Before You Buy

Chevrolet Malibu: Buy Score, Reliability & Ownership Costs

Midsize Car · Sedan

MSRP Range$25,800–$30,000
A silver Chevrolet Malibu sedan parked on a suburban street in soft afternoon light, shot candidly at a three-quarter angle.
Engine1.5L turbo 4-cylinder
Fuel Economy29-32 mpg combined
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive
Seating5

Our Verdict

Based on model-specific reliability data, ownership costs, and longevity signals.

Buy
82/100

Buy Score™

Pros

  • RepairPal ranks it 9th of 24 midsize cars, with below-average repair frequency and severity
  • Remaining new inventory can often be negotiated well below MSRP since GM is no longer building them
  • Roomy trunk and back seat for the segment
  • Established, well-understood platform with a long reliability track record

Cons

  • GM ended Malibu production in November 2024 — no new ones are being built, and long-term parts/resale support may thin out over time
  • iSeeCars shows steeper 5-year depreciation (45.8%) than the midsize-car category average (39.9%)
  • No hybrid or AWD option, unlike several rivals

Can this car reach 300,000 miles?

Likely

RepairPal's model-specific score (4.0/5.0) ranks the Malibu a solid 9th of 24 midsize cars, with below-average repair frequency and severity. Important buying note: GM ended Malibu production in November 2024, with 2025 as the final model year — thousands of unsold new units remained at dealers as of early 2026, but no new Malibus will be built going forward.

First-Time Buyer Friendly

80/100

Simple controls, predictable running costs, and forgiving handling make this an easy first car.

Reliability Timeline

What tends to need attention, and when — based on model-specific reliability data.

RoutineModerateMajor

30,000 miles

Oil changes, tire rotations

60,000 miles

Brake pads
Battery

100,000 miles

Spark plugs; turbo components

150,000 miles

Suspension bushings

200,000+ miles

Commonly still running well with routine upkeep, per its above-average RepairPal ranking

What It Actually Costs to Own

Repair costs run below the midsize-sedan average, though iSeeCars shows steeper depreciation than the Camry, Accord, or Sonata — a factor that matters more here since resale support may thin out further now that the nameplate is discontinued.

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost$1,400
Estimated Annual Insurance$1,300
Estimated Annual Maintenance$400
Estimated Annual Repairs$532
Estimated Annual Registration$180
5-Year Depreciation~46% of purchase price

Full Specifications

Engine1.5L turbo 4-cylinder
Fuel Economy29-32 mpg combined
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive
Seating5
Warranty3 yr/36,000 mi basic, 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain

Check for open recalls before you buy

We don't yet have a live recall feed wired up for the Chevrolet Malibu, so we won't guess at a number here. Before you buy any specific Malibu, run its VIN throughNHTSA's free recall lookup tool— it takes about 30 seconds and confirms whether that exact vehicle has any open, unrepaired safety recalls.

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Sources: RepairPal model reliability score (4.0/5.0), annual repair cost ($532), and 9th-of-24 midsize-car ranking: repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/malibu (live lookup, 2026). Malibu production ending November 2024, 2025 as final model year, remaining new inventory: marketplace.org, edmunds.com, and carsfrenzy.net coverage (live lookup, 2026). MSRP reflects the final model year's pricing, not a current new-model-year figure. iSeeCars 5-year depreciation (45.8% vs. a 39.9% midsize-car category average): iseecars.com Malibu resale-value page (live lookup, 2026).