By Josh RosenbergWith both sky high new and used car prices, many carbuyers are looking for "older" vehicles as a way to save some significant dollars. And it turns out, the 2012 Chevy Malibu has maintained a fairly consistent track record overall.
J.D. Power gives it a quality and reliability rating of 89/100. RepairPal also gives it a solid rating of 4.0/5.0, ranking it ninth out of 24 midsize 2012 models.
That said, while some owners have reported excellent reliability with their Malibus, experiencing few issues over years of ownership, others have encountered some problems, from minor electrical hiccups to more significant engine or transmission issues.
So here, we'll review its features when originally released, its pros and cons, how it worked out for reliability over the years, and specific mechanical issues some owners have reported that should be checked before buying one today.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Review
The 2012 Malibu was the last production year for its seventh generation which began with the much coveted 2007 North American Car of the Year award. And it still had plenty to offer, including a comfortable ride, capable handling, a strong V6 engine, good looks and a quiet interior.
Still, the midsize sedan market is extremely competitive with other worthy rivals. Since it's always wise to check out other top choices before making a final buying decision, those perhaps worth consideration would include the Hyundai Sonata as well as its Kia Optima sibling, along with the newly revised and now less expensive Volkswagen Passat, the Ford Fusion and the Nissan Altima.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2012 Malibu is available in three trims: LS, LT and LTZ, along with several sub-models.
Standard features on the Malibu LS include power door locks, power mirrors, power windows, air-conditioning, automatic headlights, halogen headlights, cruise control, a partial power driver seat (lumbar), keyless entry, 17-inch steel wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, a tire pressure monitor, an aniti-theft system, OnStar and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, MP3 player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up to the Malibu LT includes choosing among 1LT, 2LT and 3LT sub-models. Among the features added with the 1LT are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, 17-inch bright aluminum wheels, a USB audio jack and body-color outside mirrors and side moldings.
The 2LT goes on to add remote ignition, Bluetooth, chrome wheels, more power driver seat adjustments, upgraded upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The 3LT includes all this plus 18-inch chrome-tech aluminum wheels, chrome dual exhaust tips and a rear 110-volt AC power outlet.
Standard features for the 1LZ trim of the top-of-the line Malibu LTZ include projector-beam and LED clear lens fog lamps, a silver finish front grille with chrome surround, chrome door handles, a chrome exhaust tip, 18-inch 10-spoke bright aluminum wheels, heated passenger and driver exterior mirrors, climate control, a sunroof, a power passenger seat, leather upholstery and an 8-speaker Bose Audio system.
The 2LZ is equipped very much like the 1LZ but includes a more powerful V6 engine.
In terms of available options, most of these features are available in various packages for the lower trims. In addition, a sunroof is offered as a stand-alone option on the LT model.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
All Malibus are front-wheel drive and equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 169 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. The fuel economy for this engine is EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway.
In performance tests, a four-cylinder Malibu was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, about on par with the average four-cylinder sedan in this segment.
Under the hood of 3LT and 2LZ models is a 3.6-liter V6 that pumps out 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet. Gas mileage for these models stands at 17 mpg city and 26 highway. Timed from 0 - 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, its one of the quickest V6 sedans in its class.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 2012 Malibus include traction and stability control, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (ABS), front seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and the OnStar telematics system.
In government crash tests, the 2012 Malibu received four out of five stars for overall occupant protection, consisting of four stars for frontal-impacts and five stars for side-impacts.
Interior:
The Malibu's cabin is comfortable, attractive and user-friendly. If there's a downside, there are a few places where lower-quality materials are used, though not to an extent that it becomes a likely deal breaker. On the plus side, the abundant use of noise insulation makes for a very pleasant and quiet driving environment.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, both front and rear. That said, the rear quarters are on the tight side when accommodating three adults compared to some of its rivals. Trunk space, however, is a generous 15.1 cubic feet ... and more is available thanks to the 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks. But also note that the trunk opening is somewhat small, making for some jostling of larger items when loading and unloading.
Drive:
The drive of the 2012 Chevy Malibu is one of its best attributes, boasting a smooth and quiet ride while still maintaining a highly capable and confident level of handling. The steering is light yet still responsive and precise, whether its the electric-assisted power steering (increases gas mileage performance) in the four-cylinder models or the hydraulic steering assist in the V6 models.
Both engines are quite competent and the four-cylinder is likely lively enough to satisfy the needs of most drivers while being significantly more gas-friendly. That said, those who put a higher value on brisk acceleration and having power at the ready will find the V6 models are easily up to the task.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Pros
Fuel Efficiency: The Malibu was known for its decent fuel economy in its class, especially with the four-cylinder engine options.
Comfortable Ride: It provided a smooth and comfortable ride, making it suitable for daily commutes or long drives.
Safety Features: It typically came equipped with standard safety features like stability control, antilock brakes, and multiple airbags.
Spacious Interior: The Malibu offered ample space in the cabin, providing good legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
Stylish Design: Many found its exterior design appealing, with sleek lines and a modern look.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Cons
Underpowered Base Engine: The base four-cylinder engine was criticized for being somewhat underpowered compared to rivals, which affected acceleration and overall performance.
Interior Quality: Some reviewers and users noted that the interior materials felt a bit cheap and didn’t match up to the standards of competitors in terms of quality.
Limited Features: Higher trim levels had more features, but the base models lacked some of the modern tech and convenience options that were becoming more common in the segment.
Trunk Space: The trunk space was adequate but not class-leading, which might be a downside for those needing more cargo room.
Outdated Technology: By 2012, some of the tech features and infotainment systems were becoming outdated compared to what competitors offered.
Car Buying Tips:
Easily Negotiating The Lowest Price
Do This For The Best Trade-In Price
The Truth About Wholesale And Trade-in Values
How To Get The Lowest Rate Car Loan
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Reliability
Engine Options: The four-cylinder engines in the Malibu were generally regarded as more reliable compared to the V6 options. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, in particular, was known for its durability when properly maintained.
Solid Build Quality: Despite some criticisms about interior materials, the overall build quality of the Malibu was considered decent. Its sturdy construction contributed to its reliability over the years.
Safety Features: The Malibu came equipped with standard safety features, and the reliability of these features, such as airbags and stability control, contributed to its overall safety and reliability record.
Resilience: Many owners reported that despite minor issues here and there, the Malibu generally held up well over time and mileage, proving to be a reliable vehicle for daily use.
Overall, while it might not have been the most bulletproof car in its class, the 2012 Malibu did possess positive reliability qualities, especially when properly maintained and cared for.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Mechanical Problem Watchlist
While considered a generally reliable car, several mechanical problems were reported by some owners that varied in severity and occurrence and which should be checked before buying as a precaution.
Timing Chain Issues: Some V6 engine models experienced problems with the timing chain. This could lead to rough idling, engine misfires, or even engine failure if not addressed promptly.
Oil Consumption: Certain V6 engines were reported to have excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups between regular oil changes. This could indicate internal engine problems if left unchecked.
Transmission Concerns: There were occasional reports of transmission issues, including rough shifting, hesitation during acceleration, or slipping. These problems might require transmission fluid changes, software updates, or, in some cases, more significant repairs.
Electrical Problems: Some owners reported electrical issues, such as power window or door lock failures, dashboard warning lights illuminating intermittently, or problems with the radio or infotainment system.
Braking System Wear: Premature wear of brake components was reported by a few owners, leading to the need for more frequent brake replacements compared to what might be considered typical.
Suspension and Steering Components: A few owners mentioned issues with suspension components or steering systems, including problems with struts, shocks, or steering responsiveness.
It's important to note that while these issues were reported by some owners, they didn't affect every vehicle, and many Malibu owners had positive experiences with their cars. Regular maintenance and addressing any emerging issues promptly may have helped mitigate these problems and contribute to a more reliable ownership experience.