2012 Chevrolet Malibu Review: An Obsolete Sedan Ready For A Redesign

Jan 11, 2022

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car with a price range of $7,732 to $12,374. Although the Malibu is more affordable than some competitors, higher ownership costs and weaker technology are reasons buyers should look elsewhere.

The Good

The V6 engine offers great power for the class, the ride is smoother and quieter than other cars in the same price range, and the steering feel is engaging.

The Bad

The technology is very basic compared to other midsize cars, fuel economy suffers when you upgrade to the V6, and there’s less passenger room than the competition.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Quick Overview

New features for the 2012 model are minimal, and include some new accessories as well as a Crystal Red Tintcoat paint color. There’s a full redesign for the 2013 model year.
Reliability ratings are great, according to J.D. Power, with fewer complaints than the older 2011 model.
Two engine choices are available, including a V6 with a decent amount of power.
Fuel economy is good raking in 6^th place out of 15 midsize cars with a combined rating of up to 26 miles per gallon.
Safety ratings are better than average, with 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, and earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The 2012 Chevy Malibu ranks 12^th out of 15 midsize cars based on owner reviews. Outdated and low-quality components throughout the car make the Malibu a less attractive option than the rivals.

Expert Ratings

KBB

3.6/5

US News

8.2/10

Cars.com

4.2/5

Positive Owner Reviews

Tyler B

Chevy Malibu 2012 review and thoughts.

I love the looks and the feel of the car when I get in it. The gas mileage is amazing and it is a great family car. It was my first car and is my daily driver. It is never had any problems and I plan on keeping it until I find a reason to buy another.

Erica O

It's a pretty simple easy to use car.

No problems other than the audio jack is loose, so far it has been reliable, it's a pretty simple car.

Mary S

It is reliable and gets me where I need to go in good time

Dependable comfortable gas mileage,could be better and more economical

Jodi D

My Malibu is the ultimate luxury vehicle for a college student.

I wish the car was a bit faster but once it gets up to speed it is a very smooth ride. The seats are very comfy and the trunk is big enough for a large load. The vehicle has been very reliable for me so far. With proper maintenance, it is a wonderful vehicle.

Christine C

4 door sedan very roomy even for tall or larger people.

I bought my Chevy new in 2012 I have had no problems with it I just change the oil and have tires rotated great vehicle it gets great gas mileage the only complaint I have is price of the oil change need synthetic. I would recommend the car to anyone who asks.

Jenny C

My 2012 Chevrolet Malibu ltz.

I love my car. I haven't had any problems with it since I got it from CarMax back in 2015. My car is red and it is fully loaded with light and dark brown seats leather seats. My car also have Bose speakers that have my music booming in traffic. The ride is smooth. The truck space is huge. I really love that the headlights have the Chevrolet symbol in it. Also the crime around the car is amazing. I especially like the gold Chevrolet symbol in front of the car. My 2012 Chevrolet Malibu ltz is one of a kind with heated seats there especially comes in handy during the winter. My car also have the Chevrolet gold symbol on the steering wheel of the car to give the car a classy finish. The navigation system is amazing it has OnStar features. My Chevrolet Malibu also have a compass build in the rearview mirror. The chrome finish around the tag display also give it a nice classy touch. My car also come with a CD player, aux cord and a plug in feature. The dashboard has a huge compartment to put at least three sunglasses in it. Also, my car has a huge glove compartment that can be lock with a key. The key has a start on remote feature that you can start the car from inside the house so the engine can warm up and when it time to go you can just go without waiting for your car to warm up.

Mary J

I LOVE THIS CAR!! Super clean, super reliable. Fun to drive

My vehicle comes equipped with OnStar, which I LOVE. It has a sunroof, iPod hookup/USB that charges my iPhone at the same time and lots of trunk space! It handles really smoothly. Under the hood, it's crazy clean, with covers for the engine and battery. Came with a spare tire (not a donut) and a jack to fix it with.

Danielle T

Great family car or work car it is versatile

The car has been very reliable since I purchased it new in 2012 there was one problem with the undercarriage not being secure but the issue was quickly resolved.I get good gas mileage and no major repairs have been needed. The interior and exterior of the car have been easy to maintain and have stayed in fair condition

Negative Owner Reviews

Harleah A

Worst vehicle I have ever owned.

I have constant issues with this vehicle. I swear every single time I fix one thing that goes out, something else breaks or needs to be changed. It is dumping endless amounts of money into a car that runs at less than decent performance. I would absolutely not recommend this car to anyone.

Matt M

Driveable lemon. Steering issues still unresolved.

In the shop immediately after purchase. Multiple mechanical and cosmetic issues since. Poor design problems. Most recent is a battery cable that no longer holds onto the battery post. Wheels are too easy to scratch and damage. Paint is thin and easily scratched by dealer washes.

Erica A

Its great on gas mileage and it's a very smooth ride.

I am not a fan of small compact cars because i do not feel safe. The tires and alignment is easily messed up with every little bump

Nikki H

Why not to purchase a Chevy Malibu.

Headlight constantly burns out and costs over $100 to change because you have to remove the bumper to replace bulb. Starting issue that took over 1 year and 4 mechanics to solve. Not good at picking up speed. Does not handle the freeway well. Put in over $6000 of repairs within a year, I am only the second owner.

Fred M

Car is the worst car ever made.

This is the worst car I have ever owned. Bought it with 40,000 miles on it. Has 100,000 now. Has had numerous mechanical problems since I got it. Only care I have ever broken down on the side of the highway in and had to be towed. Has had the spring break, both wheel bearings in the front, headlights have gone 3 times, rear defroster is still broken, and the fuel pump ecm. The headlights are ridiculous to change also.

EMMA B

It cost way to much to maintain a Malibu

It sucks. It cost way to much to have insurance on it and if I knew just how much it would cost to have any repairs done I never would have bought it. Its $160 just to change the headlight bulb!

Madison M

After it has a lot of miles on the car it doesn't run good.

Just a lot of problems with the engine which makes the care not good. I like how it is a newer car. I like that it is good on gas.

Karalyn M

It is a good looking car in my opinion.

Has a few issues because it is getting old. Having lots of issues with the knock sensor and problems with the check engine light coming on quite a bit. It has been reliable for the most part but as it gets older and the more the miles start to go up, it is getting less reliable. It is overall pretty comfortable.

What Problems Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Have?

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has an average number of complaints from owners compared to other midsize cars on the market. There are fewer problems than the redesigned 2013 model.

A timing chain tensioner failure is the most common and severe problem. The timing chain guide is made of plastic and is a weak spot in the engine. Replacing the timing chain assembly costs $2,000 to $3,000 depending on local labor rates and the number of damaged components.

Fuel delivery problems are also mentioned. The fuel pump, and connectors fail regularly around 60,000 miles. Replacing the entire pump assembly costs around $1,300.

Steering problems, including a complete loss of power steering, are another frequent problem. The electronic steering motor fails around 100,000 miles, and a power steering failure message shows up on the driver information screen. Replacing the assembly is the only solution, costing about $1,000.

There are 3 recalls, better than other cars from 2012. Recalls include the brake lights, steering shaft u-joint, and seat belt anchors. Most serious is the u-joint failure since a separation increases the risk of an accident.

What are the Prices, Models & Specs?

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is average-priced compared to other midsize cars from the same year with a price range of $7,732 to $12,374, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price range was $22,110 to $30,200. Depreciation is average, losing about 40% of the original value in the first 5 years of ownership.

LS is the entry-level model with 17-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, keyless entry, power mirrors and windows, OnStar, and a 6-speaker stereo system with AM/FM/CD playback, satellite radio, and an AUX jack.
LT falls in the middle of the class and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, USB connectivity, upgraded cloth seating, remote start, power driver’s seat, and Bluetooth connectivity.
LTZ is the flagship choice with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, heated mirrors, fog lights, LED tail lights, and an 8-speaker Bose stereo system.

LS w/1LS

169 HP 26 MPG

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LS w/1FL

169-170 HP 26 MPG

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LT w/1LT

169-170 HP 26 MPG

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LT w/2LT

169-170 HP 26 MPG

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LT w/3LT

252 HP 20 MPG

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LTZ w/1LZ

169-170 HP 26 MPG

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LTZ w/2LZ

252 HP 20 MPG

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How Long Will the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Last?

A properly cared for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will last about 150,000 miles, which is shorter than some of the competitors on the market. Regular annual maintenance costs are average compared to other midsize cars. Repair Pal estimates them to be $543 per year.

Tanya S

Well I answered this with the previous question. No problems. Just the usual repairs. Replacing tires, brakes, etc.

Robert W

Only issues have had were thermostat and an issue with headlights that were covered under factory warranty. Was quickly identified and corrected.

Caitlyn G

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu ltz w/1lz is extremely reliable. If maintenance is kept, the car keeps on going.

Marsha W

Very reliable, we have had no issues with the Malibu and have only needed to perform routine maintenance such as oil change, spark plug replacement, wiper blade replacement, etc.

Brittanie B

It is pretty reliable. I have only had some minor issues with it, but they were ones that I could pay to get fixed.

Aldo C

My Chevy Malibu does not have any problems whatsoever. It is always reliable. I have never had issues with it.

Leana G

The vehicle is pretty reliable. One thing is the headlights die and they are a pain to replace. You have to take the whole front off.

Denesha F

Yes it is very reliable dependable car I never had any problem with it my years of owning it.O love it.

What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?

Technology is very basic in the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu compared to other midsize sedans, and is ready for the redesign for the 2013 model year.

Base technology includes a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system, with a 3.5mm AUX input.
Upgrades include Bluetooth connectivity, and a more powerful 8-speaker Bose stereo system.
Standard safety equipment includes air bags, antilock brakes, stability control, and OnStar connectivity.

What Engine Options are Available?

Performance is good in the 2012 Chevy Malibu compared to other midsize cars from the same era. With the upgraded V6 engine, the car goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds.

The base engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder with 169 horsepower.
An available upgrade is the 3.6L V6, which has 252 horsepower.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Malibu?

The 2012 Chevy Malibu is a midsize sedan, and similar in size to other cars in the same class. Passenger room is good in the front seats, but there are competitors with more legroom in the back seats. The 15.1 cubic foot trunk has enough room to fit 3 to 4 full size suitcases.

How Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Compare to Other Cars?

Ranking 12^th out of 15 midsize cars on the market based on owner reviews, the 2012 Chevy Malibu is near the bottom of the class.

One of the highest rated competitors is the more expensive Toyota Camry. The Camry offers better reliability ratings, and more affordable long-term ownership costs. Where the Malibu comes out ahead is with some nicer interior materials, and a more engaging driving experience. Overall, the longer-lasting Camry is the winner between the two cars.

A close rival in the Ford Fusion, which is in the same price range. Interior materials and technology are both better in the Ford. The Malibu offers a roomier cabin, and performs better on the road. Neither of the choices is a great sedan, and going with a Japanese competitor gives you more for your money.

Ranks #12 Midsize Cars by Owners

2012 Honda Crosstour

4.59

2012 Subaru Legacy

4.54

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

4.14

Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu a Good Car?

No, the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is not a good car based on information from 793 verified owner reviews, and 16 government and automotive websites. The positives include a powerful V6 engine for the class, and an easy-to-use stereo system since there’s no touchscreen interface. Downsides are some serious mechanical problems, and lower quality interior materials than the competitors. Overall, the 2012 Malibu is just too outdated to recommend it over the better sedans on the market.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

J. Christian on March 8, 2023

Bad design

This is the worst car I'veever owned. Just to change the headlightmeans pulling whole front of car off. Absolutely ridiculous. Changing the licenseplate light was another nightmare. Headlights keep failing. The electrical system is horrible. Can'twait to get rid of it.

Jamie on January 14, 2023

Safety

Ever since i bought this car 2 years ago from a private owner it has nothing but problems i found out it had 3 recalls on it and chevy told me that they closed them out so i cant get no help so im tryi g to see what general motors can help me with its been a nightmare.

Kelli L on June 25, 2021

It has remote start which is great and a sunroof. It gets good gas mileage.

It is great! It has good gas mileage and has been a really reliable vehicle. We bought it in 2012 at a really great deal when it was new, but it was used. It has remote start which I love a lot and it is been a great family car, travel car and daily commuter car.

TaSondra L on June 24, 2021

My vehicle is white with gray interior. It has a good stereo system.

I love my car. It drives really smooth and it is a good looking car. It do not take much money to fill the gas tank. Only complaint I have is if you get the gray cloth seats, they are easily stained. That is about my only complaint with this car. Overall Chevy has great cars!

Jaimie Z on June 23, 2021

Comfortable and reasonable.

Super reliable, never had any problems except for the tires getting flat or punctured. Had one sensor that went bad but my husband fixed it. Otherwise everything works perfectly and it rides well, it has decent gas mileage and I really have no complaints.

Angie S on June 20, 2021

2012 Chevy Malibu. A great car.

Love this car. No problems other than normal wear and tear. Great features like Bluetooth, navigation, OnStar, sunroof, leather interior. Smooth ride, easy to drive, has automatic and manual transmission. Stereo has volume that adjusted to outside noise, the seats have warmers.

LISA R on June 14, 2021

The 2012 cars are bigger than the next models, if I had.

My vehicle runs well no major problems just normal wear and tear. The car never died on me it just keeps going and going. I just had the back brakes done last year and the front brakes done this year. That is 7 to 8 years before replacing then I am really impressed with that.

Kim P on June 12, 2021

Chevy Malibu pro and cons.

I love the size of the trunk it is very spacious. So far it has also been very reliable, no problems at all other than my keyless entry does not work anymore. I have changed the battery and still does not work and there is only one door you can unlock it from so that is annoying. I also do not like the seat fabric. It seems to stain easy even with just water spills.

Noah H on June 6, 2021

The first car that I was able to drive.

Overall, the vehicle is very nice. This was the first car that I was able to drive and I still use it to this day. To begin the performance of this car was more than satisfactory, it allowed me and anyone to get to point a to point b with 100% satisfaction. The comfort of this car was more than what I expected, absolutely no complaints in that area.

Madyson H on June 3, 2021

A highly reliable vehicle: Chevy Malibu.

I have had my car for several years and I have been extremely happy with it. I have had no sort of mechanical issues thus far. It is mileage is very good and it drives very smoothly. The seat's are highly comfortable and the backseat in particular has a lot of space. I have no complaints about my car and I hope I never have any in the future.

Rasa N on June 1, 2021

Why I love my 2012 Chevy Malibu ltz.

I was lucky enough to get my car pre-owned with very low mileage. What I like best about my car is how roomy it is. I have a child and it is big enough for him and his sport equipment. The heated leather seats are nice in the winter and the sunroof is a plus for cool summer nights. What I wish was different about my car is the placement of the cup holders- they are awkward and hard to use. I also wish it had rear ac. Over all I have been happy and had no problems with my Malibu!

peyton P on May 31, 2021

I like the space in my car.

Lights go out so fast and it is not that smooth of a drive. Both of my tires are low on air as well. It does get very good gas. I do enjoy driving this car because it has a lot of room for everyone to sit. The trunk of the car is also very roomy and there is plenty of space to fit thing.

Eric W on May 30, 2021

My Chevy malibu timing and the accessories of the vehicle.

It is had timing issues. But overall it a good car. It is has power windows power doors moonroof it has an alarm system CD cassette player with FM radio anti-lock brakes with cruise control and ac. Oh no it is pretty comfortable it is been a good car even on long drives I still drive it today.

Robert N on May 25, 2021

An old Chevy classic renewed for a modern day comfortable drive.

Great fuel efficiency and comfort provide a smooth and quiet ride for long trips without frequent stops to refuel. The only issues I have found is that the headlights seem to burn out and need replacing more often than most vehicles I have come across. All in all a sound investment and great family or solo vehicle.

Denny P on May 19, 2021

Love the gas saving on the car.

It has a cosmetic part when changing the front lights so you have to take that apart first to get to the light bulb. The good part is the gas and how efficient it is. I always feel. Comfortable driving the Malibu never feel an issue with it. The performance is smooth and runs the way a normal riding car should.

Latonya H on May 19, 2021

Fun, it is a great ride easy on gas and very reliable.

I have no problems with my vehicle it is very lovely and it works perfectly so I suggest anyone go buy a Malibu lol king only did find scuba dive tent bun bird buns find any wish by FCC by burnt by beach by any but don't TV by my clinic botanic coming by Trenton blocked bobby mount horn bobby.

Jes K on May 14, 2021

Great car, headlights a hassle.

A really great reliable car. There are plenty of features including OnStar if you want to use things like that. One negative is in order to change the headlight bulbs, the front bumper must be removed. For most people that requires a trip to the mechanic averaging $240.

Valera V on May 9, 2021

Very nice and reliable car!

I love this car. The Malibu is quiet, drives nice, looks good, and very comfortable on long trips. My only complaint would be that the roof line rolls down the slide too far. It has decent fuel mileage also which, in my opinion, is a major plus. My Malibu has been extremely reliable. Another complaint would be that the backseat is kind of small. It is inexpensive to maintain. It has all the safety features you need. This car is just another awesome Chevy period.

Jessie H on May 6, 2021

The windshield wipers have a variety of different speed settings.

My car has been very reliable. I have had this vehicle for almost three years. My only problem with the vehicle maintenance wise is a sensor. Other than that the car is roomy, comfortable, has a big trunk to fit plenty. Perfect vehicle for traveling or as a daily driver.

Amberli D on May 3, 2021

I would buy this car again!

I absolutely love my Malibu. It drives wonderfully and the maintenance has been relatively easy. Just making sure to keep the oil changed and tires rotated has been about it. The one downside I have found is changing the headlights. It is not easy to get to them. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Gared H on April 23, 2021

Very roomy and great on gas.

Malibu is a nice looking good on gas reliable car. I had a couple issues with the timing set at around 80000 miles. Overall good car, great speakers very roomy for a small car. Drove it on many road trips over 1000 miles and never had an issue. Liked the leather seats.

Tre G on April 20, 2021

My life, my vehicle, my car, my ride, my world.

I love my car very much. I am able to do whatever I want whenever I want to. I work for a moving company, so I am able to travel and go wherever I want in the time being. As long as I have my car with me, my life is complete. It is the one thing that keeps me up and running every single day.

Eva J on April 19, 2021

I love that it is a gas saver.

My car is silver in color, 4 door, has a sunroof. It is a gas saver. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. I have never had issues with it. If I had to choose between any vehicle on the lot I would choose the one I purchased.

Fred M on April 17, 2021

Car is the worst car ever made.

Reev K on April 13, 2021

Pocket friendly, reliable.

The 2012 Malibu is perhaps one of the best cars ever from Chevy. Its extremely reliable, gives decent mileage and requires minimum maintenance. I bought it used with 100,000 miles already on it but I still have nothing but good things to say about its performance. All in all, its quite pocket friendly.

Wilfrido P on April 10, 2021

I believe that the Chevrolet Malibu is the best in the market.

My automobile is almost ten years old and in those ten years the only problem I had with it was the battery dying on me or a flat tire. I know the only reason that I had these problems was because of my lack of caring for the vehicles maintenance. I had a stereo system in my car and never really care in checking if the battery was low and the tire was a mystery. During work I noticed that it was (the tire) flat.

Harleah A on April 4, 2021

Worst vehicle I have ever owned.

Bee C on April 4, 2021

Amazing car with only typical flaws and wear.

My car has only had minor problems in the 3 years I've had it. Minor problems include the air doesn't work as well as it used to, the seatbelts had a recall, my aux port stopped working, and the biggest problem was the radiator. Other than that the car has always been reliable and has had all of the room I needed. The trunk has plenty of space and does not take away from the backseat at all. I love the sensor that tells you tire pressure at all times. It's a bit annoying after you get the low fuel sign you can't see how many miles you have left.

Lisa D on April 4, 2021

Smooth and comfortable ride.

This a great vehicle to have. It drives very smooth and is very comfortable. It is very reliable. The only issue I am experiencing right now is a noise in the rear suspension. I have had the shocks changed, but it is still noisy. Other than that, it is a really great vehicle. There's lots of trunk space.

Alex E on April 3, 2021

It's a good alternative to more common cars like the accord or Camry

The ride is generally smooth. It handles well. It gets pretty good gas mileage. It's not a real powerful car, however. It takes a bit of time to get up at top speed.

Zobeida C on April 3, 2021

Love my gas saving Chevy Malibu.

I have never had any problems with my vehicle, I love the way it performs, it is very reliable, comfortably seats 5 passengers with plenty of space for the ones in the back. The gas mileage is incredible, put $20.00 of gas and it will last me for almost a week. One of my favorite cars I have owned.

Kelly H on April 2, 2021

The Chevy Malibu. A very safe and reliable car!

My Chevy Malibu has been a very reliable car. I bought it new in 2012 and it has not given me any problems. The seats are very comfortable and the interior is very roomy. Ac and heat work very well. When changing the tires be sure to get the tech to adjust your settings back to read the correct positioning of the tires. If not your air readings will be off. The only complaint I have about the Chevy Malibu is my back window got stuck when rolling it down. It has automatic windows so we had to take the inside facing off the door to pull it back up into place. I have not tried to roll it back down just in case it gets stuck again. I feel safe driving the car and would recommend the Chevy Malibu as a great reliable vehicle to anyone looking for a small and safe family car.

Amber D on April 1, 2021

Malibu is a very long vehicle that is expanded and curated for your comfort.

Spacious within the car comfortably fitting five persons, comfortable seating where driver always receives compliments, sunroof access, aux cord that automatically connects to phone's music, brakes always has to get checked out and redone, doesn't do too well with rain

Jasalyn G on March 31, 2021

There is a lot of space in the trunk.

Generally, there are no problems I have specifically with this car. The heated seats are nice, the speakers are nice, the interior is elegant. Maintenance seems to catch up quite often but nothing I cannot deal with. It is only two wheel drive but I knew what I was signing up for.

Lori N on March 31, 2021

Great car - just my bad luck.

I love my vehicle. I did have a very serious problem at only 70,000 miles- I needed to replace the engine. Thank goodness I was able to purchase an engine for $1200. My husband was able to do all the maintenance. Overall, I would buy another Malibu.

Bonnie W on March 28, 2021

Sporty white pearl Chevy Malibu.

Very comfortable easy handling and smooth driving. I like the sporty look to it as well. Good gas mileage and easy maintenance. Its reliable I drive out of state several times and got great highway mileage. My headlight keeps messing up though have replaced several times now.

Beth S on March 27, 2021

It gets great gas mileage and I never spend more than $30 to fill up the tank

The radio works great and I love the automatic locks. I also don't have to roll the windows up

Emily S on March 25, 2021

Chevy Malibu ltz performance summary.

The vehicle is a great car but it has so many sensors on it that are always malfunctioning that it is super annoying. It is been doing that since I purchased the car brand new off the lot. But it drives great and is a nice vehicle. I love the leather interior and it gets great gas mileage.

rahath a on March 24, 2021

Reasonable, Reliable and Quite Affordable.

I bought my Chevrolet Malibu in 2012. It was brand new and straight from the dealer. After doing lot of research I found Malibu gives more for the money and the best offers. Its loaded with all the latest technology. It has very beautiful interior added with comfortable ride. I never had any kind of major problems as I keep up with regular and proper servicing by dealer. Maintenance is quite reasonable.

Christine W on March 23, 2021

It has comfortable seats and seems to be a mostly reliable vehicle.

I like the appearance of the vehicle. I also like the adjustable lumbar support in the seat. My complaint would be the sound system.

Meredith T on March 23, 2021

It is been good to me, and it is a nice car if I could get everything fixed.

I bought it used about 2 years ago and I haven't had any major issues. But it does need a little work. It is got a hard shift, it is got the check engine light on. Reading large emission leak. My seat motor just started acting up, my front speakers do not work,

Andy K on March 23, 2021

My car is luxurious and can accommodate several passengers with ease.

I like the space I have in the back seat. There is plenty of legroom for all my passengers. I can store plenty of groceries in the back seat as well. The last thing I like about it is the fuel efficiency it gets.

Anita C on March 20, 2021

My Chevrolet Malibu gets excellent gas mileage and is a smooth ride.

My car is the perfect size. It is easy to handle. My grands love that three can ride in the back seat safely. There is plenty of legroom. Easy to see over the steering wheel that is adjustable. The trunk is big so there is plenty of storage room for traveling. My car gets very good gas mileage. Stereo in the car is very high quality. There is room in the stereo for three of us to set our favorite channels. The car has a very smooth ride while traveling.

O R on March 20, 2021

There is a pending recall on my vehicle.

Overall the vehicle is very nice and the appealing. It does have a really bad fall though. Low-level maintenance like light bulb replacement for the headlights for this vehicle has to be done by a mechanic and can be very expensive.

Myra P on March 17, 2021

Very good and reliable car that can withstand good driving lengths.

I like the cabin space in and trunk space of the car. Not too big or too small. Look of car is chique and easy to the eye. Radio and stereo is easy to use and not complicated. Gas mileage is normal. Car is easy to drive long miles in. Seats are moderately comfortable, wish there were heated seats.

Emily B on March 16, 2021

Maroon Chevrolet Malibu ltz.

It has super sensitive sensors. The car has needed lots of maintenance since I bought it brand new. The air conditioning quit working especially when sitting in traffic. All of the sensors are constantly messing up. It is also very challenging to change headlights because of the design of the car.

Kass M on March 15, 2021

It is very dependable and drives smoothly!

I love the body of the car. It drives very smoothly and has been dependable! I cannot think of any complaints that I have about it. I feel in love with it the first time I test drove it.

Sean R on March 15, 2021

2012 Chevy Malibu amazing car.

We own a 2012 Chevy Malibu, and I have to say it's the best car we've owned yet! We haven't had any problems! It's great on gas, drives very smooth, runs perfect. It has a lot of good safety features! Great crash test ratings! It's an amazing car in every aspect! Highly recommended!

Anne J on March 14, 2021

Great performance, especially pick up after stopping. Excellent a/c and heating,

The interior room of car is small and the framing around windshield blocks view of pedestrians waiting to cross street at city block intersections

Becka T on March 14, 2021

The Malibu mobile and all it has to offer.

My vehicle is a sporty looking car and very spacious on the inside. It is very comfortable and has heated seats, moonroof, automatic adjustable seats. I have had transmission issues but I did buy it used. Over all I would say it is reliable, low maintenance and the repair cost is not too expensive.

Teresa c on March 14, 2021

Only holds four people comfortably.

It's getting to be too small for our family size. I wish there was more trunk space. The car gets great gas mileage and is dependable.

Beatrice S on March 14, 2021

An a1 vehicle. Great mileage. Looks nice. Little to none maintenance. Smooth ride.

We bought our car in 2013. It has been the most dependable car. I always said I would never buy a 4 cylinder vehicle, because I thought they did not have enough get up and go power. I did not know that our car was a 4 cylinder car until after we had bought it. I would not trade it for another vehicle on the market. We had not had any problem with it I would recommend it to anyone.

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.