Now in the fourth year of its eighth generation, the Chevrolet Malibu dates to 1964. And like other vehicles with long histories, the Malibu has come a long way since it was named after the surfing-oriented city along the California coastline.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, however, is much the same as last year’s model, but it’s without a few items. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is no longer available and xenon headlights and a few other more minor equipment features have been discontinued.
Key Takeaways
- Malibu Limited LT tested: the mid-level of three trims, with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
- $25,020 MSRP and $27,985 as tested.
- Driver’s Confidence Package: $1,195, with lane assist, collision alerts and parking assist.
- 23 mpg city and 33 highway for the Malibu Limited.
- Ride: It’s a spacious sedan and its smooth, quiet ride makes the car feel bigger on the open road.
- Back seat: The Malibu’s backseat is the only area of concern.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
The midsize sedan segment is among the most competitive in the industry, dominated by Japanese vehicles and vastly improved competitors from South Korea. So where does the Chevrolet Malibu, now more than 50 years ago, fit into the mix?
My weekly test model was the Chevy Malibu Limited in the mid-level LT trim, one of three available trims.
Still an underdog
The base LS starts with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a partial power driver seat with power height adjustment, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, cruise control, OnStar (with 4G LTE and mobile WiFi), Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player.
The LT model adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, upgraded headlights, body-color heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, ambient interior lighting, floor mats, Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system (includes a 7-inch touchscreen, voice controls, Internet radio, smartphone-app integration and voice-to-text messaging capability for certain smartphones), Bluetooth streaming audio, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack and a USB port.
Several option packages are available, including the Driver’s Confidence Package ($1,195). It includes nearly a dozen safety items, including lane assist, collision alerts and parking assist.
Driving Impressions
The 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, turbo-charged engine produces 197 horsepower and advances with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
While never to be mistaken with a sports car, the Malibu accelerates with satisfaction considering its four-cylinder status. It’s a spacious sedan and its smooth, quiet ride makes the car feel bigger on the open road.
Several midsize rivals achieve better gas mileage, but the Malibu is on par with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and recent new top players like the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata in other areas. Its handling is firm and the keen suspension helps provides a sense of refinement.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Verdict
The Malibu’s interior is another strong point. Like the exterior, the console is modern and sleek, replete with sharp angles and controls. While most look the same and provided some intimidation, it all works efficiently.
Technology features are abundant although many have learning curves. The interior material is handsome and of strong grade, and the front seats can be adjusted in a generous selection of position. The Malibu’s backseat is the only area of concern. The legroom is tight for larger adults.
Likes
Overall spaciousness. Superior trunk space. Intuitive infotainment system. Confident ride.
Dislikes
Tight backseat. Competitors have better gas mileage.
Facts & Figures: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $25,020 |
| As-Tested Price | $27,985 |
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city / 33 highway / 27 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper 3 yr/36,000 mi; powertrain 5 yr/100,000 mi; corrosion 6 yr/100,000 mi; roadside assistance 5 yr/100,000 mi; scheduled maintenance 2 yr/24,000 mi |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.