Why Buy? | 2017 Chevy Malibu Review
Motor1 Senior Editor Jake Holmes takes Chevy’s recently refreshed Malibu through the Why Buy? battery to see if it can hold it’s own in the hotly contested midsize segment.
For more Chevy Malibu: www.motor1.com/chevrolet/malibu/
As-tested price: $36,310
The midsize sedan class is hugely competitive; most of the major players are within a few inches, a few horsepower, and a few pounds of one another's’ specifications. There’s good reason to compete, given how many hundreds of thousands of midsize four-doors Americans buy every year. Yet it makes designing a new, competitive entry in the segment an extremely tall order.
The newest Chevy Malibu aces much of what we look for in midsize sedans. It’s lighter and more spacious than the last Malibu, and it’s got a fresh pair of turbocharged engines that return impressive fuel economy. It’s easy to live with and pleasant to drive, and available for an affordable price.
With all those improvements and more, can the 2017 Chevy Malibu take on the top-selling Accord, Camry, and Altima? Find out by watching our latest Why Buy?
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4
Output: 250 Horsepower / 260 Pound-Feet
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 City / 33 Highway / 26 Combined
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CREDITS
Host: Jake Holmes
Video Producer: James Bradbury
I love my Malibu. 92,000 miles without any issues. Great car!
Any issues so far? How many miles?
Worth it today ?
@@OmniPhantom Over 155,000 miles on it now. Need to do front brakes on it. Nothing major.
@@eddideleon2845 Absolutely!!! My daughter loves it and wants it. I have over 155,000 on it with no major issues. Just brakes, tires and oil changes at about 9,000 miles.
I can't believe you knocked the styling. Do you really think the glorified toasters that Toyota and Honda sells is better looking than the Malibu?
i rented one this past summer...i cant believe it was just a 1.5l engine it had plenty of power and the gas mileage was amazing and the air conditioning has an eco mode which puts the gas mileage almost normal with ac on so when i drove i always got 30 mpg in town while the wife got 26
On long trips Ive gotton 40+MPG and maybe 30MPG in the city. The only downside is the small gas tank which is only good for 270 or so miles/tank.
The 2.0 with the new 9 speed automatic will push this car to 60 in 5.7 seconds and the quarter mile goes by at 14.3 at almost 100 mph, top speed is drag limited at 153 mph. Also, the premier does not have the START/STOP feature as on the 1.5 models. For those who commented on 300 horsepower, Trifecta Tune can be downloaded at a cost of $400, takes around 30 minutes in adds 50 more hp.
I have 2018 LT it’s not fast but def not slow I pass cars on highway with ease,,,also it is the smoothest ride car I’ve ever had really floats.
The Malibu looks anonymous Thank you 🙏🏽 now I can explain to people why I like it so much, so understated.
I purchased a Chevy Malibu in October 2017; my first car from an American brand. Everything was great until March 2019. The check engine was on for the first time. I took to the dealership in Dallas, TX and they stated that the problem was the water intrusion in the air shutter harness. They stated that they replaced the part. Three weeks later, the check engine light was on again. Now, the technician states that we need to replace exhaust valve lash adjusters. After doing that, they will re-test; no certainty on solving the problem. The cost for that is now $2,021 after paying $519.73 the first time. How is it possible that all the advertising on TV is about how dependable this car is and this is what happened after just 1 1/2 yrs of use. GM would not assist with not even part of the cost. I drive a lot but I had cars from Asian brands before (Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai). All of those cars I put over 200,000 miles on them and NEVER required such an expensive repair. I just want people to know because I do not want anyone else having to go with what we are going thru. GM do not stand by their product.
I just bought a 2017 Premiere - very nice car with huge year end discounts. 27% off sticker. That's $9,200 off on a $35,300 sticker. The car is has every feature you can think of.
trekOCLVone how is the car holding up 2 years later I’m loooking to buy one used ?
I have a 2016 Malibu. It's the same color as the one in the video, but it has chrome tires. I love it. I only have a little over 38,000 miles on it. I bought it three years ago with 22,000 miles. The turbo is nice for passing, and off the start.
I loveeeeee my 2011 model, ready for a newer one
I have a 2017 Malibu LT and I love it. For a person like myself who is 6’4 it’s really roomy and my head doesn’t touch the ceiling
YOU! I needed this comment! About to go test drive one and I'm only 5'10" but front leg room is my biggest pet peeve as many cars literally fall short on this and I've been searching everywhere for some verification if I should bother going to do the test drive. Thanks for this!
Do you think is good for me I'm 6'8 in a half
Detroit Slums? 4:38 Thanks for the great review. The Malibu has made my short list and I look for these reviews.
I got Chevy Malibu 2013 run so smooth over 105,000 miles. I use drive Toyota Camry that okay anyway. But I like chevy so cool it felt like Luxury style.
I have a 2010 LT and it has 132,000 miles and going!
I got my wife one and his great Malibu has really stepped up to the plate. when he was pulling the car out I was thinking where was he parked in the Fortress? then I realize it's Detroit, damn! shout out to Most Holy Trinity my alma mater.
realbhopwood awesome dude your wife likes his Malibu.
realbhopwood ur wife? He?
Best car reviews on You Tube .... Thank You
Heh like the guys over at MT.
The best review 👍
Nice touch with Turn Blue on the console, I was just listening to that haha
I would buy one but Honda, Toyota and Mazda will take the lions share of the buyers. You can get some steep discounts on this car right now.
MOTOR1 US you forgot the park assist I think
2017 Malibu LT review ---> The paint is so thin the wind scratches it . The seats have very thin 2 inch cushions that are very uncomfortable & will be completely worn in less that 2 years . The cheap tires are very noisy & will be worn in 2 years . Its not a smooth ride either . Theres no carpet . Now lets talk about the super annoying stop/start feature -->Yes its bad , but what I do to keep it from activating is I just down shift one click to L2 every time right b4 I come to a stop & it doesnt come on . ( may be annoying to some , but I do it every time & it works for me ) The only good thing is the buttons & switches like the dome lights , radio & other button funtions , thats it . TRUE OWNER
I would have to agree about the paint. I have the 2016 LT and I just had something last week fly up and scratch some of the paint off the hood -_-
LaKera wow! Reading both of these reviews I’m so annoyed and disappointed in Chevy. I have a 2014 Malibu and I love it. I just wish they upgraded the tech, gave it a larger infotainment screen (8’-9’), better quality materials, more aggressive styling w/ updated LED lighting all the way around, and a more powerful engine with AWD capabilities. But in 2016 they ruined the damn car. Here’s some of the small changes they’ve made in the WRONG direction... 1. Changing the way to operate 60/40 split. Whose idea was this and WHY? It was simple, looked good, and perfectly fine the way it was on the 2015 Malibu! 🙄 2. 2015 model’s hydraulic hood stand they’ve replaced on the 2016 Malibu with the cheap kick stand. Smh.😩 3. The trunk arms were hidden on 15 model, giving it a more luxurious or upscale feel. 2016 it was someone’s great idea to re-expose them on the newer model Malibu even on LT and Premier trims. ANY REASON FOR THIS?! 4. They overall styling is just getting more and more flamboyant and less aggressive. The complete opposite of Altima, Camry and Optima. 2016 Malibu looks like a fish and 2019 refresh is even worse. SMH. They’ve literally back tracked and CHEAPED out with this vehicle and it’s frustrating and dumb as hell.
I agree I bought my 16lt with 25,000 miles. Seats are horrible and I too by pass the start stop option
There are recalls on the 1.5 engines with piston rings.
Great vehicle...until you get to the engine. 1.5 liters is way too small for the size of the car. On my last trip to Reno, I found it working very hard to climb the Sierra Nevada mountains. It worked so hard that it noticeably affected the mpgs. It took 3/4 of a tank to get there from Ukiah, CA. Most others only take about 5/8 of a tank. Spend way too much time with my foot to the floor to get moving. Drop the 1.5. Make the 2.0 the base engine, and add the 3.6 liter V6 as an option and you have something here.
In the Middle East we have 2.5 L base engine and 2.0 Turbo Has a bit o a lag on full throttle but overall I'm happy. I have it for 2 years and it's still fresh. A bit of computerized tuning will make it a nice sleeper. 18.500 usd new
Because it's my favorite car
Don't forget it has turbo also
I have a 2017 Malibu LT not the premiere,I'm happy with just about everything except for the 1.5 litre 160 HP engine.A little too weak for the hilly terrain in western Pennsylvania where I live.The should have kept the 200 HP that my 2015 Malibu had
2017 1.5L is not bad but so many issue it bad. My 2107 chevy Malibu blow the valve train out of it at 15,000k miles. And piston are know go between 15-30k miles. I live in pittsburgh area.
Ben Santiago 2015 is where they should’ve left this vehicle! They’ve just ruined the Malibu now.
Do you still have the car?
I kind of like it
Great review. You just don’t know how to stack luggage in a trunk... I could ft those large bags in the truck all the way in the back where the speakers are. And still have a bit of room to put two more of those large bags. And still have enough room to put personal bags in the back.
😂😂
What were your thoughts on the autostop?
I personally own a 2016 version of this car in 1LT trim and the auto stop takes time to initially get used to but after a while you get used to it. Unfortunately there is no off button since the feature is hardwired into the car.
Just go to a tuner to turn it off if you dislike it
I love my 2017
Why no green color ?????
Just got one at tricolor in texas
It comes out so you can clean it out.
Were the did made malibu
You just sold me a car! Thanks Rick Moranis!
Wait what model does all of this and has the sun roof?
Premier
He forgot about the little slit pocket under the console.
The only things I dont like about the malibu. Is that for a car that big I feel like the I4 should have more than 160 horsepower. Maybe like 180 to 200 and that the infotainment system looks like someone glues a tablet onto the dash instead of being apart of the dash. But all in all this is the car I'm buying when I get back home
Waiting minutes you said last gen was bad? Why Chevrolet has these commercials. On bottom commercial says 2015 won award winning for 3 years running I don't see 2017 anywhere on the commercial do you?
Ray Coffin the awards are given by advertising companies, they hold no merit whatsoever
4:38 definitely looks like Detroit !!
I Love your youtube
These reviews are good, but am I the only one who is turned off by the tone of the voiceover on the title cards ("Is it roomy?" "Is it well equipped?", etc.?). He sounds smug, annoyed and impatient all at the same time.
P. Doherty 😂😂😂
Your not going to talk about the most important topic? The reliability, say 5 years down the road, are engine components going to break down?
I’ve had mine for about 4 years .. so far never had any type of issue . Got about 75k miles on it .
wow
were the hell do i put my front plate
on the front
If your state requires a plate to be on the front there will be a place for it
I like mine
I just love these "reviews". "What are the negatives?" "There re no glaring negatives, some exterior blah blah." I mean...Sure. Exterior. How about DREADFUL engine and transmission issues plaguing 2016/2017 manufacturing years? First improvements were made in 2018's, but its still happening. Is this not a glaring issue for ya?
The 2.0 is a beast. Tune it and you have a 300 horsepower 9 speed auto sleeper that weighs 3,200 lbs.
How do you tune it and is it smart to tune it or will it start having problems
@@DetBull Trifecta is the main company for tuning this particular car. They'll send you a tuning device that you plug in to the obd and in a few minutes you'll have an extra 50 ponies. Just tuning the car with the basic tuning calibration will not hurt or compromise the longevity of the vehicle. Some companies will "overtune" but that can lead to damage. Stay away from those companies.
So your saying i should buy a toyota camery
Isee you in detroit
The car looks awesome outside no doubt ! , but the interior still needs work , it looks like a cheap rental car, now ...with Mazda , Honda , Toyota , Ford. Look the interior on those cars in the same segments, those cars look spectacular inside , Honda and Mazda with the best material quality Toyota to me looks nice but the materials seems cheap too . at night I do like the Malibu dashboard lights , during the day just dont earn my likes. I am in the market to buy a car from that segment I drove them all seem them all , not Nissan I dont like the Altima. but the interior and dashboard of the Malibu was the fact I didnt like. but still is a possibility , they are giving a lot of discounts in those cars ,so that helps . so far for me Mazda is the 1st in my list . is my humble opinion . and right now my daily driver is and 1995 Acura legend coupe I rescue from abandonment in a mechanic lot.
Bland...when you can have interesting ( Mazda 6 )
Brian Then, go watch a Mazda 6 video.
Moo
Im from kuwait
What a big deal
The big deal is that the Malibu has different specs here. Most of the drivers are happy with it. For example the very base LS has 2.5 L with 186 Hp. Standard 17 alloy rims And others..
هلا
but I am interested in the 0 to 100
60 mph in 6.2 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds at 96.2 mph. so a smidge about 15 seconds to 100 in the 2.0...did you misspell chinchilla?
phil tripe thank you
phil tripe I heard a rumor that the Malibu premier can reach a top speed in the mid 150s mph, Is that true?
I do not have a good memories with Chevrolet Malibu, mostly because of Malibu Maxx
Get rid of the stupid fob and give it a real key. GM actually thinks their customers are stupid enough to need a check rear seat reminder?
Unfortunately too many people "forget" their small children in the back seats.
That front is a turn off!
Have to get 2.0 ( especially if you are male - no offense to ladies, just talking to my boys ) Also I have Impala and has had to replace radiator, water pump, car always overheats. Been a pain in ars. Will never buy a GM car again.
Please people don’t get a 2017 Chevy Malibu or 2013 Chevy Sonic they are not good cars. Get something good like a Toyota, or a Honda Chevrolet cars Are breaking down really fast. I think they need to do a recall in all of them
ugliest front end on a modern car. Yes even uglier than the Prius front
best looking front end in class, hands down.
P 272 Passat R-Line front is the most appealing in its class imo. Classy and mean at the same time.
Blake Swan yep
Grizzly Dulani I agree. The Mazda 6 is a close second
sharlet geevarughese aww thank you! I hope your day gets better.