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Photo of a Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

From 375-hp Z16 muscle in 1965 to Volt-derived hybrid power in 2016.12

Researched November 2, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • IraqibuSurplus Malibus from Iraq's 1981 taxi order were sold cheaply in Canada after Iraq stopped accepting deliveries.3
  • ‘BuAn abbreviated Malibu name used in discussion of its fastback designs.4

At a glance

0200400
100–375 hpPower
0510
6.2–9.3 s0–60 mph
0125250
161–233 km/hTop speed

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.159101315

Engine
1964 sixes/V8s; 2013 2.0 L turbo I4; 2016 1.8 L hybrid; 2025 1.5 L turbo191213
Layout
Front-engine; RWD 1964–1983, FWD 1997–20261
Gearbox
1964 SS: 3/4-speed manuals, 2-speed auto; 2016: 6/8-speed autos; 2025: CVT1101214
Built at
1978–1983: Oshawa Car Assembly, Canada; 2016 Hybrid: Fairfax Assembly, US12

The story

Created for affordable family motoring, Malibu began as the Chevelle's upscale trim in 1964. It became independent in 1978, disappeared after 1983 and returned in 1997 with front-wheel drive.15

1964: Malibu begins atop the Chevelle range19641965: Z16: 375 hp and 200 production cars19651978: A smaller Malibu replaces Chevelle19781997: Front-drive return wins Car of the Year19972008: North American Car of the Year: 190 points20082013: LTZ 2.0 Turbo: 259 hp, bigger brakes20132016: Longer, lighter, with Volt hybrid hardware20162019: RS arrives; the 1.5 turbo adopts a CVT20192024: US production stops in November2024 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (first generation): 1964–1967Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (second generation): 1968–1972Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (third generation): 1973–1977Chevrolet Malibu (fourth generation) (A-body / G-body): 1978–1983Chevrolet Malibu (1997 revival): Introduced 1997Chevrolet Malibu (1997 revival)Chevrolet Malibu (2008 redesign): 2008–2012 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsMilestones1571415
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1964–1967Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (first generation)
1968–1972Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (second generation)
1973–1977Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (third generation)
1978–1983Chevrolet Malibu (fourth generation) (A-body / G-body)
Introduced 1997Chevrolet Malibu (1997 revival)
2008–2012Chevrolet Malibu (2008 redesign)
1964Malibu begins atop the Chevelle range
1965Z16: 375 hp and 200 production cars
1978A smaller Malibu replaces Chevelle
1997Front-drive return wins Car of the Year
2008North American Car of the Year: 190 points
2013LTZ 2.0 Turbo: 259 hp, bigger brakes
2016Longer, lighter, with Volt hybrid hardware
2019RS arrives; the 1.5 turbo adopts a CVT
2024US production stops in November
  1. 1964

    Malibu begins atop the Chevelle range

    Named for the California coastal community, Malibu arrives as an upscale Chevelle series with sedan, hardtop, convertible and wagon bodies.1

  2. 1965

    Z16: 375 hp and 200 production cars

    A 375-hp 396 V8 powers the Z16. The regular-production run totals 200 cars; the rumored convertible still lacks public documentation.16

  3. 1978

    A smaller Malibu replaces Chevelle

    The downsized Malibu sheds 230–450 kg and offers coupe, sedan and wagon bodies; its A-body platform becomes G-body for 1982–1983.1

  4. 1997

    Front-drive return wins Car of the Year

    The front-drive revival replaces the Corsica, offers base and LS models, and wins Motor Trend's Car of the Year award.15

  5. 2008

    North American Car of the Year: 190 points

    The LS, LT and LTZ lineup gains a gas-electric Hybrid. Malibu wins North American Car of the Year, ahead of the Cadillac CTS and Honda Accord.78

  6. 2013

    LTZ 2.0 Turbo: 259 hp, bigger brakes

    The 259-hp LTZ 2.0 Turbo delivers 353 Nm at 1700 rpm and nearly 1-inch-larger brake rotors; testers criticize torque steer and its automatic.9

  7. 2016

    Longer, lighter, with Volt hybrid hardware

    Wheelbase grows 3.6 inches as mass drops up to 136 kg. The Hybrid's Volt-derived, two-motor 1.8 L system targets over 45 mpg combined.210

  8. 2019

    RS arrives; the 1.5 turbo adopts a CVT

    The facelift adds an RS appearance trim. A CVT replaces the 1.5-liter turbo's six-speed automatic; the 2.0-liter retains its nine-speed.11

  9. 2024

    US production stops in November

    Fairfax stops in November 2024. The final 2025 model rates 28/36 mpg city/highway; production in China continues until August 2026.112

Every generation

  • Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (first generation)
    Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (first generation)1964–1967
  • Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (second generation)
    Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (second generation)1968–1972
  • Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (third generation)
    Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (third generation)1973–1977
  • Chevrolet Malibu (fourth generation)
    A-body / G-body1978–1983
  • Chevrolet Malibu (1997 revival)
    Chevrolet Malibu (1997 revival)Introduced 1997
  • Chevrolet Malibu / Malibu Maxx
    Epsilon
  • Chevrolet Malibu (2008 redesign)
    Chevrolet Malibu (2008 redesign)2008–2012

Power over the years

From 300 hp to 375 hp in 1 year.

0100200300400 197019801990200020102020 hp 1964 · 300 hp · Malibu SS 327 V81965 · 375 hp · Malibu SS Z16 396 V81970 · 330 hp · 400 V8 (non-SS)1973 · 100 hp · 250 six-cylinder coupe1981 · 110 hp · Iraqi-order 3.8 L V61997 · 155 hp · 3.1 L V62006 · 240 hp · Maxx SS2008 · 252 hp · LTZ 3.6 L V62013 · 259 hp · LTZ 2.0 Turbo2016 · 182 hp · Hybrid, total system output2016 · 250 hp · Premier 2.0T2025 · 163 hp · 1.5 L Turbo, all trims 375 hp Malibu SS Z16 396 V8 300 hp Malibu SS 327 V8
12591012151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1964300Malibu SS 327 V8
1965375Malibu SS Z16 396 V8
1970330400 V8 (non-SS)
1973100250 six-cylinder coupe
1981110Iraqi-order 3.8 L V6
19971553.1 L V6
2006240Maxx SS
2008252LTZ 3.6 L V6
2013259LTZ 2.0 Turbo
2016182Hybrid, total system output
2016250Premier 2.0T
20251631.5 L Turbo, all trims

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • LS / LT / LTZ / Hybrid

    Standard

    LS / LT / LTZ / Hybrid

    2008

  • Standard

    Premier 2.0T

    2016

    250 hp
  • Malibu Classic Landau

    Special

    Malibu Classic Landau

    1978

  • Special

    RS

    2019

    163 hp

  • Special

    Midnight / Sport / Redline

    2025

  • Malibu SS

    Performance

    Malibu SS

    1964–1965

  • Malibu SS

    Performance

    Malibu SS

    1973

  • Malibu Maxx SS

    Performance

    Malibu Maxx SS

    2006

    240 hp

  • Special

    Iraqi taxi / Iraqibu

    1981

    110 hp

    25,500 built

  • Limited

    Malibu SS 396 Z16

    1965

    375 hp

    200 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1964–65 Malibu SS: quarter-panel and grille emblems are easily copied, so badges alone cannot verify an SS.1420
  • 1973 Colonnade coupes: long hood, arched door frames and large rear quarter windows.15
  • 2008 redesign: two mesh grille openings separated by a large gold bow tie.17
  • 2016 redesign: widely spaced Malibu letters on the front doors and a cabin that slopes into the trunk.21

Year by year

  1. 1964–1965

    1965 gains a grille crossbar and wider bumper slots; reverse lights move to the bumper, and Chevrolet trunk lettering moves onto a trim panel.20

  2. 1966–1967

    1966 has a raked grille and split bumper slot; 1967 has a full-width slot, wraparound taillights and reverse lights in the bumper.20

  3. 1971

    One headlight per side replaces the earlier pairs; four round taillights sit in the rear bumper.1

  4. 1976

    Malibu Classic adopts four rectangular headlights arranged in vertical stacks.1

  5. 1982

    The nose becomes squarer, with four headlights and long, narrow turn signals underneath.1

  6. 2019

    The refresh revises both bumper fascias, the grille, headlights and taillights.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Malibu
    Malibu
    Photo of a Saturn Aura
    Saturn Aura

    Saturn Aura

    The 2008 Malibu shares its low nose and sculpted sides; look for two mesh grille openings divided by a gold Chevrolet bow tie.717

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Malibu
    Malibu
    Photo of a Caprice
    Caprice

    Caprice

    The 1982 Malibu's squared four-headlight nose resembles the Caprice; cursive Malibu lettering belongs on the rear quarters.1

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Malibu
    Malibu
    Photo of a Audi A7
    Audi A7

    Audi A7

    The 2016 Malibu has a similar sloping profile; widely spaced Malibu lettering on its front doors gives it away.421

Against its rivals

  • VW Passat VR6

    Malibu vs VW Passat VR6

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Malibu6.3 s
    VW Passat VR66.3 s
    9

  • Malibu vs Honda Accord Sport (2016)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Malibu$27,940
    Honda Accord Sport (2016)$26,900
    21

  • Malibu vs Mazda 6 i Touring (2016)

    Observed fuel economy

    Malibu23 mpg
    Mazda 6 i Touring (2016)25 mpg
    1321

  • Malibu vs Toyota Camry SE (2016)

    113–0 km/h braking lower is better

    Malibu171 ft
    Toyota Camry SE (2016)180 ft
    21

Prices

Value today $9.8K–$19.5K7

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $9,800–$19,500 1997 · $18,715 · US LS base, incl. destination2006 · $24,690 · US Maxx SS base2008 · $26,995 · US LTZ V6 base2013 · $30,925 · US LTZ 2.0T base2016 · $25,895 · US LT 1.5T base2019 · $27,340 · US LT base2025 · $25,800 · US LS base2025 · $26,800 · US RS base2025 · $28,100 · US LT base2025 · $31,500 · US 2LT base 2019 · $49,500 · 1970 Malibu SS 396 Sport Coupe, Fort Lauderdale2023 · $17,500 · 1980 Sport Coupe, modified, 16k miles shown, BaT2024 · $12,750 · 1965 Malibu sedan, 46k miles shown, BaT2025 · $43,500 · 1970 Malibu convertible, 36k shown (TMU), BaT2026 · $21,000 · 1964 SS, 5.3L swap, rust, 2k miles shown (TMU), BaT2026 · $4,003 · 2003 V6 sedan, 45k miles, BaT2026 · $8,000 · 1981 Malibu sedan, 32k miles shown, BaT2026 · $61,700 · 1965 Malibu SS L79 4-speed, 7k shown (TMU), BaT $61.7K BaT, 2026
5911121617212728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1997Price when new$18,715US LS base, incl. destination
2006Price when new$24,690US Maxx SS base
2008Price when new$26,995US LTZ V6 base
2013Price when new$30,925US LTZ 2.0T base
2016Price when new$25,895US LT 1.5T base
2019Price when new$27,340US LT base
2025Price when new$25,800US LS base
2025Price when new$26,800US RS base
2025Price when new$28,100US LT base
2025Price when new$31,500US 2LT base
2019Auction sale$49,5001970 Malibu SS 396 Sport Coupe, Fort Lauderdale
2023Auction sale$17,5001980 Sport Coupe, modified, 16k miles shown, BaT
2024Auction sale$12,7501965 Malibu sedan, 46k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$43,5001970 Malibu convertible, 36k shown (TMU), BaT
2026Auction sale$21,0001964 SS, 5.3L swap, rust, 2k miles shown (TMU), BaT
2026Auction sale$4,0032003 V6 sedan, 45k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,0001981 Malibu sedan, 32k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$61,7001965 Malibu SS L79 4-speed, 7k shown (TMU), BaT
2026Value today$9,800–$19,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Richmond glory with one full-time employee”
    • “Repo Man's vaporizing trunk and flying Malibu”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Chevrolet Malibu - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Derives Technology from Volt 3blmedia.com
  3. This Chevy Malibu Tells A Far-Out Story From A Far-Away Land jalopnik.com
  4. Henry Payne » Payne Q&Auto: Chevy Malibu’s stylin’ design boss henrypayne.com
  5. 1997 Chevy Malibu - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  6. 1965 Chevelle Super Sport chevellestuff.net
  7. 2008-12 Chevrolet Malibu | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  8. Malibu Awarded North American Car of the Year Honors - The Weekly Driver theweeklydriver.com
  9. Tested: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2.0 Turbo caranddriver.com
  10. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0T First Test Review - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  11. 2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS First Drive: Expanding the Malibu Lineup motortrend.com
  12. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Review, Specs, Pricing, and Warranty - Autoblog autoblog.com
  13. Tested: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid caranddriver.com
  14. Chevrolet Chevelle - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. Rob's Movie Muscle: The 1973 Chevy Malibu in Drive (2011) streetmusclemag.com
  16. Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS caranddriver.com
  17. Tested: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ caranddriver.com
  18. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | Chevy Drives Chicago chevydriveschicago.com
  19. Junkyard Find: Rare 1980 Chevy Malibu M80 Filled a Muscle-Car Gap motortrend.com
  20. Spotter’s Guide: Identifying The 1964-1967 Chevelle – Beyond the Checkered Flag blog.championcooling.com
  21. 2016 Mid-Size Family Sedan Comparisons caranddriver.com
  22. Marcis Auto Racing - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Dave Marcis: NASCAR's last winning engine builder/driver enginelabs.com
  24. The Oral History of 'Repo Man,' the Greatest Indie Sci-Fi Movie Ever Made inverse.com
  25. Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" Chevy Malibu, stolen from set in '94, recovered in 2013 - CBS News cbsnews.com
  26. 5 Ways Chevrolet Made 2016 Malibu Segment’s Lightest 3blmedia.com
  27. 1970 Chevrolet Malibu SS 396 Sport Coupe | Fort Lauderdale 2019 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  28. 5.3L-Powered 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Sport Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $21,000 on July 23, 2026 (Lot #253,786) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 1980 Chevrolet Malibu Sport Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,500 on April 24, 2023 (Lot #105,051) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 45k-Mile 2003 Chevrolet Malibu for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,003 on October 9, 2026 (Lot #267,627) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 32k-Mile 1981 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,000 on August 27, 2026 (Lot #260,066) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS L79 Sport Coupe 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $61,700 on July 29, 2026 (Lot #254,907) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. Five-Decades-Family-Owned 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $43,500 on August 10, 2025 (Lot #204,536) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,750 on October 7, 2024 (Lot #165,802) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • 3blmedia.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • henrypayne.com
  • motortrend.com
  • chevellestuff.net
  • consumerguide.com
  • theweeklydriver.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoblog.com
  • streetmusclemag.com
  • chevydriveschicago.com
  • blog.championcooling.com
  • enginelabs.com

Photo credits

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