Used 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews
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Good car, but some shortcomings
brownco4, 10/25/2012
2012 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan w/1LT (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
PROS - Fun to drive (acceleration, handling, seat comfort); I like the power moon roof. Quiet ride and nice, roomy trunk. CONS - Tilt steering wheel is too low (even when it and the seats are adjusted). Mileage on my Buick LeSabre is better than this Malibu. Finally, the trunk release works, but the lifters do not lift, opening it unlike any other car I've ever had.
Six years plus years and still very satisfiedff.
Chris Welch, 01/25/2017
updated 02/22/2022
2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS Fleet 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
Six years plus into owning this 2012 Malibu, we are very satisfied. Other than brakes, tires, and oil changes, we have had the right front wheel bearing assembly replaced. We really enjoy the smooth ride and reliability.Just over 83000 miles on it to date. It will need a little brake/strut work soon, but that's normal stuff. A few minor things since last review. A oiece of the front plastic undercarriage fell. Was able to put back on myself. Just replaced front tires. Trunk release button was not working for a few months but has started working again. Left side speakers have stopped working. Not sure of the problem, but not worth the money to get them fixed. Right side speakers provide good sound. Steering column is beginning to make some squeaking sounds whrn turing sharply. Not sure if it's something to be concerned about...yet.
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Maintenance nightmare
Anthony, 05/20/2018
2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
With under 100k on this vehicle we have already replaced a transmission and then a timing chain. Not to mention smaller repairs such as wheel bearings, strut mounts, and sensors. If one side breaks, replace the other as well because it is not far behind. This car is treated very light with frequent service and oil undercoated every year. Seems to be broken more often then not. I would not recommend this year of Malibu to ANYONE.
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Not A Family Car
Matt, 12/09/2015
2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
25 of 32 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2012 Chevy Malibu LS new in 2012 due to us losing a company car, and we went cheap on the trim. I have 2 children (under 5), and I can't say that I'm all that impressed with my Malibu, especially when comparing it to my wife's 2009 Ford Fusion SEL. The Malibu's 2.4L engine is very underpowered for a sedan. The transmission has never downshifted smoothly when approaching a light/stop sign (I'm assuming GM programmed the transmission this way to improve fuel economy). The fuel economy isn't as advertised (especially around town). We've had 3 recalls on the car, and for only having 39,500 miles, there are more squeaks and rattles than my wife's Fusion. The brakes and tires have worn very quickly. My friend has complained about the same issue with the same car. The throttle hesitates, and it seems the torque converter has a difficult time applying power to the wheels at lower RPMs. The paint scratches very easy, and the trunk opening is so small. We cannot the same types of items in my Malibu as we can in the Fusion (stroller, infant's swing, etc). On the positive side, we haven't had any major issues with it so far, and it is a very comfortable car to drive. The cabin is very quiet, and the car is easy on the eyes. The car is good in the snow, and the Bluetooth technology works great. The car warms up quickly in the winter. It is probably a nice vehicle for a single driver, but for a family it doesn't quite get the job done. I wouldn't recommend buying this vehicle.
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Gas mileage not as advertised
vthow, 09/19/2012
2012 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan w/1LT (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
27 of 35 people found this review helpful
The 2012 Malibu I purchased was stickered at 34 MPG. The best I have been able to get is 25 MPG all highway. The Malibu is a good car but one of the selling points in buying this was the MPG so I am very disappointed in the misleading advertising.
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