Used 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews
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Good car for getting around
Connor Sweeney , 01/19/2018
updated 10/12/2021
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
38 of 39 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for almost 6 years now and got it with 72,000 miles on it. I now have around 158k miles on it. Here is a list of Pros and Cons Pros -Interior is good looking -gets around 22-25 mpg (in town) -stock speakers are nice and loud Cons -The turning radius is terrible where it handles worse than a truck -the parts inside the vehicle are all cheaply made so they break quicker -seats are a little uncomfortable for longer rides. The seats fold inward where it creates a divet where the back seat and the butt seat connect (not good for lower back) -no lumbar support. Here’s what I’ve had to fix so far -all new door lock actuators (prices at $350 a piece professionally) -turning signal knob -catalytic converter and exhaust manifold -tire rods multiple times *UPDATE* (10/10/21) Well, I found the lumbar support after all these years! My car is breaking down with 206,000 miles on it now. Here are the list of things that is wrong with my car… 1. Loud squeak noise when putting it reverse 2. The sway bar is loose and needs replacement, which causes a loose rattling sound from underneath the car 3. Left side mirror rattles 4. Windshield wiper motor went bad so that it only works sometimes 5. The alternator went bad, so it’s causing the following to happen… -Windows roll up slow -Battery dies if you don’t start it every day -Lights flicker 6. The steering wheel makes a clank sound anytime you go from left to right, quite annoying 7. Seatbelt sensor is bad, causes the beeping sound to go off every 10 min 8, O2 sensor that connects up to the catalytic converter is bad, causing slow acceleration 9. Door lock actuators are bad, sometimes they won’t lock or unlock At this point, i’m trying to just find another car…
Malibu of Shame
Brent Evans, 07/13/2015
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
44 of 48 people found this review helpful
I bought a used 2009 Malibu LS for my daughter and have had nothing but trouble. Recall after recall for some odd reason does not apply to my car and I've spent well over $1000 to replace steering column, power steering, stability control, traction control module. The biggest joke on these cars is replacing the front headlights because you have to take off the front end to get to the headlights to replace the bulbs. I was determined to not take it to the dealer so my son and I found a YouTube Video and 1 hr later had one replaced. This is ridicules because on my Honda and Acura it takes me all of 3 minute tops!!! My stereo also quit working so I ordered one for a reasonable price on E-Bay but as you might imagine it's not just a swap. No that would be way too convenient. You have to schedule an appointment with the dealer to have it programmed which is around $45 labor charge. The Malibu is a great looking car and has good styling and features BUT Chevrolet and their engineers should be embarrassed they have produced such a mechanical FAILURE!! Chevrolet should recall every Malibu manufactured from 2009-2012 and admit the created a "LEMON"!
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Worst Car I have Ever Owned!
sthrn05stnggrl, 03/19/2012
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
25 of 28 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in Dec 2008. After having it just under a year, completely died on me when I was driving in my neighborhood. They had to replace a wiring harness in it. Then a year later the battery died. Another year later the car's transmission started to shift hard. They told me it was normal. I've had the car in & out of the shop since the end of January 2012, It is now almost the end of March and the car still is having issues. They replaced the torque converter, exhaust manafold, and the fuel injector wiring. Guess what? The car is now leaking pink fluid, hard shifting, and now there is a dull rattling sound coming from under the hood passenger side when ever the road is uneven
120,000 long, expensive miles
trophel, 09/23/2015
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
23 of 26 people found this review helpful
Here's a summary of how this car has done so far, with 120,00 miles on it after being bought brand new (6 miles) in April of 2009 (6 1/2 years ago). Keep in mind I"m a neat freak who washes his car daily, doesn't smoke, and cleans the inside weekly. It's a 4 cyl, 6 speed auto, LT2. The Traction Contol Module / ABS module has been replaced 6 times! Yes, it's been recalled now, but has been replaced twice since then, too. The transmission completely failed (wouldn't shift out of 1st gear) at 94,000 miles. New one installed under warranty occasionally slips, too. Both brake lights have been replaced. This is an easy fix. Both headlights went out the same day. This does require removing the front bumper as indicated elsewhere on here. Cost was $200 per the pair. The radio occasionally stops working. Bluetooth capability hasn't worked since the most recent reprogram by the dealer. The rear door locks must be manually activated on one side (passenger). The key fob failed at 8, 000, 15, 000, 22,000 miles, then the transmitter unit on the car itself failed at 60,000 miles and hasn't worked since. Now the car can only be unlocked manually on the driver door. The leather on the shift handle began wearing off at 100,000 miles. The leather on the driver seat began wrinkling at 90,000 miles and has completely torn since then. The turnsignals won't shut off automatically after making a turn ... sometimes. Sometimes they do, sometimes they dont. The power steering sometimes fails for a few minutes, then begin working again. The engine, however, has worked very well. Original battery, original belts, no oil use. ,
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best four door on the market
eriebuckeye, 11/05/2011
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
i have 24k miles on it and it drives like a dream. i get 38 mpg hwy and about 28 city. big trunk space. i also own a cadillac cts and this rides even better than it.
life saving
thomas, 02/25/2016
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
16 of 20 people found this review helpful
I want to thank the designers of the 2009 Chevy Malibu. We were in a bad car accident today and the car saved our lives it handels car accidents very well. We got tboned and everyone we shaken up but ok. It is just an amazing car overall
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best car I've ever owned
lovethiscar2, 09/17/2014
updated 09/18/2017
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have had many brand new cars but this is the best. in the last five years I have driven my 2009 Malibu 138000 miles and not one problem. Not one. I replaced my tires and brakes at 75000 miles and the rear brakes still had 1/2 their life left. Everyday I thank my lucky stars for buying the Malibu and would buy another in a heartbeat. Drove it to 190,000 miles, sold it and bought a new malibu.
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Automatic doors lock me inside
kirby16, 06/27/2012
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought my Malibu in March 2009. Started out great until winter. My doors started to bounce back open when shutting them. I took it to the garage and they said it just needed greased. I thought it was fixed (NOT). Shortly after the doors started to lock me inside. I pushed the OnStar button to unlock the doors and I could hear them unlock but the doors still would not open. My car has been in the garage multi times. 1) doors 2) transmission sensor (twice) 3) air bag sensor 4) tire pressure sensor I'm ready to trade this Lemon in for a different vehicle.
2009 Malibu LT
keli, 03/15/2016
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for 6 years and 90k miles. Door locks replaced plus regular maintenance. It rides great and still looks good. Instead of trading up I just brought it in for scratch removal and some cosmetic repairs. In the winter it's good in the snow with snow tires. Average 25mpg.
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V-6 Malibu 2009
Raymond G. Hansen, 04/30/2015
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
V-6 auto, all options except tire press. monitor. Amazing highway mileage,36MPG Imperial gallon @ 110kph. 24,000 km. NO mech. problems
Quality of the rims
Brenda, 04/08/2010
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased my car in April 2009. Since that time I've needed to buy rims twice. I'm not a wild and crazy driver. I travel normal roads with plenty of other cars traveling the same. I have an older Malibu and loved it completely. This one the quality of the rims is a real turn-off. I find it impossible to believe my car is the only car that has problems with flimsy rims. I really hope others will comment so I can see if its an isolated problem or one others just have taken in stride.
Great Car! Very Reliable
johnnycars22, 11/17/2012
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had my car for 3 years and I have over 98,000 miles. I have had no problems with the car, it's been extremely reliable. I really enjoy owning an American product!
Chevy making cars that appeal to people
Andrew, 03/25/2016
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
One time in my teens I has to drive my Grandpas old 1997 Lumina for a year. I hated everything about it. It sucked gas, it turned like a bus, it had a giant V-6 with no power, it was ugly it, it was dated, the bench seats were terrible. The interior was from a bygone decade where you essentially had a couch in front of a slab of gray plastic with other black plastic bits stuck in haphazardly with no What I haven't told you is this was Grandpas brand new 1997 Lumina in 1997. I was a German car fanatic and I used to make jokes well at least a VW is not an American car. Anyway we went to Vegas and we were given a rental car 2012 chevy malibu, I fought tooth and nail to not get a Chevy. Give me a Toyota, Nissan, anything but a Chevy. But the lady said it was spring break and the Malibu was a mid-size and I was waiting in line at 12:30 AM so I reluctantly took it. I went out to go get it and when I first saw it I though not too bad looking of a car. And then I opened it up and the interior design was so thoughtful it shocked me. There was an actual flowing design that was multicolored with accents and nice lighting. I was very surprised by every aspect of the car. My wife liked it and how it drove. in 2013 my wifes X5 finally became too expensive to repair. So we looked at Malibus and I found a 2009 LS with 80k miles and they only wanted $9k. Fast forward 3 years the car goes in for maintenance 3 times a year and we generally do whatever Chevy recommends. Last year was about $800 dollars in repairs. Leaking transmission pan/transmission service tie rods and a tune up. The car has never failed us and has never needed a major repair. $1500 dollars in year in total maintenance is awesome. I used to pay $1500-$2000 year to service our 2 BMWs. I have actually thought of getting rid of my M3 and buying a Camaro SS or Vette just because of how reliable our Malibu has been. Were looking at getting my wife a 2016 Mailibu when our Malibu hits 200k miles roughly 2 years from now. Cons: Visibility is hard at 45* looking diagonal out the front because the A pillar and mirror are so large, the visibility out the back is also poor. The trunk opening is small, and most large things need to go in the back seat. The whole front end has to come apart to change the light bulb but it's nothing a harbor freight socket set, some cold beer and a lazy Saturday can't fix. Chevy fixed these issues in later Malibus
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Chevy all the way
Juana la Cubana, 10/18/2015
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my chevy at a used dealership. I saw the car and knew that car was going to be mine. I purchased the car at 91k miles. Now at 140K miles I haven't had a real issue. The car was and is well kept with the oil change,breaks. Only thing is that the accelerator is kinda slow to pick up to a high speed. Changing the car light is a pain in the butt. Chevy was charging me 150.00 to change one light bulb because they had to remove the whole bumper. Lucky we know a guy who knows a guy that had a shop. We ended up paying 50.00 to change 2 light bulbs which isn't bad at all. Love Chevy. We have a Malibu and want a Silverado !!!
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Mine Had Been Fantastic!
Robpauls, 01/04/2020
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought mine with 77,000 miles on it a year ago. Unlike others, mine has not had one issue mechanically or with any other equipment. Perhaps the dealer I bought it from did as they said, they thoroughly reconditioned it. No rattles and that has surprised me. It is very comfortable (seats are nice and front legroom is good), drives great and the mpg is as advertised. Ambient lighting on the inside at night is a nice touch. It is short on legroom in the back and is a narrow mid-size car. The lack of rear seat legroom makes for a large trunk. Perhaps who you buy this car from matters.
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2009 Malibu LTZ at 30K
rbsj, 06/19/2011
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought a new LTZ with the 6-cylinder in June 2009. It now has 30,000 miles on it and I would rate it excellent in almost every way. I have had zero problems with it. It has had no squeeks, rattles or operational problems of any nature. It averages over 31 mpg on the highway going 75 mph, and is very zippy (252 hp in a car the weighs 3,400 lbs). I would highly recommend the car.
Best of the Midsizers
Sydspapa, 06/01/2010
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Traded in a 1999 Olds Aurora that I loved but the air had died. I drove all midsizers and Malibu beats them all hands down. I am 6'4" and 265 and have no problems getting in and being comfortable. This car is the quietest and not sure about the reviews on the visibility as I have not experienced any of those issues but I look over my shoulder when I change lanes. Sound quality of the radio is good and trunk space is good as well. The 4 cyl engine with 4 speed tranny works just fine for my driving requirements. Very impressed with this car so far.
WORST DESIGN EVER!!!
ryanrobinson32, 04/24/2015
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
I hate this design, I now hate Chevy and will spend the rest of my life talking against them!! I will never again buy another Chevy after this stupid design..... Not only can you NOT get to your headlights from the hood, to replace what was a quick 5 minute headlight... You know have to completely take the bumper off to replace a friggin headlight!!! Worst Design ever!! NEVER BUY CHEVY!!!!
MALIBUS SUCK
Tank, 12/18/2015
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Fleet 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 22 people found this review helpful
Do not buy a Malibu!!! I bought a 09 Chevy Malibu with 88,000 miles on it. It was great for the first month but afterwards it started to give me nothing but problems. The headlights continuously to go out which is a major issue seeming that the person that designed the car thought it was okay to make it to where you have to take the whole bumper off just to change a light bulb!!!!!! The brake lights also go out but thank god that's an easy fix and you don't have to pay over 100$ just to get it changed as you have to do with the headlights. The radio system sucks all my aux cords and devices do not work plugged in. My back doors do not unlock when pressing the unlock button. The tire pressure light is always on no matter what. The traction in the car sucks. I have took my car to the dealership over 3 times because in the front drivers seat every time it rains it gets wet. The cup holders are placed in a odd way to where there is not enough room for 2 cups. The turning signals do no turn off automatically when turning ever. This car sucks!!!!!!!!!! I hate it and thinks Chevrolet should be ashamed for making such a bad car.
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Nice Car for the Price.
chevy4life1, 06/18/2012
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
We bought the car used at the Ford dealership where I work, so we were able to get less than what KBB suggested that it costs. We fell in love with the overall look to begin with. Both the sleak yet aggressive exterior and the luxury type interior. We have made a long distance run across two states on vacation so far, since we bought the car a month ago. It performed very well on hwy, we averaged around 27-28 due to hills and stop and go traffic. With the 2.4L it was a hesitation getting up hills and accelerating, so I slapped a Jet Performance module on there and saw improvement with acceleration and horsepower.
3rd Malibu, Dissapointed
randy394, 09/11/2011
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
Ive been such a fan of Malibus that this was my 3rd one (also owned 04 and 06 Malibu LTs), but sadly, Im not very satisfied this time around. At first, I was in love with this car. However, after 9 months, that satisfaction has turned to disappointment.
Dash Lights Flickering
jim from cincinnati, 03/16/2018
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Know that GM does not stand by their product....I have taken this car into the dealership several times and left in there for a week only to have them tell me they cannot reproduce the problem. The dash lights intermittently will illuminate very bright and the gauges will not work....temperature; speedometer; fuel gauge; light signals, etc. all do not work....this is a safety issue but GM can't replicate the problem or they don't want to admit it is a problem. 18 months ago I thought they had fixed the problem and told me my radio was the issue and charged me over $800 for a new radio.....I WILL NEVER OWN A CHEVROLET EVER AGAIN....JUNK...JUNK...JUNK
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Malibu 2009
waistband, 08/17/2011
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2010 and haven't looked back runs great not a glitch anywhere. the main reason for buying this car was gas milage. on hwy i get about 6.6/100 . i have 60.000 ks on the car the only thing i replaced were the front tires, had the brakes checked at the same time and there were only half worn. I did look at the fusion, but price wise the mailbu was cheaper.
UNRELIABLE DANGEROUS CAR FOR A CHILD!!!!
kat9478, 05/04/2015
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car for my 18 year old daughter. Less than a year after owning it, the ESC light is on, the Power steering light, the ABS and Traction Control lights are on. Everything that was recalled on other Malibu's is wrong with this car. Chevy claims it is not part of the recalled cars, even with the same problems. In the meantime, this car is scheduled for service to repair everything wrong with it, and after that, I'm trading it in on something more reliable. This car is dangerous, and if you are thinking about purchasing it for a child, RUN, don't walk away and purchase a different one.
New Malibu
Bowtie, 07/21/2010
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have had the car over a year now, rides & handles great. Other than some tiny paint chips (from driving) on the alum wheels the car looks brand new. I am over 6 ft and the headroom is tight for me. I was sorry to see Chevy stopped offering the V6 for 2010 & 2011
Couldn't wait to get rid of it
alfredcelmare, 04/22/2014
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Problems (so far): Plastic rear bumper cover coming off -$350 to fix. Rear Passenger window not closing -$400. Factory Radio 'broken' does not work -$400. A/C, Fan will not blow in some settings -$600 Power Steering Pump Seal requires replacement -$1300.
Great car
Moi, 05/20/2020
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Couldn’t be more happier
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No armrest padding
pocprotec, 04/21/2013
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Fleet 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 2009 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid has no armrest padding from the manufacturer. As a result, I have bursitis on one elbow. It also has Onstar but there is no compass in the car.
Rims
stacy1966, 01/20/2013
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I agree with the rims issue.Mine have made noise from the beginning so we had to take one off already and it was bent but still making a noise. am also very disappointed on the gas mileage.I can't seem to keep gas in it and I only drive around 10 miles daily. anyone else with this problem.
Horrible Experience With This Car
One Unhappy Customer, 05/22/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Within the first 10 days of ownership, had to return this vehicle for following repairs: - incorrect fuel pump controller installed by factory. - defective computer - dead sunroof, power windows, The dealer's only response is to throw parts at the car. They can't explain why the computer went dead, why the sunroof and windows are blowing fuzes, etc. With each new malfunction they assure me that the car is now fine. Right... The message from GM is that all these problems are unrelated and there is no single underlying root cause. Right... At this point it is plain that my brand- new 2009 Malibu LTZ is defective and unreliable. I will never buy another GM product
2009 Chevy Malibu. (A corript mechanics dream)
Susan Berger, 08/11/2018
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Electrical problems galore. Headlights cannot effectively be repaired with out removing the front bumper plus. Changed electrical switch twice which short circuited & fried the battery, alternator and car computer. Cannot lock the back doors automatically. Must exit the car and manually lock the back doors. Front seats are made to crush or dislodge your spine. Hard to see over the dash board. The car I found out recently has many recalls after over paying over $1.450 for repairs!
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Great Car
Doug Barth, 03/25/2016
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I would definitely buy this car again, it has served us well.
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Warranty Hog
jackt, 06/22/2010
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought Malibu LTZ V6 in June 2009. The car is very comfortable on road. It pushes badly on fast sweepers but I do not normally drive that fast. The power is a bit above adequate. The trunk opening is truly dismal. The "A" pillars offer a huge blind spot. Visibility is also poor to the rear. For me the visibility issue is the worst feature of the car. Four items have been replaced on warranty: right rear door window gasket, the steering column, power steering rack, and the intermediate steering shaft. The piece above the mirror that holds the sun roof and garage door controls had to be reattached. The V-6 in my '92 SHO was MUCH smoother the Malibu's
Needs work
aplus32, 06/09/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Okay, let's start with what's good about the car. The stereo KICKS. Also like the standard chrome rims, and the apparent attention to detail taken with the design interior. A full tank of gas lasted me SEVEN DAYS, and when I went to fill it up, I still had a quarter of a tank to go. That's just awesome. Now, the bad. First of all, who's idea was it to put such a tiny armrest in the vehicle?!? I am short, so I have to pull the seat up. I managed to be able to rest the very tip of my elbow on the darned thing, and had to rest my hand on the floor shift. Floor shift not necessary if vehicle is automatic. Suspension needs work, could HEAR and feel every bump hit while driving.
Excited at first, not anymore...
michstangfan, 11/18/2010
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Off the bat, I loved this car. Wanted a nice looking car that was fun to drive and good on gas, not to mention affordable. Interior and exterior styling are great and you can't beat the price. After driving the car for only 3 months now, it has been a nightmare. Windshield leak warranted an entire replacement of the windshield, heated seats stopped working, security light randomly comes on, transmission glitches and needs to be serviced monthly, wood (plastic) trim pops out of its clips. Biggest problem, high beam headlamp already burnt out and you have to remove the entire front end to access the bulbs! Oh and oil changes, forget doing them yourself, you'll need a special tool.
NOT a Good Car
zer, 01/27/2010
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
On a quick test drive its difficult to see all the flaws, but, this car is an awful drive. It's difficult to stear and maneuver. There is no visibilty in the rear sides and front corners. Gas mileage is poor at best. My car is new and I average about 20 mpg with 80% highway driving. The trunk is the worst design! So anyone can break a front window and pop the trunk open with the driver's side button. The compartment design is also awful! It's a very large at first glance until you try to put luggage in there. The compartment is long and goes far back, but there is no depth to it, so, luggage gets stuck right near the opening.... All in all this car is very frustrating.. I feel very misled for the $
6 months with my LT2 Malibu
George, 04/06/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car September 30th and drove 5200 miles so far. A good friend bought the Honda EX-L and the Malibu interior is quieter. The onboard computer told me my right rear tire was low, 19 lbs, and when I got home and check it was exactly right. This is something the Honda does not offer as well. The competitors do offer 18 gallon tanks and perhaps a bit better MPG but not enough to trade the pros of this car in for. If I could do it all over I would have bought the Malibu in the 4 cylinder engine due to GM not increasing the gas tank size when increasing the engine size. This is a major oversite on GM's part, in my honest opinion.
Pleasantly Surprised
Very Satisfied, 01/03/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked at Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, and Volkswagen Passat. For the money, this was the best car. More than adequate power for a 4 cyl., extremely quiet at highway speeds, and a very smooth, comfortable ride. Suspension not too hard or soft, just right. Plenty of technology and luxury like comforts in the car (Bluetooth, OnStar, heated seats). First road trip was over 600 miles, averaged about 30-32 mpg, but I tend to drive a little fast. Car was at 80 mph, tachometer wasn't even at 2500. Putting a 6 speed trans in this car was the smartest thing GM ever did. Oh, did I mention, car is just beautiful to look at. This is my first American purchase, and I am extremely impressed.
This is the nicest car I have ever owned
dizz, 10/15/2008
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great on gas, quiet, great looking, handles like a dream. Very nice car. Looks like a BMW.
1000 miles and radio problems
NewGMowner, 01/07/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My XM radio is not receiving a signal, the malibu is in the shop for three days to fix - I have 1200 miles on the car, not happy. The lastest is they may have to replace radio - more time in the shop. The four cylinder, six speed automatic transmission is great. I like the car - even with the radio issue. Hard to believe but I would strongly recommend this Chevy to all. I test drove many cars - this car is as good, I believe better than: Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and etc. I wanted to buy American and thought I might have to accept less - the Malibu is a great car - really. The gas mileage is excellent for the car's size and weight. All will like the mpg - very quiet. GM lives!
Outstanding Buy
hunt0694, 01/14/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Anyone who believes that GM can't build a quality, fun-to-drive car at a resonable price should try the new Malibu. I've had a lot of cars but nothing this good for the money. I had no intention of getting a Malibu until I test drove it (I was set to buy a Camry.) The Chevy won in ride and performance, and interior styling was way better than the Toyota. And the deal being offered made it thousand less. I know everyone talks about how the Camry delivers more on resale, but you're paying way too much up front. And the Malibu is way more fun to drive. If you're on the fence about buying a mid-size car, do yourself a favor an drive the Malibu.
Best all around car for the money
REN, 08/17/2008
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
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What's not to like about the car. It has great looks, great interior, and great on gas. This is the first car we have owned in years (Its been all SUV's for 10 years) and we love it. Nice features on the LT2. Love the dash and blue accent lights. The only down side is that after only 2 days, we had all 4 rims stolen of the vehicle! So we had wheel locks and a "tilt" sensor added to the factory alarm.
Great Car....almost
Chandra, 10/15/2008
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
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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.
See Ya Toyota!
pamemake, 01/09/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
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After much research and model shopping I finally made it into my local Chevy dealer. I took the Malibu 4 cylinder for a test drive and really liked it, until I took the 6 cylinder for a test drive. Wow! What a smooth ride. Very comfortable and tight. The car handled our pot-holes very nicely during the test drive. The ride was supple and controlled and the noise level was very very low. The car handled like a vehicle that should cost much more. Nicely appointed and fun to drive. I touch the gas and I go! No lag in the 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder was a little laggy for me. After my test drive, I wanted the 6 cylinder. My Prius was boring and low powered and I couldn't wait to trade it in.
Solid Car for the price
Tim, 01/08/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
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Very happy with the car. I did a lot of research and test drove many makes and models. Was able to get this for 7k under MSRP. Best value for the price. No problems as of yet
Exceptional Mid-Size Sedan
Alan, 10/28/2008
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
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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.
A contender
pulciano, 01/15/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
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So far so good! Real happy with purchase. V6 does the job. Exterior came a long way. Interior very classy and high end looking. It's about time GM became competitive with Chevy sedans.
About Time GM
BWN, 01/21/2009
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
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Have just under 10,000 miles in a short period of time. Tight, comfortable, quiet, sure footed, and user friendly. When you consider the cost of this vehicle, it is a winner. Not a single problem with the car. It is an great midsize family sedan. I was nervous when I moved from my 06 Camry to this car. I'm now glad I did.
2009 Malibu LTZ 4cyl
Tommy, 08/04/2008
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
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This car is so sweet to drive. 4 cyl 6 speed auto transmission. On highway 65MPH tach is under 2,000 RPM. Fit and finish is good. Also very quiet 18 inch wheels. Just a sweet ride all around
Love this car
campbell, 08/21/2008
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
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I did a lot of shopping around before purchasing my 09 Chevy Malibu. I have to say I fell in love with this car from the time I got behind the wheel. This car is by far the best in value and performance of other leading vehicles. I have the 2.4L4cyl and I am getting about 28 mpg on an average highway drive. It has enough horepower for me to take control of the highway driving. Love the new design of the Malibu, I have been asked by several people if the car was a BMW. This car has a European luxury style to it and looks sharp. The interior is very roomy and designed for comfort. You want options, this car has them. Love the free OnStar and the discount from the insurance company.