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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 27 / 36 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 292 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $24,265–$29,316 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.8/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $24,265–$29,316, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Malibu sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu ranks #982 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $24,265 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 12%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.1 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $26,200 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $28,682 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $27,798 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $26,915 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $26,031 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $25,148 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $24,265 | |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $23,381 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $22,498 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $21,615 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 14/06/2018 · 18V400000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not… |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Disc / Caliper 30/08/2018 · 18V576000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 31/05/2018 · 18V358000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure… |
| Electrical system / Software 06/09/2019 · 19V642000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled. |
| Power train / Automatic transmission 29/10/2020 · 20V668000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC… |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
We rate the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #982 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 25% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu starts at $24,265 and ranges up to $29,316 across trims (MSRP when new). At 28 MPG, expect roughly $1,875/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
