Used 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews
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Beautiful Car
Have owned the Malibu for 10 months and 12,000 miles and have loved almost every minute. Very comfortable ride, very good mileage, excellent interior and awesome deluxe sound system. Truly the best car that I have ever purchased. Only concern is the electric power steering, which started jerking and acting eratic at about 10,000 miles while on an extended 2,500 mile trip. It took 2 trips to dealer to get steering problem corrected. Hopefully this is an isolated problem and not a reoccuring problem similar to earlier Malibu's with electric steering problems.
Not as great as Magazines say
Highway mileage is more like 27mpg than 30mpg that was posted on the sticker. I tested this accurately as I could possibly do but never came close to 30mpg. The power steering went out on mine the 1st week. Also the seats are not very comfortable, I had leather and still not comfortable.
Give me back my BMW!
After extensive research, I traded my 330ix for this behemoth. With less than 5000 miles on it, the transmission is sluggish, making me feel quite insecure and no longer able to drive so defensivly. I've been remanded to the right lane for ever. Forget the passing lanes. Acceleration on this monster is non existent unless you are accelerating 1mph per minute! I've been to the dealer and complained and all he does is check diagnostics, says the car is fine and I'm done. I shoulda got the Honda. Or the Toyota. Or the Mini Cooper. This car can't get out of its own way and I'm stuck for 36 more months.
Malibu LT2
Just bought the Malibu LT2 and love it! The interior is classy. The exterior isn't as boxy as prior models. Love the interior lighting. The sound system is good and I'm enjoying the XM radio. The amount of trunk space is incredible. I really love this car.
Impressive
We had to order the specific car we wanted since none of the nearby dealers had an LTZ in Amber Bronze. It took only 4 weeks for the car to arrive and even though we have only put a few hundred miles on the vehicle, we absolutely love it. The cabin is so quiet and the ride so smooth that I can't believe we are in a mid sized car. If this car is as reliable as my 2005 Impala, which has 53,000 miles and has never had a thing done to it, then we have made an excellent decision for our second car. I cannot judge the fuel economy yet as I have not had a chance to put it on the road for an extended drive. This will happen though in January when we will take it to Miami.
Fun to drive vehicle
Got on a 2 year lease for my wife. Quality throughout the vehicle is on a par with the Acura Legends I used to lease. Plenty of power, ultra quiet ride and loads of amenities. Even the engine compartment is well laid out and looks neat and clean. It's the LT2 with the engine package that gives you the V6, 6 speed auto., and 18 inch wheels. All of this for a little over $25,000 MSRP is amazing.
Great Car
I bought this car about 4 months ago and I love it! The overall quality of the car is great. I could not ask for a better car. Great on gas, sleek design, roomy and comfy. Could not ask for a better car
'08 Malibu LTZ
It was an impulse buy - hooked up with the dealer over the internet, real nice sales guy...followed up, went into the dealership about 2 days later (right down the street), went out for a test drive, loved it, and before I knew it, I was signing papers. Haven't looked back since. I love this car.
Excellent All-around
Have been driving this car for over a year now. Love it completely. Considering its weight against Camry and Accord, the gas mileage is super at both highway and local. The body style is stunning. When I was waiting for green, I got people on the next lane complimenting the car several times. The interior is better than Japanese cars also, in my opinion. Options are cheaper too. Engine is from Europe, very reliable. Car runs very smooth after a year. The only complaint I have is the trunk entry is a little bit narrow. I can not even put my laundry basket in.
Impressive for a Chevrolet
I just came back to Chevrolet after owning two Volks (a 1999 Passat and a 2006 Jetta, previous to the Passat I owned a Cavalier Z24) and it's just an amazing car. The 4 cylinder is just enough power, the ride is smooth but firm, very close to a Volks. It is incredibly quiet in the car, the seats are very comfortable and look great with the suede and leather. Great job GM!
They got it right!
My first "new" car ever! I'm 50 years old and I've always owned trucks, but I was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the redesigned Malibu. I am without doubt completely impressed. Solid, functional and very beautifully designed. The V-6 is smooth with plently of torque and I like the throaty sound of the V-6. The 6-speed tranny is fantastic. The ride is quiet and the road manners are excellent. The interior is beautiful. I have the black interior with the faux wood trim and it's everything and more. I find the fit-n-finish to be better than I expected. I'm hoping I'll have an positive update in 6 months, but for now, this is the best car for the money, period!
I can't believe I can afford this! 10/10
Awesome car! I never thought I'd be able to own a luxury performance sedan, but this car is unbelievable! I know it's not in the same class as a Mercedes AMG, but for the price (I got mine for $26,700 w/sunroof!) you cannot find a better combination of performance, luxury, and space! The leather seats cradle you like you're the most important person on earth. The cabin noise is so quiet you can use your inside voices at 75 mph on crummy northwest interstates. The premium audio system (8 speakers) successfully competes with Bose systems. I am truly impressed with this vehicle and all of the frills that GM includes (OnStar, roadside assistance, warranties, etc.) I'm 100% satisfied and happy!
Great Used Car!
I have had this car for 4 months and love it. The body styling and wheels, along with tinted windows, give it a sporty look that I appreciate. The ride is smooth, quiet, and the engine cruises at 70 without thinking. Watch your speed as you have plenty of power with the 6 cylinder. Heated leather seats are worth the money. Get them! Averaging 24 mpg on urban commute (40 miles round trip). Sound system is only downside as it sounds like a 'stock' radio, while rest of car says "premium." Small antenna also often can't keep weak FM signals. Have also noticed transmission hesitates for split second if step on it to merge. Takes getting used to, but then you are traveling 70 mph.
Really Nice Car
I really wanted to own a car that was a practical family sedan but had the look and feel of something more. This car is fun to drive. It is quiet, comfortable and feels so solid. We have the LTZ V6 and it really doesn't lack any power.This car replaced a Chrysler 300M and I really don't notice a drop in quickness and power. I do notice this car handles very well and if you are not careful you will be speeding constantly. You really don't notice the road noise or engine rev. This car is really loaded with options for the price.
Best GM Car in Years!
For the price I believe this is the best car on the market. The interior is luxurious, with leather and ultra-suede seats. Mine has the V6 with more power than I know what to do with. It handles like a dream and really hugs the road on turns. The optional remote start is a life-saver on these freezing mornings, as are the heated seats. I've never been happier with a new car purchase. Welcome back GM!
Best ever owned
I purchased a Aveo 3 months ago was so impressed I decided to buy my wife a Malibu. Talk about being surprised. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I'm 51 and have owned many. Fit and finish are as good as any Lexus and Toyota, Honda. Let me say this the ride is wonderful. The interior is just the best. The four banger is more than enough power for me. Handling is great. Ten in my book.
Wow!! That's a Malibu
I can't believe that I bought a Chevy vehicle! I used to own a Camry; however, as long as GM continues to build quality cars like the Malibu I will continue to buy Chevrolets. The styling and handling of this car doesn't compare to anything else I have driven. This car is far superior in all aspects and a great value as well. This car looks and drives like a $40,000 vehicle. I have had several people come up to me to ask me about the car and I love it!
They got it right
08 red LTZ with all avialable options. Wow. I can honestly say that driving a mid-size sedan really can be fun and comfortable and done in a well appointed interior. The ride is amazing. Cabin noise is the first thing I noticed, in that there was hardly any. Smooth and responsive,its just a blast to be in. Styling, both interior and exterior are eye catching. Creatue comforts abound in this car, many of them standard.
My new Malibu
I really like the and love all the gadgets that it came with. This interior lighting is rather nice as is the maintenance display information.
The 2008 Malibu Rocks!
Chevy has done a great job in the redesign of the Malibu. The Malibu has lots of room for tall folks, I stand at 6'5" and can stretch my legs out sitting in the drivers seat. The telescoping steering column allows me to see the console, a great plus. The gas mileage is great, I am getting 34.5 mpg on the highway. It drives smoothly, is much more quiet than many other auto brands in the midsize class. The LS has a 4 cyl. that does great with acceleration. I purchased the vehicle at 30,000 miles, and it still looks great. No paint chips or fading. I would recommend this for anyone looking at midsize vehicles.
Red '08 Malibu 2LT
Great car. I am enjoying the comfort and quiet. Gas mileage is almost 24 mpg. Scheduled to go in shop this week for alignment check and A/C check. The premium sound system with XM radio is great. Improvements listed below are mostly minor but add "creature comforts".
Amazing for a Chevy
It's a great car and I would honestly consider it better than my wife's 2007 Honda Accord. Although the Accord is faste it's a v6, the interior of the Chevy isn't quite as nice as the accord but it's better than my previous Toyota Avalon
I Love It!
The 250hp feels great. It can get out of its own way. I love the TAP shift. It is lots of fun. I am getting around 20.5mpg with a good mix of highway and stop and go. (My lead foot does not help) When I get a little crazy it gets into the 18mpg range. It holds the road well in the rain and it did well last week in a dusting of snow. Curious to see how it does in a good snow storm. From what I have read the Goodyear tires were not rated well for snow. Fit and finish are great. The car is quiet. I have driven with the radio off and had it around 100 and was amazed at how quiet it is inside. Acceleration and passing at highway speed is very good even in automatic.
Awesome Car.
I cannot say enough good things about this car. I traded in my 03 Camry and was impressed from the minute I climbed in for a test drive.Comfotable, Fun to drive, attention getting family sedan. A must see vehicle for anyone in the market.
Impressed
We have had this vehicle for about three weeks now and we are thoroughly pleased with the quiet interior, ride and all over appearence of the car. Had our first extended highway trip of approximately 200 miles and attained 30 miles per gallon, which was what I was hoping to get. If this car is as reliable as our 2005 Impala has been for the first 52,000 miles then Chevrolet has another winner. This will be the 12th Chevy that we have owned and I haven't had a bad one yet even the ones we've kept for 14 years or 200,000 miles on the remainder.
Love our Malibu
My girlfriend and I bought a used 08 LTZ with 57K miles. So far it has been a good vehicle with no problems. Everything works as it should except we did have to have some work done on the front suspension. New struts, strut mounts, intermediate steering shaft, and some seals that were causing fluid to leak. The seals were covered under the 5 yr 100k powertrain warranty and the rest was under the extended warranty that came with the car. So far, it's great. It rides nice, gets great mpg (2.4L 4 CYL), is comfortable and stylish. The ower before us said he and his wife never had issues with it and they were the original purchaser. I noticed there is no LTZ 2.4L option for writing this review...
Update
Now, after having this vehicle for 6 months, I dare to say that this car is the most fun to drive car since my 56 Bel-Air. It rides like a much bigger car than it is and is as quiet as my previous Cadillac. And recently I have had the opportuniy to take it on a few road trips and have gotten over 30 mpg on each trip. The car is amazing both in ride, handling and power. The seats are comfortable and easy on the back. Anyone looking for a great car that would be doing themselves a disservice if they don't check this one out.
Love my 2008 LTZ Malibu
We purchased this car in late 2007 after considering the Altima and Camry for several months. We just fell in love with the styling of this car and value for the money. Once we test drove it there was no turning back. We have the V6 LTZ - which I'd say is the only way to go with this car -- and so many features are standard. This car handles like a dream and we get so many compliments on the looks. In my town we are still part of the very few who have this car and it seems to turn heads wherever we go.
Best Midsize available
Quiet, comfortable, and fun to drive. Good fuel economy without performance sacrifice. The General is back!
Sexy & Fun
I purchased my Malibu less than 1 month ago (I have the 2LT w/ the 6cyl 6spd). I am disappointed only in 2 things. I previously owned an 02 MonteCarlo SS and loved it. My Malibu has a lot of the same luxury features. The 1st thing is the fuel economy, much less than advertised & less than my SS(though still early - only gone thru 2.5 tanks/gas) and I'm still learning how it drives compared to my Monte. The 2nd annoying thing is the cruise control. Monte had such smooth cruise control, going up and down hills, Malibu is a little obnoxious when the cruise is engaged (revvs up loudly when adjusting speeds uphill- again, it's early.
Well worth the wait
Best American car that has come out in years. I have owned a lot of Japenese cars, and this Malibu surpasses them all. GM really has it going on with the style. I have been following this car on the internet for almost a year and it really has lived up to all of the hype and the reviews. It seems to be a well thought out and well crafted car. Seems solid, looks good and does not feel cheap and plasticky like American cars of the past. Took alot of homework on my part to buy this car, and I am glad that I did! Proud to say now, that I am glad that I bought American! Way to go, GM!
Neighbors thought I had a BMW
My husband and I love this car. We just can't quit smiling when we drive it. It is quiet. It also rides extremely smooth. It is perfect. It is an LTZ 6 cylinder. Driving home from the dealership we got 27 on the highway. It is roomy. Love the radio. The neighbors thought I had purchased a BMW. Best of all my sister is jealous.
Love It!
I just got this car about 3 weeks ago, and I absolutly love it. It's very quiet, has all the features I need and then some, and it's just a very fun car to drive. I do have a few small complaints about it though, such as the blind spots, the low beams, and you cant burn a tire! (although I don't think thats necessarily a bad thing) The car itself is beautiful and I am absolutly in love with the interior, especially the "ambient blue lighting" The gas mileage does leave me wanting more, but I am biased, my last car was a 99 Sunfire which got great mileage, but wasn't nearly as much car as this one is, so I guess it's an even trade. People have even come up to me and compliemented me on it!
Great Car
Excellent car for the money. Chose it over the Accord and Camry due to styling and performance. It is a very quiet car with the insulation and laminated glass that GM incorporates into these cars. Test ride one and you will be surprised on far GM has come in terms of quality and style. Being a prior Quality Assurance specialist in the defense industry I can attest to the quality built into this vehicle.
Best in it's class
We just traded the van in for an 08 LTZ, Spring Package Malibu. For its class, this is one nice ride. The mating of the Spring Package 4 cylinder to the 6 speed tranny gives the light car plenty of pep and almost as much MPG as one of those compact jobies. If you have to have 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds, then go pay for it in a class that costs a lot more. Beating the guy beside you away from the toll plaza is fun, but over rated. We could have purchased a vehicle in the class above the Malibu, but for what my family finds appealing, it wasn't worth the 20k plus difference. In this class, this car has the nicest exterior lines, smooth acceleration, and very appealing interior luster.
STYLE
Purchased my 08 LTZ MALIBU,black with peanut butter interior ,before vacation last. We were able to place 2 sets of golf clubs, & luggage in the trunk. The car is great, fuel economy is great. Had a 01 Cadillac, wanted a new 08 CTS. compared the Mailbu with the CTS, practically same car for $20, 000 less. Glad we purchased the Malibu, if I only get passerbys to stop leaving finger prints on the windows when they peak in to look at the interior.
Powerful/Fun to drive
I just bought one in December and the car is a great one. I have had many cars and to date this is the number one choice in my book. Its about time GM made a fun and very powerful car. Thanks GM! I'm very, very happy with the new Malibu LTZ.
Great but
I have about 2500 miles on the car now. Just returned from a 1400 mile road trip. Trip computer said 32.8 mpg Actual 33.2 mpg. Mostly hwy driving between 65 and 70 mph. I like everything about the car except for the following. Keep in mind I traded in a 2003 Accord. The 6 spd. tranny shifts smoothly 90 percent of the time. It jerks unpredictably the other 10 pct. Once the motor even raced between gears! I will be taking it in to the dealer for this. There is a definite color mismatch between the bumpers and body. I will probably live with it because I don't want to risk paint problems
2008 Malibu LT-2 6 cylinder
I bought this car over the Camry, Accord and Sonata because it moved better than the Camry, was more comfortable than the Accord and because I believe Chevrolet is more reliable than Hyundai. I am most impressed with how quiet this car is. Tire/road noise is less than Honda. This car comes standard with many options and the GM 6 cylinder engine is a very reliable engine making this car an excellent choice for a mid sized family car.
2008 Chevy Malibu LS is a great car!
This is the best car I have ever had! I selected it for safety, reliability, and overall economy without even driving it. I was shocked how beautiful the interior is and how well it drives. Way better than Camry or Accord!
Fun car
I'm 59 years old and this is not my first new car but it is the best car I have ever purchased. Much more fun to drive then I expected. It's quick,quiet and smooth.
Great car!
The Malibu is awesome! The interior feels good and look refined. The 4 cyl gets great gas mileage and has good pickup. I would recommend the Malibu over the Camry or the Accord.
Surprised
I bought this car to get out from under a Chevy truck. It was the best deal I could get at the time. I not a big fan of American cars, but the Malibu has surprised me. I get very good gas mpg, around 25 city and 33hy. Very quiet for a car under 21K. It has all the things you see in Toyoya, Honda, Nissan, etc. It's a mid size car but gets Honda cCvic gas mpg and is very quiet unlike the Honda. Toys are a different matter. I think they are a little better but this is subjective. I ride in both models (Malibu/Camry). Car fan is loud when set on 3 or higher. AC is OK, not great but gets the job done. I've had better. It takes a litte time to get use to but overall a good value for the money.
1 year & 15000 miles later
15,000 miles & 1 year later with zero problems with this car. I have not even been back to the dealer since the purchase. This car is very quiet. I get 28 city and 36 highway, I am light on the gas and rarely travel above 70mph when on the highway. Love the interior and exterior. Great car.
Worth Every Penny!!
I bought my 2008 Malibu LTZ 6 months ago and since then I've received no less than 8 compliments on the vehicle from total strangers. I stopped keeping track after a while, but one guy wouldn't believe it was a Chevy and a girl at a drive-thru practically climbed through the drive-thru window to admire the two-tone interior. Runs great, handles great, and looks great. Worth every penny in my opinion!
Still Love It
I've owned the new Malibu for a full year now and I am still completely satisfied. Drives great, looks great and I have not found anything I don't love about it. The interior is awesome and the ride is very smooth. A year later and I still look forward to driving this car everyday. I don't think I have ever been this satified with a purchase. Definitely worth every dime I paid for it and then some.
I Lud Dis Car
Great Car. I was originally a Truck guy, But after test driving the malibu i fell in Love.I Bought a LS model with 19500 Miles On it. The 3.5 L V6 Is a must good power acceleration can use some improvement but all around Awesome. Clean car... All my Friends envy the styling of it....Chrome lined Just all Around a must Bye! Highly Recommend!
What a great car!
Elegant sheet metal, graceful interior, & silky powertrain. Exceptionally quiet, smooth and comfortable on the road. Outstanding design. Exemplary in every respect.
Chevy's Top Car
I was thinking about leasing a new car between the Altima, Accord, Malibu And the Camry, after my test drive on all, I chose the Malibu. I felt like I was driving a Lincoln when it came to comfort, the exterior styling is a beautiful combination of modern class. I don't stop hearing compliments on my car. I'm sorry Toyota and Nissan there's nothing to compare. GM must continue the good work in order to get their reputation back, because I keep on hearing from my friends that the reason they don't want any American brand car is because they're unreliable. My recent car was a Camry and it was full of problems. Thank God I only leased it. I think its time to give a second chance!
My first American car in 13 years.
When I decided to take the plunge, my new Malibu was about 10 days out from arriving at the dealership. Honestly, I was like a little kid waiting. I have not had one moment's regret, nor anything but absoulte driving pleasure since I picked up my car. Mileage improves with each fill up. I have about 1800 miles on my car after one month. This is the best built passenger car that Chevrolet division has ever prodeced. I have owned 5 new Nissans and 2 new Dodges since 1995. I can't say that I have ever truly been proud of my ride until now. The ultralux interior is comfortable and impressive to all who have seen it. I felt the package for the price was a steal. Totally underpriced!