Used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale nearCarbondale, IL

Compare 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Trims

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, all with efficient FWD performance.

• Starting at $7,923
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Most Popular: LS FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Limited LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $7,923 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 13 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LS FWD listings

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with modern tech features without going for the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $9,562 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 1,472 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fleet-friendly option with similar features to the LS FWD but at a slightly higher price.

• Avg. market price: $10,699 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 1,017 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

Limited LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a touch of luxury with leather seats without breaking the bank.

• Avg. market price: $8,070 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 67 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LT FWD listings

1LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The 1LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a balance of features and price, offering a good mix of tech and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $10,021 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 766 listings
• View 1LT FWD listings

Limited LTZ FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LTZ FWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features like heated seats without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $8,081 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 20 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LTZ FWD listings

2LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The 2LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier performance with more power without going for the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $11,057 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 233 listings
• View 2LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded vehicle with all the latest tech and luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $11,306 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 255 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LS FWD

With 1,472 active listings, the LS FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LS FWD listings

Best Budget Option — Limited LS FWD

At $7,923 avg market price — below the lineup median of $9,791 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Limited LS FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS FWD

The LS FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 27 MPG city / 37 MPG highway.

Browse LS FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 3.43% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,438 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Generally — 4.33/5 from owners and 7.67/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers repeatedly praise the Malibu’s smooth ride, modern tech, and features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user feedback also points to strong fuel economy and a solid everyday-driving feel, while the overview frames it as a practical midsize sedan with a spacious interior and useful efficiency.

That combination makes it a sensible pick if you want a commuter-friendly sedan with a more modern feature set than the Malibu had before. 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

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

The owner summary points to a car that many drivers see as dependable enough for everyday use, with a reputation for being a solid choice and a generally trouble-free companion for routine driving. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the redesign brought a stronger, more modern package, which supports confidence in the car’s long-term usability.

Chevrolet also built in a broad set of safety and convenience systems, including OnStar support and driver-assistance tech that can reduce stress in daily use. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that condition can vary, so you should pay close attention to maintenance history and how well the car has been cared for.

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

At 52.1% 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 service records. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and how the car drives under acceleration and braking.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base L trim is the most basic, with cloth upholstery, steel wheels, and fewer convenience features, while the LS adds alloys, automatic headlights, a rear-view camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add more comfort and luxury, so the biggest question is whether you want the simplest commuter setup or a better-equipped cabin.
• Powertrain: The Malibu offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic in higher trims. The smaller engine is the efficiency play, while the larger engine brings much stronger acceleration and quicker passing power.
• 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 a self-parking system. Some of those features are not standard, so check carefully which package a listing has.
• Infotainment: Lower trims use a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Premier trim gets an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium Bose audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the Malibu’s tech appeal, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi is also included.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.5-liter engine returns 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined, while the 2.0-liter turbo is rated at 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:

• L: This is the simplest way into the Malibu, with keyless entry and ignition, cloth upholstery, cruise control, air conditioning, and 16-inch steel wheels. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost entry point and do not need much beyond basic transportation.
• LS: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, 4G connectivity, a rear-view camera, and the 7-inch MyLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you want the most useful everyday upgrades without moving too far up the price ladder, this is the trim to target.
• 1LT: This trim adds LED running lights, heated mirrors, an 8-way power driver’s seat, satellite radio, rear ventilation, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It suits you if you want a more polished cabin and a better sense of comfort for daily commuting.
• 2LT: This trim upgrades to the stronger 2.0-liter engine and 8-speed automatic, along with dual exhaust tips and 18-inch wheels. It is the right choice if you care more about performance and quicker acceleration than maximum fuel economy.
• Premier: This is the luxury-focused trim, with leather front seats, full power adjustment, heat and ventilation, driver memory, remote ignition, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, wireless charging, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose stereo. Choose it if you want the most upscale Malibu experience.

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

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, which gives you room to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,438 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.43% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,500, 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 $9,737 sits slightly below last year's $10,083.

That softer pricing suggests the Malibu has become more accessible for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a market that is still adjusting. If prices remain stable, a well-kept example should hold its appeal better than a neglected one, especially if it has desirable equipment and a clean history.

For you as a buyer, that means condition matters a lot: a cleaner, better-equipped Malibu is more likely to stay easier to resell later. 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 Chevrolet Malibu earns five-star ratings overall from NHTSA, with a four-star rollover rating.

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

Chevrolet equips the Malibu with 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 remote services. The 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.

The main caveat is that some of the most useful driver-assistance features are tied to packages rather than being standard across the lineup, so you should verify exactly what a used listing includes.

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:

• 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.43% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 redesign brought two new engines plus major tech and safety upgrades.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,757, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,737 average.
• It builds on the redesign with a more refined, well-rounded family-car feel.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the stronger starting point because prices are softer and inventory is broad. If you can spend more and want the next model year’s refinement, the 2017 is the cleaner upgrade path; otherwise, the 2016 gives you the core redesign benefits at a lower entry price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.