2012 Chevrolet Malibu User Reviews

Pros

Looks more then it is, awesome build quality, good handling

Cons

Poor Fuel Economy

Purchased As New

Overall an awesome car had it for a year now but the gas is really poor and mines a 4 cyl really really poor in the city. Overall I'm impressed with the 20k I spent on it, I only have 5.5k miles on it and bought it in May 2012, the build quality is nice but I am currently on the fence about the engine quality it has alot of power for a 4cyl yet the engine may not last 200k miles like my old impala I dunno we'll find out, it does have an amazing amount of power getting up to 140MPH is easy on the freeway. Another negative thing is the auto drive mode is alil slow at shifting.

The biggest negative is insanely poor gas millage in the city, very unimpressed alil mad because fuel economy is what I bought it for, imo they should have put in a small electric motor for city driving, its real bad my 2002 chevy impala V8 302hp got around 23 mpg in the city yet this 2012 malibu V4 162 gets around 17mpg in the city, lower the tires to 50 instead of 55 for better handling and yet that will make city go down abit. Although on the freeway it can get 40-50mpg but I live in the city so........read morehide

Pros

Timeless styling, nice lines, comfortable interior, excellent handling

Cons

lower mpg than expected

Purchased As New

After driving a Toyota Camry for over 10 years, I was thrilled to purchase this Malibu, which after 4,700 miles has proven to be a high performer with its great handling and good looks. The Malibu takes corners better than any American car I've ever driven, and I get there in more than reasonable comfort. Before taxes and destination, my fully "loaded" chevy ran under $20,000. It is simple, efficient and stylish transportation for those seeking a domestic midside option....read morehide

Pros

liked everything about the car

Cons

thought gas consumption was more than it shopuld be

Purchased As New

recently rented a 2012 malibu lt ,from enterprise, for our trip to north carolina. wife is 5'8 and 130lbs; i'm 5'10' 250.seating ,very comfortable. interior roomy, no problem with car. road well,quiet,easy too use controls
during time , had granddaughter's baby chair on back seat.car rides well, doesn't have any obstructed views and is comfortable on a 300 plus mile drive.the 2.4 is powerful enough. the only low s are , my perception of the gas milage-not enough mpg's, and preference for the six cylinder for more power. must bare in mind that the 3.6 has had it's share of oil eating-mobile1-problems
the fit and finish were acceptable
to those who object to the gm bailout portion of the car's history, buy one from enterprise. they sell them practically new,and you may add tire package protection and extended warranty,taking coverage to 90,000 miles. the cost is much less.
if the choice was between the malibu or impala-i'd take the malibu-impala 's ride like taxi cabs and lack character-referencing2011s and 2012s. stiffest competition is acura tsx,
with similar features, but much higher cost. have driven accords and camrys and they float.we refuse to pay retail,buying thru wholesaler can be cheaper,sometimes you get a deal,but just as often you get one that needs lots of repairs,adding to the overall cost. yes ,they make a profit on sales,but those companies,who make a profit stay in business and hire people-in this case american college,graduates.
similar features to pricier imports for less cost...read morehide

Pros

Good on fuel, looks good, comfortable

Cons

None

Purchased As Used

Great car! I'm very happy I purchased this car after months of hunting for a car! Looks great and drives great! No complaints! I'm more than satisfied!

Pros

nice ride, dash layout is simple, dash is soft instead of hard plastic

Cons

back seat too narrow for child seat or boosters

Purchased As New

I bought this car new just over a year ago, after more that 12k miles on the odo, I am overall satisfied with it no mechanical issues at all. My previous car was an 04 Camry that felt roomier overall inside and the trunk was very spacious. This car looks and feels a bit smaller. I have three kids and the rear seat is just too narrow with all of them in child seats, I struggle to strap them in. Without the seats it's ok. I could of bought another Camry but decided to buy American this time, plus there was a 1500.00 rebate on it....read morehide

Pros

good power

Cons

random sometimes very hard shaking between 15 to 20 miles per hour,

Purchased As New

Something is always shaking or riding rough, It is the worst ride i have had. Maintenance personal cannot seem to find the trouble, or don't want to.

Pros

great fuel economy, comfortable drive, sleek design

Purchased As New

I have owned my Malibu for about three months now. I have owned a Honda Accord, as well as a Toyota Camry so I was initially reluctant to look and compare this model. After test driving and shown the features available I am glad I did. It offered me everything I needed and more. The value is second to none....read morehide

Cons

Comfort?

Purchased As Not Purchased

My wife and I were stuck with one of these cars during an extended rental (one month). I'm 6'-0" and 185, she's 5'-5" and 135 so we are not of an unussual size or shape. Let me tell you that this is the single most uncomfortable car we have ever driven. We banged our heads and knees getting in and out and the non adjustable head rests are torture devices. It is a miserable little car....read morehide

Pros

Good ride, good fuel economy, the power seats are excellent, great stereo

Cons

Black interior is too hot, metallic ice exterior is high maintence, interior chrome reflections

Purchased As New

Performance wise, this car is a great commuter, a rather comfortable ride and the interior feels spacious. It handles very well compared to the other commuter type cars in the Chevy family. It accelerates well in traffic, but the engine doesn't quite have the power of the Impala. Gas mileage is good to excellent. The stereo system is very nice and has connections for an ipod. The amount of trunk space is excellent, and the back seats flip forward for any needed extra storage. The stretchy upholstery fabric repels fluids well and the carpet is easy to vacuum. This car is a great value and has a commanding appearance. Overall, I am happy with this choice.
My only two complaints are that the only choice I had for the interior was black, which makes it very hot in the summer, and the reflections that are created by some of the interior chrome trim can be distracting. My solution is light colored seat covers and floor mats, and really dark sun glasses. The metallic ice exterior is a bit of a chore to keep looking clean, since water drops and dirt show up very distinctly on it compared to most solid colors. Weekly I use a good quality wash and wax combo to save a step because it has to be towel-dried to look presentable....read morehide

Pros

great looking car, has a europeon look. Great sound system

Cons

gets not so great gas mileage..never over 24 mpg..never

Purchased As New

the ride is fair..the door cup holders are horrible, always banging my knee on it. When entering the car I always have to fall into it and then bump my head on the roof section above the door. Also thecup holders are to small for many drink cups.