2009 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews

Love my Malibu

Written by: afs1234 on 11/12/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I switched to Japanese imports because of the poor experiences I've had with US car models. After reading the JD Power review on the new Malibu, and test driving every import model in this class, (Accord, Camry, Altima, Mazda6), I decided to take a chance again on a Chevy. The car is great! I love the quiet, smooth ride. The interior is well designed and very comfortable. And I was able to buy the features I wanted without having to upgrade to expensive features I didn't want. I also spoke to someone who use to work with GM and found out GM put a lot of work into making the Malibu a top quality car, which sold me on the concept that this car would last as long as the Asian imports.

Favorite Features

The quietest car in its class. Has the smoothest ride. Better gas mileage with the 4 cyl. 6 speed automatic trans. Lots of leg room front and back. Deep trunk. Dashboard compartment. (I keep my tollway pass device in there. Works great!)

Suggested Improvements

Some nasty blind spots, but I'm adjusting. Wider trunk opening. Larger rear window. Should include a cargo net. Make OnStar an option, not a mandatory feature to reduce the cost of the car. (I never use it and I'll have to live with buttons I don't want.)

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: D Basney on 11/10/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

Review

Why pay more? This is a great car. It has a terrific sound and communications package, rides quiet and smooth and is fun to drive. I've had cars that cost twice as much that couldn't hold a candle to this car. Well done GM! A great value.

Favorite Features

Electronics and communication features, ride and handling.

Suggested Improvements

The radio could use a USB port!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Happy American

Written by: happy american on 11/07/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

Review

I have brought a few American cars that have left me disappointed. After reading the reviews for the Malibu, I decided to give them one more try. Well I am extremely satisfied as well as impressed that it looks like Chevrolet really got it right. This car is loaded with plenty of cool options, is extremely fun and comfortable to drive. The looks are really nice as well. I got the jewel red color and it really sets off the car nicely. I am getting around 28 mpg avg which is great in the current economic times is really great. I highly recommed you at least test drive one of these cars if you are in the market for a mid size sedan.

Favorite Features

Integrated bluetooth.

Suggested Improvements

None at this time

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love it!

Written by: BP on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

Review

Have only had the car a week, but so far I am very pleased. This is my first American car in 30 years. In interest of full discclosure, I did begin the decison process wanting to "buy American" this time, as long as I did not have to make too many concessions to quality, drive experience etc. that I have come to expcet from European and Japanese cars. No compromise in this vehicle I can detect so far! Thanks for getting this vehicle right GM!

Favorite Features

6 speed automatic transmission- allows for reasonable performance by the 4 cylinder engine while providing good fuel economy. Execution- whole vehicle just seems well conceived and well executed. Bluetooth

Suggested Improvements

Connection for iPOD that controls iPOD thru radio in addition to simply having audio in port that supports any device. Need either a standard USB port on audio system or available accessory for dealer to add at reasonable price

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Exceptional Mid-Size Sedan

Written by: Alan on 10/27/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

Review

I was an import owner for 20+ years before purchasing a Malibu. I was skeptical, even after a lot of research. But after 1500 miles, I'm really amazed. GM has done a great job. The interior is incredibly quiet. The interior styling is wonderful, especially in beige with suede seats. There's wonderful attention to detail everywhere inside. I especially like the ambient lighting. Controls and switches feel great, better than most imports I've driven. Performance is surprisingly good given the fuel economy. The suspension is a bit soft but ride is great. The engine is as refined as any 4 cylinder I've driven. The Malibu feels more like a luxury car than a family sedan.

Favorite Features

Quietness, especially interior sound insulation and engine refinement. Sound quality and features of stereo system (XM, MP3 input jack, built-in bluetooth) 6 speed transmission with paddle shifting. Fuel economy (getting 33 MPG + on hwy)

Suggested Improvements

Some interior materials are not up to import standards especially the shiny plastic on the lower portion of dash/doors. Would like to see firmer suspension option for 2LT w/ 4 cyl. Front seat styling/shape is really bland, especially for such a stylish interior.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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This is the nicest car I have ever owned

Written by: dizz on 10/15/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Great on gas, quiet, great looking, handles like a dream. Very nice car. Looks like a BMW.

Favorite Features

Interior design

Suggested Improvements

None

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Car....almost

Written by: Chandra on 10/14/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I was a die hard fan of Japanese cars. And after working at GM, my guilt took over and I bought this car. It's been a month, and I drove about 1500 miles on the car, and I don't regret my decision. The car runs real smooth on the freeway with minimal noise. It has a feel of luxury sedans inside - quite roomy. If flying on the freeway is not what you intend, you won't regret owning this car.

Favorite Features

Ride. It is real smooth. I get about 27 to 28 mpg (combined). Night light focused on the drive stick was a great idea - you know exactly what your car will do when you press that gas pedal.

Suggested Improvements

The car struggles to keep up on hilly roads when in cruise. Speed keeps dropping and picking up, and when it picks up the speed, it is as if someone is pressing the gas pedal real hard. And maintain safe distance when driving over 70 mph. Car does not slow down immediately; I almost crashed once.

7 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Outstanding car made in the US

Written by: John on 10/03/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

Review

Purchased car about a month ago and enjoy every thing about it. The car ride and handles as good as my BMW. The leg room in front and rear is outstanding. The only thing that I would like to see added is a arm rest in the rear seat area.

Favorite Features

4-cylinder with 6-speed automatic transmission is a great match for performance and fuel economy

Suggested Improvements

Rear seat arm rest

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Camry and Accord killer

Written by: sesmalibu on 10/01/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We leased the all new 2009 Malibu. I have nothing but praise for GM for delivering this vehicle. The interiors are so nicely done and the car so silent on the highway that you feel like you are in a luxury sedan. The 4 cyclinder engine has ample power for interstate passing and gives excellent gas mileage. We averaged 33 on the highway and 26 in the city. Priced at just around 20K Malibu is an excellent choice for those bored with Japanese cars.

Favorite Features

Cabin silence, nice engine.

Suggested Improvements

None.

14 out 14 people found this review helpful

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GM finally gets it right this time

Written by: Les on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

Review

Purchased this vehicle about a month ago and now have 1300 miles on the odometer. Fuel economy in combined city/highway driving has so far been below expectations at about 24 MPG. - the same as on my 6-cylinder BMW which is much more powerful. The car handles well and is very quiet. The black suede cloth interior is attractive and comfortable. The faux wood trim is tastefully done and understated. The dashboard controls are easy to use but I would have preferred to have the trip computer information made accessable and cleared by pushing and holding in the headlight stalk instead of looking for the right buttons to push.

Favorite Features

6-speed automatic transmission. Good that GM finally replaced their outmoded and less efficient 4-speed. This new transmission is smooth and always seems to know the right gear. Confidently merging and getting up to speed on a freeway ramp with the 4- cylinder/6- speed powertrain is easy and safe.

Suggested Improvements

Need to improve actual fuel economy on the 4-cylinder engine irregardless of how good the EPA numbers look on paper. Maybe direct fuel injection would help performance and economy. Fold-down seat back on rear passenger side will not latch. Replacement part is on order.

12 out 13 people found this review helpful

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