How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 8.22% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,623 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $14,422.29, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 4.5/5 user rating, which supports its appeal as a roomy, value-oriented midsize sedan.

The Malibu’s modern feel comes from its sleeker styling, longer wheelbase, and more open-feeling back seat, and it was designed to give you practical family-car space without moving up to a larger vehicle. It also offers a broad range of powertrains and technology, including wireless smartphone connectivity for 2021, which helps it feel current for everyday use.

27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you a meaningful chance to find a competitive offer.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

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

This generation has the best reliability record of the front-wheel-drive Malibu family, and it generates far fewer owner complaints than earlier Malibus. That makes it a more reassuring used-car choice if you want a sedan that should be easier to live with over time.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure you choose a well-kept example, since condition and maintenance history will matter more than the model’s general reputation.

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

At 62.1% 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 thorough inspection of body panels, paint consistency, tires, and alignment, since those can reveal whether a car has been repaired well or poorly.

Focus on overall condition and maintenance records, especially if you’re shopping for the lowest-priced listings. A clean, well-documented Malibu is the safer buy than one that simply looks inexpensive upfront.

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

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,623 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.22% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,422.29, 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 $14,781 sits slightly below last year's $16,106.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has softened in the used market, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point today. For a future seller, that also means resale performance will depend heavily on how well the car is maintained and how competitively it is priced when you decide to list it.

Because this model year still has solid buyer appeal as a roomy, value-oriented sedan, a clean example should remain easier to move than one with visible wear or a rough history.

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:

• 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.22% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: The 2021 Malibu is a smart primary choice if you want a roomy, value-focused midsize sedan with a strong user rating and a softer used-market price than last year. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can use the current market softness to target the best-conditioned examples rather than stretching for the cheapest listing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.