How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 7.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,480 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $9,505.16, 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 consistently praise the smooth ride, strong performance, and fuel economy. The Malibu also gets credit for features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the redesign gives you a roomier interior than earlier versions.

For you, that means this model year makes the most sense if you want a midsize sedan that leans into comfort, tech, and everyday usability. It is especially appealing if you want a secondary car with a modern feature set.

25.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still 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 see as dependable and trouble-free enough for regular use, with long-term ownership appeal helped by its smooth driving character and strong fuel economy. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the redesign brought more efficiency and a more capable overall package, which supports confidence in day-to-day use.

The Malibu’s standard equipment and safety systems also help reinforce its reputation for being a car you can count on. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that build-quality concerns and uneven ownership experiences can make condition checks especially important.

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

At 52.8% 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 has had prior bodywork or multiple owners. Focus on panel alignment, paint consistency, tire wear, and how the car drives at low and highway speeds. If you are comparing several examples, condition should matter as much as mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base L trim is light on convenience features, while the LS adds alloys, automatic headlights, 4G connectivity, the MyLink infotainment system, a rear-view camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Powertrain: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft and returns 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 250 hp and 260 lb-ft, reaches 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, and returns 22/33/26.
• Safety package: Two 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. Some of these features are not standard on lower trims.
• Infotainment: The Malibu offers a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on the Premier trim, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. OTA capability is not mentioned.
• 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 keeps things basic with cloth upholstery, steel wheels, and fewer convenience features than the higher trims.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LS is the best value if you want the biggest jump in everyday usability, since it adds alloys, automatic headlights, a rear-view camera, MyLink, and smartphone integration.
• Premium/top trim: The Premier is the most luxurious choice, with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, navigation, a Bose stereo, and the larger touchscreen.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use.

The safety packages are worth seeking out 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?

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

• Deal availability: 25.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,480 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,505.16, 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 $9,634 sits slightly below last year's $10,445.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has become more accessible for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may need to price competitively to move inventory. If you buy well now, you may have less downside risk than someone who paid closer to last year’s average. The current market also suggests that condition and equipment will matter a lot when it is time to resell.

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 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. 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.

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:

• 25.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.76% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 redesign brings more space, stronger tech, and better efficiency.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,952, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,634 average.
• It adds a more refined cabin and a more secure, connected driving feel.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because it combines a lower average price with a major redesign and strong tech. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model-year example, the 2017 is the better path for buyers who want to compare against a slightly pricier alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.