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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Overview

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2012 Chevrolet Malibu Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.3

Many critics believed GM could never build a mid-size sedan to compete with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. But, the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedan has made believers out of the most strident GM-bashers and given the entire mid-size segment a loud wakeup call. Chevy's Malibu is a stylish sedan with a handsome, intelligently laid-out interior, a choice of fuel-efficient 4- or 6-cylinder engines, and a penchant for driving. Unfortunately, Chevrolet does not offer a hybrid Malibu, leaving green-friendly drivers to shop the Fusion, Sonata, Optima or Camry hybrids. If the 2012 Malibu mid-size sedan falls short in one area, it's the car's entertainment and communications offerings. Unlike the Ford Fusion, the Malibu doesn't offer a SYNC-like system and there is no factory navigation option, although turn-by-turn directions are available through the OnStar system. If these things are an important part of your car-buying decision, you may want to hold off a bit longer when the all-new 2013 Malibu sedan arrives. Already unveiled, the 2013 Malibu offers an even bigger dose of expressive styling, a very cool interior and GM's MyLink voice-activated communications system.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you've been wanting to come back to a domestic sedan, but felt the quality, styling and features just weren't there, the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is your ticket back to the good old days. Long-legged occupants will appreciate the Malibu's generous legroom both front and rear.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're all about cutting-edge electronics, the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedan falls a bit short of the mark. Those who prefer the fun of driving a manual-transmission car will be better served by a Honda Accord, Kia Optima or Ford Fusion.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.3
Driving Dynamics

7.2
Comfort & Convenience

8.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

6.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#18

out of 33

MPG

#27

out of 32

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2012, the Malibu LS sedan receives a new Uplevel Package option, while the 1LT offers a Sunroof and Convenience Package.

Driving the Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedan's impressively smooth and controlled ride is a direct result of its European-inspired suspension, stiff body, long wheelbase and wide stance. On uneven or rough pavement,...

the 2012 Chevy Malibu is able to absorb all but the harshest road imperfections while maintaining its composure, never giving in to wheel hop or chatter. We tend to like the driving dynamics of the V6 models more than the 4-cylinder cars due to the conventional hydraulic power steering setup. The 4-cylinder Malibu uses a fuel-save electric-assist power steering setup that feels a bit detached and lacks good on-center feel. GM's fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic is a welcome addition to the Malibu lineup and offers paddle shifters for more spirited driving.

Favorite Features

Remote Starting
Available on 1LT models and standard on 2LT and LTZ, this terrific feature lets you start the engine and warm or cool the interior from a distance, with the car still locked, well before departing.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation
A GM OnStar feature, this service provides precise verbal directions through the car's audio system without the need to program in a destination.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Details

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Although in its final year in this form, the 2012 Chevy Malibu sedan's interior doesn't look old or dated. The smart "dual-cockpit" instrument panel is made of quality plastics that fit together well. Upper-trim models feature two available 2-tone trim combinations-Ebony and Brick, and Cocoa and Cashmere-with metallic-look or wood-grain accents. Cool blue backlighting illuminates the Malibu's gauge cluster, while warmer ambient lighting resides in the foot wells and in the LED overhead pin lighting that projects onto the center console. Abundant storage space is provided throughout the 2012 Chevy Malibu's interior, most notably in the deep center console bin and in the covered storage bin atop the dash. Helpful for laptop or video-game use is the available 110-volt AC power outlet. As for interior space, the Malibu provides excellent legroom for tall passengers, although the headroom for such folk is far better up front than in the rear seat.

Exterior

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedan displays taut proportions, finely tailored sheet metal and definitive style that is pure Chevrolet. With its wheels pushed to the furthest corners, the Chevy Malibu presents an image of stability and strength; the design also stretches the car's wheelbase to its maximum limit creating a larger and roomy interior. The Malibu's short deck lid opens to reveal a larger and deep trunk, with a low lift-over height for easy loading. In LTZ form, the Malibu sedan is even more distinctive with front foglights and clear-lens LED taillights. V6 models are easily distinguished by their twin chrome exhaust outlets.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedan's comprehensive list of standard safety features includes 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, StabiliTrak stability control, front seatbelt pretensioners, OnStar 9.0 and six air bags: dual-stage front, front seat-mounted thorax (side) and 2-row head-curtain bags. Also standard are a 6-speed TAPshift automatic transmission, 17-inch painted steel wheels, XM Satellite Radio and (surprisingly) a choice of interiors that includes 2-tone trim combinations. The range-topping LTZ offers front foglights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual chrome exhausts and clear-lens LED taillights.

Optional Equipment

2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedan option and equipment packages include such features as power-adjustable pedals, up-level interiors, leather seats, power sunroof, Bose audio, Bluetooth, power equipment groups and a premium audio system. A touch-screen GPS navigation system is not available (partially because the center stack design doesn't provide room for a screen), but Turn-by-Turn verbal directions can be easier to use (you call in destinations to an OnStar operator rather than program them in) and you may not miss the screen.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedan offers a choice of a standard 169-horsepower 2.4-liter Ecotec four, or a 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V6; both engines feature dual-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. Chevrolet's fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic is standard across the line, and features a manual shift mode to aid when passing or merging. The 2012 Malibu does not offer a manual transmission option.

2.4-liter 4-cylinder
169 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
160 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/33 , 15/23 (E85)

3.6-liter V6
252 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
251 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26

Pricing Notes

This 2012 Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan is offered in three well-equipped trims: LS, LT and LTZ. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the LS starts just under $23,000, with the LT trim starting closer to $25,000. A fully loaded LTZ V6 tops out around $34,000. To make your best deal, be sure to check our Fair Purchase Price, which shows the typical transaction price others in your area have paid for their car. The Malibu's only significant competitive disadvantage to rivals Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry is projected residual value; Kelley Used Car Blue Book residual values indicate that those long-term segment leaders will fare much better years down the road. The Ford Fusion, Malibu's natural domestic competitor, offers a 4-cylinder/automatic combination that starts just under $22,000 and has slightly higher projected 5-year residual values.

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2012 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 450 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.0/10

So far so GOOD

By alibamf (WY) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, gas mileage, roomyness"

Cons: "stereo"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Okay, so I have this car in the LTZ trim, so it has black and orange leather interior and the 3.6 V6. The thing for one has some balls, and for two it's pretty darn roomy. My brother is 6 foot 5, and he is comfortable in the back seat and I'm 5 foot 5 and I am WAY comfy in the back seat, my knees aren't even close to touching the back of the front seat. It is sporty looking, and my dad just put a spoiler and rims on it so now it looks REALLY good. The only issue has been with the stereo. It's been replaced once and still is having issues with the USB working."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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very reliable and good on gas

By louwyn (FL) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great price and comfortable to drive"

Cons: "has cup holders with and even in doors and back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"very comfortable and good on gas I keep mine serviced and love it I have a car fax on it the back seat from the trunk lays down and you can carry a lot of things in it"

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Stylish and Reliable

By KCTsalagi (MO) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Attractive, very smooth ride, very comfortable"

Cons: "small rear windshield, cup holders could be bigger"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is my first Malibu, my first Chevy actually, and I've been very happy with this car. The car itself is attractive inside and out. The engine could be a bit more responsive, but I opted for the 4 cylinder instead of the V6. The ride is very smooth, so much so that I occasionally find myself going 80mph without realizing it. If you're looking for a reliable midsize sedan and don't want to be stuck in something boring, check out the Malibu."

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Great looking, drives nice, reliability an issue

By Rockindj99 (MT) on Thursday, April 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good looks"

Cons: "Bad computer system"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"We have had this car repaired about 11 times for an issue where the brake lights come on unexpectedly and the transmission shifts up and down. I have had enough of this problem and trading it off."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best Car choice!

By MsCA123 (UT) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "cheap insurance, looks & runs GREAT"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was reluctant to trade in my "all bells and whistles" cadillac, but this vehicle really delivered all the comfort and performance. It's been 3 years now and I still LOVE my custom interior Malibu LTZ I get a lot of compliments on its sporty style."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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No Regrets on buying this vehicle

By David (CA) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Nice to drive...handles well. Nice lines"

Cons: "Trunk access is not good. MPG only so-so"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"We purchased this vehicle out of a sense of Patriotism....wanted to buy American. Our other car is a Lexus RX which we got for the drive over the Sierras in the winter time which we do quite often. Only the LTV appealed to our sense of line and decor as a second car. It has been extremely reliable and as a vehicle to drive it meets our required standard...but it is not a luxury vehicle. It is no Audi but pleasant to drive. The access to the trunk is not good. My wife loves it. I like it. It is a good car to drive, handles well and the engine makes a satisfactory noise when pushed. I think the LTV was designed for a target group but the MPG (20 AVERAGE)is not to our expectations"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 450 reviews