Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.6/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.0/10 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 $22,898–$27,665, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Malibu S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.6/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,898 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 17%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Malibu S Year Should You Buy?
Across the Malibu S model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Common Questions — 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S reliable?
We rate the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #1048 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 20% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S cost?
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu S starts at $22,898 and ranges up to $27,665 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Malibu S years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Malibu S years we've rated are 2015 (6.9/10), 2018 (7.0/10), 2017 (7.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.5/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Malibu S
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Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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