2008 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$17,935 to $26,345

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(27 reviews)
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Preview summaryImage

My parents owned a Malibu back in the late 1970s, and my best friend used to say the name "Malibu" sounded like some kind of cow. She wouldn't say that today about the upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, which has been totally redesigned to seriously compete with once-bigger rivals like the Camry and Accord. Sharing a platform with the Pontiac G6, the new profile is sleeker, with a swept-back windshield and headlamps and the new signature dual grilles that sit atop each other with a strip of steel body in between. The interior is much more upscale, with a dual-pod dashboard that wraps around and the option of two-tone cloth seats. Other additions include a sunroof option that is now 70% larger than the 2007 version.

The midsize sedan grows in size as well, with three inches added to the overall length and six inches to the wheelbase, making it the largest sedan in its class. Legroom now ranks with that of its more popular competitors. The three trim offerings remain the same -- base LS, LT, and LTZ, but the engines have been revamped. The base engine is now a 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 that boosts 20 hp to hit 164 hp with a choice of 4-speed or 6-speed auto tran. The new optional engine is a 252-hp, 3.6-liter DOHC V6 (that's a 35-hp improvement over last year), mated to the 6-speed automatic. All trims come with ABS brakes, traction control, dual front airbags and new side airbags. Stability control is included on the LT and LTZ.

Set to come out in October is a hybrid version of the 2.4 Ecotec, available in the LS trim. This is the first hybrid in a Malibu, and it features regenerative braking and engine shutdown at stops (without sacrificing operation of certain features, such as air conditioning). It's paired with a 36-volt motor and supposedly will get 24/32 mpg. It looks like the 2008 Malibu might finally give its Japanese rivals a run for their money, offering a much better looking and outfitted car to drivers who still want to buy American.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

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User rating:
by Christopher M
Jun 05, 2024
I recently purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, and my experience has been outstanding. This SUV offers a perfect blend of comfort, practicality, and advanced features. BEST EXPERINCE.Jun 05, 2024
by Jim B
Mar 16, 2022
Yes the car is a great value to me it doesnt seem to be missing anything the ride is very good like a luxury car and the look is very slick look looking love the carMar 16, 2022
by priscilla c
Mar 14, 2022
I like the way the car looked. It was in my price range and the mileage I needed. Unfortunately, I could not get to the lot before it closed. It sold before I could get there. I would like to find another car like that. My price range and milage I wanted that looks nice and dependable.Mar 14, 2022

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Pricing

Original MSRP
$17,935 to $26,345
Price range
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Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Chevrolet Malibu price trends

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.63

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: Hydraulic · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · License plate bracket: front

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Lights

Headlights: quad headlights

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.55 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.63

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black with chrome accents · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.55 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.05

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: Hydraulic · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: seatback · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black with chrome accents · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 210 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: touring

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

See all trims (8)

Other years

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