How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 8.00% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,497 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $9,507.62, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu earns 4.33/5 from owners and 7.67/10 from experts. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers repeatedly praise the smooth ride, strong feature content, and the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Malibu also gets credit for its fuel economy and overall performance, while the redesigned cabin gives you more usable space than earlier versions.

For you, that makes it a sensible pick if you want a midsize sedan that leans into comfort, tech, and everyday usability. The market also shows 24.6% good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that many drivers find dependable enough for daily use, with several noting a trouble-free feel, good long-term ownership value, and confidence in the Malibu as a secondary car. The expert evaluation also describes the car as a solid contender after its redesign, with improved efficiency and a more mature overall package.

The powertrains are straightforward, and the revised chassis and suspension should help support consistent day-to-day durability. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that build-quality concerns and acceleration complaints can show up in some examples, so condition matters.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

At 51% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or inconsistent panel fit, tire wear, or warning lights. Focus on overall condition, because the Malibu’s value depends heavily on how well the car has been maintained and whether its tech and safety systems still work as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base L trim is light on convenience features, while the LS adds alloys, automatic headlights, a rear-view camera, and the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add more comfort and convenience, with the Premier bringing leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, navigation, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
• Powertrain: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is the efficiency-focused choice, with 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined and a capable but modest 160 hp. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in higher trims is the stronger performer, making 250 hp and returning 22/33/26.
• Safety package: Two Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure intervention, forward collision intervention, and self-parking. Lower trims may not include these features.
• Infotainment: The Malibu offers a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on the Premier. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi and wireless smartphone charging on higher trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.5-liter engine returns 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined, while the 2.0-liter turbo returns 22/33/26.

Which 2016 Chevrolet Malibu trim should I buy?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in 5 trim levels: L, LS, 1LT, 2LT, Premier.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The L trim keeps costs down, but it lacks the richer convenience and tech upgrades found higher up the range. You give up features like the rear-view camera, the touchscreen infotainment setup, and the smartphone integration that make the Malibu feel more modern.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LS is the best value for many shoppers because it adds alloys, automatic headlights, a rear-view camera, and the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It gives you the core tech and convenience upgrades without pushing you into the pricier luxury trims.
• Premium/top trim: The Premier is the most upscale choice, with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, navigation, and an 8-inch touchscreen. If you want the most comfort and tech, this is the trim to target.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable for this model.

The safety packages are worth seeking out, especially if you want blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision intervention.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 24.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,497 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.00% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,507.62, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

The current average of $9,726 sits slightly below last year's $10,572.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it a tougher car to sell at a premium later. If you buy now, you may benefit from the softer market, but future resale will likely depend on how well you preserve condition and mileage.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu safe?

The 2016 Malibu earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rating in rollover testing.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Malibu includes standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, dual front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and OnStar with crash notification, roadside assistance, and stolen-vehicle recovery support. Available Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure intervention, forward collision intervention, and self-parking.

That gives you a strong safety foundation, especially if you choose a trim equipped with the driver-assistance packages.

Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 24.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.00% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The redesign brings more space, stronger tech, and improved efficiency.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,854, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,726 average.
• It adds more advanced safety tech and continues the redesigned Malibu’s modern direction.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter buy because prices are softer and the redesign already delivers the key upgrades. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model year and want the next step in safety tech, the 2017 is the better alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.