Used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale nearDetroit, MI

Compare 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Trims in Detroit, MI

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

• Starting at $12,463
• 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 offers great value with essential features.

• Avg. market price: $18,299 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 102 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 reliable sedan with standard features at a budget-friendly price. It's perfect for fleet use or personal driving.

• Avg. market price: $12,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 78 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 the higher price tag of luxury trims.

• Avg. market price: $17,635 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 68 listings
• View RS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

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

• Avg. market price: $12,463 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 243 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 advanced technology. It's the top choice for a premium experience.

• Avg. market price: $14,500 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 30 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 243 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LT FWD

At $12,463 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,500 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS FWD

The LS FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 29/36 MPG.

Browse LS 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 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 7.79% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,536 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the 4.5/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the 2021 Malibu’s roomy midsize-sedan layout, larger back seat, and value-focused positioning make it appealing if you want a practical family car without paying more for some rivals. Its comfortable cabin, easy-to-use tech, and relatively modern feature set add to that appeal, even if it is not the most refined choice in its class. The market also shows 30.3% good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile listings to find.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

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

The 2021 Malibu is described as having a stronger reputation for reliability than earlier front-drive Malibus, which is a meaningful improvement if you are shopping used. That said, you should still expect normal age-and-mileage wear, so a careful inspection matters if you want to reduce long-term ownership risk.

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

At 62.3% 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 confirm accident records, title status, and ownership patterns before you commit. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body condition, panel alignment, and signs of past repair work. Because this model is a value-oriented sedan, condition can matter as much as mileage when you are comparing similar listings.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly when a strong listing appears.

• Deal availability: 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,536 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.79% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,333, 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 $14,333 sits slightly below last year's $15,544.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has become more affordable for used buyers, which can help you enter at a lower cost basis. For a future seller, though, the same softness means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained. A clean history and strong presentation will matter more if you want to protect your exit price later.

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:

• 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.79% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: The 2021 Malibu is the right pick if you want a roomy, value-oriented midsize sedan with a strong satisfaction signal and a lower used price than many rivals. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can also consider nearby years, but the 2021 is a sensible primary target when you find a clean, well-priced example.

How does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu compare to the 2021 Toyota Camry?

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