses and the switch board itself still will not work. The back window buttons do not work at all. The passenger side window switch works fine. I have also had some faulty wiring in my low beam headlights.

Baldwin B on March 8, 2021

Would make a great family car inside and out the cars amazing.

My 2010 Chevy Malibu ltz is a very comfortable car. It is perfect for long car rides or people who travel for work. It has heated seats fully loaded interior and everything. It is a great handling car they stop and go perfectly. The 3.6l v6 engine is a good engine that is a lot faster but the 2.4l i4 engine is still very reliable. The car gets great gas mills he and does not cost much to fill up either.

Nikki B on February 25, 2021

Buyers remorse, would not buy again.

Do not like have to drop bumper to change blown lights. Always problems with tires/ wheels. First couple months I had check engine light was always on. Had to replace engine. Bout used but always seemed to be a series of problems one behind the other.

Thomas S on February 25, 2021

My car is very reliable, very roomy.

My car is nice car, a reliable car. Rides nice. Good on gas nice color good size engine. Roomy inside. Has four tires a nice windshield. Tinted windows. Has a, nice stereo system. The dashboard is nice also. The car interior is a, nice color, with nice heated seats.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.