How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 8.94% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,529 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $9,505.04, 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 — 4.33/5 from owners and 7.67/10 from our experts point to a well-liked used sedan.

The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise the smooth ride, strong performance, and fuel economy, and many also like the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Malibu’s redesign also gives you a roomier cabin and a more modern feel, which fits well if you want a practical midsize sedan with a more upscale presentation. The market shows 24.6% good or great deals, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

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

Drivers’ feedback points to a car that feels dependable and trouble-free enough to earn repeat consideration, especially for everyday use. The expert evaluation also emphasizes the Malibu’s improved efficiency and more mature overall package, which supports the sense that it’s built to handle regular commuting well. If you’re buying used, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure you choose a well-kept example, since condition and maintenance history matter more than the model’s broad appeal.

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

At 51.3% 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. Pay close attention to body condition, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair, since accident history can affect both value and long-term ownership confidence. It’s also smart to confirm that the tech and driver-assistance features work as expected, because those systems are a big part of the Malibu’s appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base L trim is light on features, while the LS adds alloys, automatic headlights, 4G connectivity, a rear-view camera, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Powertrain: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is efficient at 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine brings 250 hp and returns 22/33/26.
• Safety package: Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, parking sensors front and rear, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure intervention, and forward collision intervention.
• Infotainment: The Malibu offers a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on the Premier trim, plus wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.5-liter engine returns 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined, while the 2.0-liter engine 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 is the bare-bones choice, with cloth upholstery, steel wheels, and no mention of the upgraded infotainment and camera features that arrive on the LS.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LS is the best value pick because it adds alloys, automatic headlights, 4G connectivity, a rear-view camera, and the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Premium/top trim: The Premier trim brings the most comfort and tech, including leather, heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, wireless charging, navigation, a Bose stereo, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable for this model year.

Close attention should go to the Driver Confidence packages, since they add several of the Malibu’s most useful safety features.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 24.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,529 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.94% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,505.04, 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 $9,601 sits slightly below last year's $10,543.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. A softer market today can also mean less downside if you plan to keep the car for a few years before reselling. Strong owner satisfaction helps support demand, especially for shoppers who want a comfortable, tech-friendly midsize sedan.

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

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 automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, and stolen-vehicle assistance and recovery. Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, parking sensors front and rear, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure intervention, forward collision intervention, and self-parking capability. That said, you should make sure the specific trim you’re considering has the safety package you want, since some of the most useful driver-assistance features are package-dependent.

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 51.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.94% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The redesign brings more space, stronger tech, and better efficiency.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,958, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,601 average.
• It adds a more refined cabin and a more connected driving feel.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter buy because it combines a lower average price with the benefits of the redesign. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2017 is the cleaner next step, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2016’s stronger market value.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.