Used Chevrolet Malibu for Sale near Iowa

How much does the Chevrolet Malibu cost in today's market?

Used Chevrolet Malibu prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Chevrolet Malibu's current nationwide average price is $15,790, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $15,493 over the past year.

Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the Chevrolet Malibu is a solid used-car choice if you want a comfortable, value-oriented midsize sedan with broad owner appeal. The all-generations owner rating is 4.33/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Malibu for its smooth ride, comfort, roomy cabin, and good fuel economy. They also highlight easy-to-use tech and a practical, everyday driving character that makes it a strong fit for commuting and family use.

Expert reviews rate the 2017 and 2016 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs in recent expert-tested years center on modest acceleration from the standard engine, some road noise, and interior materials that can feel less upscale than the Malibu’s strongest rivals.

33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Chevrolet Malibu models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Malibu’s comfort, smooth ride, and strong everyday usability, and later model years also earn praise for a more polished overall feel. The Malibu’s better recent generations are especially appealing if you want a straightforward sedan with a practical, easy-to-live-with character.

• Owners rate the Chevrolet Malibu between 4.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For long-term ownership, the newer Malibu years are the safer used-buy bet, while older examples deserve a closer look at condition and history before you commit.

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

Across all model years, at 72.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2023 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Fuel efficiency: Malibu buyers can choose from three different powertrains. Standard equipment includes a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Good for 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, this engine is acceptable and was probably installed in a Malibu you may have rented.

You can also buy a Malibu Hybrid rated to get 46 mpg in combined driving. This car makes 182 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque and is priced from $28,750. The main downside here is that the trunk shrinks by 4.2 cubic feet, to 11.6. Well, there’s that, and the fact that the word “Hybrid” is part of the car’s name.

Seriously, if someone told you that for less than 30 grand you could get a car with lots more power than a typical midsize sedan and that it would also get 46 mpg, you’d want to know where to put your name on the waiting list. Add the word “Hybrid” to that description, and suddenly nobody is interested.

My test car had the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is exclusive to the Premier trim level. It makes 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and one or the other is essentially peaking between 2,000 rpm and 5,300 rpm. What this means is that the driver enjoys a whoosh of power from nearly any point in the rev range.

For 2017, this engine gets a new 9-speed automatic transmission. While some 9-speed automatic transmissions have developed reputations for unbecoming behavior, the Malibu’s new unit is a model of sophistication and refinement, except for the silly rocker switch on top of the gear shifter that provides access to a manual shifting mode.

According to EPA ratings, the Malibu Premier should get 26 mpg in combined driving. My test car averaged 27.3 mpg on my test loop, which bodes well for satisfaction with this car’s efficiency.

Where the Malibu shines unexpectedly brightest, however, is in the driving dynamics department. Sure, the 2.0-liter turbo’s rapid acceleration and the perfectly calibrated automatic transmission go a long way toward making the Malibu enjoyable to drive, but it is the steering, braking, and suspension tuning that have the power to sell you on this car.

In my opinion, and with few exceptions, GM is doing a great job with its electric steering systems. From the design, size, and shape of the wheel to how natural the system feels throughout the range of motion, the Malibu’s steering can be improved only by making it a little bit sharper.

As it stands, however, the steering impresses, allowing a driver to place the car right where he or she wants it and requiring little in the way of mid-course correction. On highways it feels secure and connected on center, and the lane-keeping assist technology works in subtle fashion to keep the Malibu between the painted lines.

The 4-wheel disc brakes with long-lasting Duralife rotors are outstanding, too. Granted, during testing it wasn’t quite 60 degrees outside, but despite heavy use they displayed not a hint of fade. Furthermore, the pedal is expertly tuned, making it possible to smoothly modulate the brakes in traffic and bring the Malibu to a lurch-free stop.

Best of all, the Malibu’s MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension is remarkably composed. When driving in town, some people might find it too stiff, and Chevrolet could do a better job of quelling road noise. Around city corners, down freeway ramps, and on twisty roads, the Malibu’s handling genuinely impresses in spite of the test car’s somewhat modest 245/45 all-season 18-inch tires. And at speed on the freeway, the Malibu feels solidly planted, inspiring confidence.

Taken together, the Malibu Premier’s drivetrain and mechanical hardware make this family sedan enjoyable to drive. I just wish Chevy offered an RS Package with 19-inch wheels for the LT, Hybrid, and Premier trim levels.

Which Chevrolet Malibu trim should I buy?

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu offers these trims:

• Malibu L: The entry point, with the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and the Malibu’s core comfort-and-value formula.
• LS: A step up from the base model for shoppers who want a little more equipment while staying near the value end of the lineup.
• LT: The best-value trim for many buyers, since it sits in the middle of the range and gives you a more complete Malibu experience without jumping to the top end.
• Hybrid: The efficiency-focused choice, pairing Malibu practicality with the hybrid powertrain and strong combined fuel economy.
• Premier: The top trim, adding the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the most upscale feel, and the richest equipment mix in the lineup.

What Chevrolet Malibu do most buyers choose?

The Chevrolet Malibu years with the most listings are 2024, 2023, and 2025.

The highest-volume years tend to be the most popular used picks because they give you the broadest selection of listings and the easiest path to comparing prices and equipment. They also usually sit in the sweet spot between newer features and more accessible used-car pricing.

What is the Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

Most Malibu model years are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used and want to benefit from softer pricing. The newer years show some of the steepest drops, while older examples are falling more slowly. That pattern gives you more room to find value across the lineup.

The 2014, 2016, and 2018 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Chevrolet Malibu safe?

• 2017: 8/10
• 2016: 8/10
• 2014: 8/10

For the safest used buy, the 2014, 2016 and 2017 models all post the highest confirmed score of 8/10.

Should I buy a used Chevrolet Malibu now?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2024 model is at −8.85% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −8.01%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 38% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 36.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $18,684. The Chevrolet Malibu offers a roomy cabin and a comfortable, easy-to-live-with character that makes it a practical everyday sedan.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Trims

The Malibu offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to well-equipped models, all featuring efficient FWD performance.

• Starting at $19,092
• Best MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 36 hwy
• Most Popular: LT with 1LT 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 the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $19,092 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,017 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded sedan without stepping up to higher trims. It offers a solid mix of features and value.

• Avg. market price: $20,560 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,472 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

RS FWD — "Who It's For"

The RS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish sedan with modern tech features. It balances performance and aesthetics well.

• Avg. market price: $21,947 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 890 listings
• View RS FWD listings

LT with 1LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT with 1LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of comfort and technology without going over budget. It's the most popular trim for good reason.

• Avg. market price: $19,677 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 6,570 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LT with 1LT FWD listings

LT with 2LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT with 2LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded sedan with luxury features. It's ideal for those seeking a premium experience.

• Avg. market price: $27,812 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 690 listings
• View LT with 2LT FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT with 1LT FWD

With 6,570 active listings, the LT with 1LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT with 1LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LS Fleet FWD

At $19,092 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,560 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LS Fleet FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS Fleet FWD

The LS Fleet FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 28/36 MPG.

Browse LS Fleet FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.