Used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of trims with a focus on fuel efficiency and modern tech features, all at accessible prices.

• Starting at $11,647
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Most Popular: LT 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

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's a great value option for budget-conscious buyers.

• Avg. market price: $11,880 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 98 listings
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a solid set of features without stepping up to pricier trims. It offers the widest selection in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $11,647 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 121 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of features and comfort without going fully loaded. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $11,913 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 235 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and performance without going to the top of the line. It's fully loaded with premium options.

• Avg. market price: $12,861 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 235 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LS FWD

At $11,647 avg market price — below the lineup median of $11,896 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LS FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS Fleet FWD

The LS Fleet FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 27/36 MPG/MPGe.

Browse LS Fleet FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 2.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,725 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $11,642.37, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 5/5 user rating, which points to strong owner satisfaction.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, efficient fuel economy, and ride quality. The review summary also highlights a luxury feel in higher trims, along with quick acceleration and appealing features like heated and cooled leather seats.

That lines up well with the Malibu’s role as a roomy midsize sedan for commuting and everyday family use, especially if you want a comfortable cabin and a broad range of trim and powertrain choices. With 26.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, you also have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

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

The review summary points to a dependable ownership experience, with repeated praise for comfort, efficiency, and a generally positive day-to-day experience. The absence of specific complaints in the owner feedback also supports the impression that this model year is one you can count on.

For used buyers, that kind of owner sentiment lowers the risk of unpleasant surprises, though you should still verify maintenance history and overall condition before committing.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

At 55.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report first so you can separate clean examples from cars with prior damage. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on body panels, alignment, tires, and signs of uneven wear that can hint at past repairs.

Because this model year is often bought as a commuter, focus on condition and maintenance records as much as mileage. A clean, well-kept Malibu is the kind of used car that can make sense for everyday driving.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 26.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,725 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,642.37, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

The current average of $12,159 sits slightly below last year's $12,504.

That softer pricing suggests the Malibu is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can matter if you plan to sell later. If you buy at a favorable price today, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure when it’s time to move on.

The model’s strong owner satisfaction should help support demand, especially among shoppers looking for a comfortable and efficient midsize sedan. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 26.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.76% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $11,048, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $12,159 average.
• It offers a recently refined redesign with broad owner praise.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger overall shopping case, the 2018 is the better primary target because it combines solid owner satisfaction, a softer price trend, and decent deal availability. If your main goal is to spend less upfront, the 2017 is the better secondary path, especially if you find one in clean condition and with the features you want.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.