How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 7.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,458 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $9,507.18, 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 a 4.33/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers commonly praise the smooth ride, strong features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the fuel economy. The redesign also gives you a more spacious interior and a more modern feel than earlier Malibus. For you, that means this model year makes the most sense if you want a midsize sedan that feels updated, well-equipped, and easy to live with as a secondary car.

26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

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 owners find dependable and easy to live with over time, with praise centered on its smooth driving character and efficient everyday use. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the redesign brought a more modern package with efficiency gains and meaningful tech upgrades, which supports the sense that this is a car built to be counted on. Chevrolet also includes standard OnStar features such as automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, and remote assistance functions.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the car’s condition matches its mileage and history, especially given the mixed feedback on build quality and acceleration.

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

At 51.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car is priced near the low end of the market. Focus on signs of prior bodywork, uneven panel gaps, and any evidence that safety systems or electronics were repaired after a collision. Because this model year leans heavily on tech and driver-assistance features, you’ll also want to confirm that everything works as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base L trim includes keyless entry and ignition, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, cruise control, air conditioning, and 16-inch steel wheels. The LS adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, 4G connectivity, the MyLink infotainment system, a rear-view camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Powertrain: The base 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is paired with a 6-speed automatic and returns 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 2LT and Premier trims is quicker and returns 22/33/26.
• Safety package: 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 capability.
• Infotainment: The LS uses a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Premier gets an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and an upgraded audio setup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi is available.
• 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 is the most stripped-down choice, with steel wheels and cloth upholstery, so you give up the nicer wheels, camera, and infotainment upgrades found higher up.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LS looks like the best value because it adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rear-view camera, and smartphone integration without jumping to the pricier powertrain or luxury upgrades.
• Premium/top trim: The Premier is the most luxurious choice, with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose stereo.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims here are aimed at off-road use.

The safety-package trims add meaningful driver-assistance features, so if those matter to you, look for a Malibu equipped with Driver Confidence content.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,458 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.17% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,507.18, 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 $9,671 sits slightly below last year's $10,419.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has softened enough to help you buy more affordably today, but it also means future resale gains may be limited unless market conditions improve. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, you can help protect your exit value. The model’s broad appeal as a modern, efficient midsize sedan should still support demand among budget-minded shoppers.

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?

It earns five-star ratings overall from NHTSA, with a four-star rollover rating.

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

The Malibu’s safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, dual front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and OnStar. 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 capability. That gives you a strong safety story, especially if you choose a well-equipped trim.

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:

• 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The redesign brings two new engines, stronger tech, and more safety equipment.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,965, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,671 average.
• It refines the Malibu’s comfort, tech, and everyday appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter buy because it delivers the redesign benefits at a lower average price. If you’re willing to spend more for a slightly newer example, the 2017 is the cleaner follow-up choice for shoppers who want the same basic formula with a bit more refinement.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.