2012 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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General Motors took a good thing and made it even better when it brought a new-look Chevrolet Malibu out in the midst of its financial woes in 2008. The manufacturer appears to be offering up a replay with the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
What’s more, fans of Chevy and its popular midsize sedan in particular are already eagerly looking ahead to the 2013 version, too. Word has it that the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will hit the market – a worldwide market no less – not too many months into 2012 as GM starts a roll-out of several revised and updated Chevy models. GM plans to make the Malibu its first midsize sedan to be sold internationally and has already announced it will be sold in more than 100 markets, including Korea, on six continents.
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, which received some design tweaks of its own, leads the way to 2013 and hints at some of the changes to come. The Malibu for years has claimed a role as a comfortable and classy, if a bit conservative, vehicle, and the 2012 edition carries on the tradition.
The LS, LT and LTZ trim levels for 2012 continue to offer a couple of engine choices. Most versions come with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 169 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, a powerplant most find more than adequate. Others get a 3.6-liter V6 that bumps the numbers up to 252 horses and 251 lb-ft of torque. Fuel mileage estimates are 22 mpg city/33 highway for the 4-cylinder and 17/26 for the V6.
Anybody with his or her heart set on the V6 will need to cut a deal on a 2012, because the only engine offered going forward will be the 4-cylinder. All trims come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The LS gets cruise control and a stereo that includes a CD player with MP3 capabilities. The LT adds steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an interface package with a 110-volt household outlet among other features. The LTZ offers remote start, a sunroof, automatic climate control, leather seats with a heated front seat and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, as has its predecessors, for the most part scores well with reviewers for its interior. They appreciate the stylish cabin, the two-tone design and the quality of materials and find its controls and gauges easy to read and use. Some make special note of the comfortable front seats and point out that rear passengers have more legroom and space overall than in other cars in the class.
Reviewers like the ride offered by the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, too, and while no one mistakes it for a sports car, they do note that there is a fun factor in driving it.
The experts acknowledge, at the same time, that this is a competitive class and other vehicles might score better in performance. For that matter and for the same reason, others might have an edge in the cabin as well. The point is, the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu holds its own quite nicely in a crowded field that includes not only rivals like the Ford Fusion and the Hyundai Sonata, but even stalwarts such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Safety has traditionally been another Malibu strongpoint, and the 2012 version follows suit with stability and traction control, antiskid technology, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a full array of airbags.
User reviews for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Write a review2012 Chevrolet Malibu Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 2 · Power adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 2 · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 110V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 2 · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: silver · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: silver · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
