Used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $12,790
• Best MPG/MPGe: 29 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 FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped sedan without breaking the bank. It's the best value option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $12,968 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 138 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is the choice for those seeking a standard trim with solid features and a reliable performance. It's a practical option for fleet buyers.

• Avg. market price: $16,395 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 95 listings
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

RS FWD — "Who It's For"

The RS FWD is ideal for shoppers who want a stylish sedan with modern tech features without stepping up to a higher price point.

• Avg. market price: $16,297 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 87 listings
• View RS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

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

• Avg. market price: $12,790 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 231 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is for those who desire a fully loaded sedan with luxury features and a powerful engine. It's the top-tier option for discerning buyers.

• Avg. market price: $13,717 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 32 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 231 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LT FWD

At $12,790 avg market price — below the lineup median of $13,717 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS FWD

The LS FWD offers excellent fuel efficiency at 29/36 MPG, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Browse LS FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 6.96% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,536 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and conditions.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the 4.5/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction for this model year. The Malibu stands out as a roomy midsize sedan with a lot of value for the money, a larger and more open-feeling back seat, and a more sophisticated overall feel than the car it replaced. It also gives you a broad spread of trims and powertrains, including a hybrid, so you have more choice than many rivals in the segment. 29.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2021 Malibu’s appeal is strengthened by its strong reliability reputation relative to earlier front-drive Malibus, along with its comfortable cabin and easy-to-use features. It is generally inexpensive to own and easy to live with, which matters if you want a practical sedan rather than a more complicated alternative. For used buyers, that usually means lower long-term ownership risk as long as you choose a well-kept example.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

At 63.2% 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 reported damage was repaired properly. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can check for signs of uneven wear, poor repairs, or neglected maintenance. Focus on overall condition, because a clean-looking Malibu can still hide issues that affect long-term value and ownership costs.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

This looks like a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 29.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,536 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.96% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,423, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

The current average of $14,714 sits slightly below last year's $15,814.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has become a more buyer-friendly used car, which can make it easier to purchase now but may also limit short-term appreciation if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the car in strong condition so you preserve as much value as possible. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 29.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.96% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line:

The 2021 Malibu is the better pick if you want a roomy, value-oriented midsize sedan with a strong satisfaction score and a market that currently favors careful shoppers. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can also compare nearby years to see whether a lower-mileage or better-equipped example offers a better overall deal, but the 2021 remains a sensible primary target if condition and history check out.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.