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 from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $8,606
• 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 a well-equipped sedan without breaking the bank. It's a great value option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $11,526 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 80 listings
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features at an affordable price. It offers the widest selection in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $8,606 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 171 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 balance of features and price without going for the top trim. It's the most popular choice.

• Avg. market price: $11,502 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 254 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 stepping up to a higher price point.

• Avg. market price: $17,599 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 34 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 254 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LS FWD

At $8,606 avg market price — below the lineup median of $11,514 — 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 October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 4.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,728 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

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. Reviewers consistently highlight its comfort, efficiency, and ride quality, and they also praise the quick acceleration and upscale feel of higher trims. In practical terms, that lines up well with its role as a roomy midsize sedan that works well for everyday family use and commuting. With 27.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a meaningful chance to find a competitive offer.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

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

Review feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with owners emphasizing comfort, efficiency, and a car they feel good about living with over time. The model-year overview also notes that this generation had the best reliability record among front-wheel-drive Malibus, which supports confidence for used buyers.

For long-term ownership, that combination suggests lower worry than you might expect from a used midsize sedan, though you should still verify maintenance history and condition before buying.

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

At 52.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can separate clean examples from cars with prior damage. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive or the car has incomplete service records. Focus your condition check on body panels, paint consistency, tire wear, and signs of uneven repair work.

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 patiently and still find worthwhile opportunities.

• Deal availability: 27.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,728 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,580, 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 $11,615 sits slightly below last year's $12,208.

That softer pricing suggests the Malibu has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. If you keep the car in clean condition and maintain service records, you may be better positioned when it comes time to resell. The current market also shows enough demand to keep the model visible to shoppers, which helps support exit value.

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:

• 27.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.86% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,602, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $11,615 average.
• It offers a well-rounded family-car feel with strong comfort and tech appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger current-market balance of price, satisfaction, and availability, the 2018 is the better default choice. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the more budget-friendly path and still gives you many of the Malibu’s core strengths.

How does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu compare to the 2018 Toyota Camry?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.