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Used car guide
Used Chevrolet Malibu: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Chevrolet Malibu from 2010 to 2025, across 3 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $5,000 to $25,500), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2010–2012, 2014–2015, 2019–2025. Look harder at or skip 2013, 2016–2018.
2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu
A roomier, lighter Malibu with an optional stronger turbo engine.
Years to target: 2019–2025. Look harder at or skip: 2016–2018. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $9,000 | Look harder | 5 of 5 | ~115,000 |
| 2017 | $10,000 | Look harder | 5 of 5 | ~105,000 |
| 2018 | $11,000 | Look harder | 5 of 5 | ~95,000 |
| 2019 | $12,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
| 2020 | $14,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~75,000 |
| 2021 | $15,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~65,000 |
| 2022 | $17,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~50,000 |
| 2023 | $20,000* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~40,000 |
| 2024 | $22,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~30,000 |
| 2025 | $25,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~20,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- 2016: owner complaints spike (861, mostly the engine).
- 2017: owner complaints spike (724, mostly the engine).
- 2018: owner complaints spike (697, mostly the engine).
- The base 1.5-liter turbo is adequate but not quick, and the auto start-stop system can feel abrupt.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the LT: it adds a power driver seat and nicer trim over the LS, with packages for heated seats and blind-spot monitoring. The 2016 to 2019 hybrid is very efficient.
On the test drive
On a hybrid, ask for a battery health check. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: optional from 2016, never standard in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2016, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Corolla 2021–2023 · $17,500–$20,500
- Toyota Prius 2018–2019 · $17,000–$19,000
- Lexus IS 2015–2016 · $18,000–$20,000
Find one near you
2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu
A comfortable midsize sedan with a mild hybrid version among its engine choices.
Years to target: 2014–2015. Look harder at or skip: 2013. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $7,000 | Look harder | 5 of 5 | ~140,000 |
| 2014 | $7,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~130,000 |
| 2015 | $8,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~120,000 |
Worth knowing
- 2013: owner complaints spike (922, mostly the electrical system).
- The rear seat is notably cramped for a midsize car, so check that it fits your passengers.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the LT: it adds a touchscreen, alloy wheels and a power driver seat on 2LT over the LS. The turbo engine on upper trims adds real power.
On the test drive
Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2014, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Camry 2010–2011 · $7,500–$8,500
- Toyota Corolla 2011 · $8,000
- Acura TSX 2010–2011 · $7,500–$8,500
Find one near you
2010–2012 Chevrolet Malibu
A handsome, quiet midsize sedan with a four-cylinder or an optional six-cylinder.
Years to target: 2010–2012. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $5,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~160,000 |
| 2011 | $5,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~150,000 |
| 2012 | $6,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~140,000 |
Worth knowing
- The rear seat is tighter than rivals, and the 2.4-liter can develop timing chain noise, so listen at startup.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the LT, ideally a 2LT: it adds alloy wheels, a power driver seat and nicer trim over the LS. These predate CarPlay and modern driver aids.
On the test drive
Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Ford Fusion 2010–2011 · $5,000–$5,500
- Subaru Legacy 2010 · $6,000
- Mazda Mazda3 2011–2012 · $5,000–$5,500
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.