Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

2013 Chevy Malibu

2

Comments

  • onefunkaronefunkar Member Posts: 113
    at saturn the e assist was called greenline. the greenline (e assist) came without spare but others had the spare.
  • 12jjd12jjd Member Posts: 2
    Dwayne, The Buick Verano is built on the Cruze chassis and is the luxury model to the Cruze, so you shouldn't be comparing it to the Malibu.

    The Impala is just an old technology full sized work horse that GM has kept, because it sells.

    Sounds like you should just wait for the 2013 Malibu when it comes out with the new 2.0 or 2.5 L motors this fall.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    Hi 12jjd:

    You made my point! ----- "IF" the Verano is an "up-scale version of the Cruze" it should have all the power accessories! ---- After all, it is a "Buick" not a Chevrolet!

    The last four days, I have had the opportunity to drive a 2012 Hyundai Sonata while my 2007 Camry was being serviced and detailed. ---- (I am getting ready to trade this vehicle!) ----- The Hyundai was a rented vehicle. --- I was very surprised as to the quality and performance of the Sonata. The four cylinder engine was very powerful, and the automatic transmission was very smooth. --- Compared to my 2010 four cylinder LTZ Malibu, the Sonata was a race car! It drives like my old 2003 four cylinder Honda Accord! ------ I would love to consider purchasing a "top of the line Sonata," but the dealers in my area of New Jersey leave a lot to be desired in terms of customer relations and service. They are the "bottom feeders" of the automotive sales business!

    Best regards. ----------- Dwayne :shades: ;):)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    A reporter wonders about Chevy's reputation abroad. If you did not grow up in the US, email [email protected] by 4pm Eastern today, April 13, 2012, to share your thoughts on Chevy's reputation back home.
  • dispencer2dispencer2 Member Posts: 299
    Considering that a spare tire is an option on the new 2013 Cadillac XTS and it was an option on my 2009 Cobalt I assume that it will be an option on the 2013 Malibu. My 2011 Malibu had the spare tire as part of an option package. If a spare tire is a big deal to you visit your junkyard. There are plenty of them there. None of the spares in new Malibus are full size anyway.
    Dwayne -you keep comparing the Malibu to a Camry. The Camry is more dependable, has a less attractive interior but unlike any GM car will give you 200,000 miles or more without problems. Your refrigerator, freezer, and desk lamp will also be trouble free for years. Toyotas are appliances with wheels. They appeal to millions of people a year and all in all are a better choice than a Malibu.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    just handed over a 04 Malibu Maxx LT to my stepson with 195K on it...he has over 220k on it with no problems with it at all...so some GM cars can go 200K......I beleive any car can if you apply proper maintenance principles and change all fluids regularly.....only items replaced on the car...rear brake caliper and two tire rods......everything else is orginial parts....except tires, battery, wiper blades and brake pads....
  • alakilleralakiller Member Posts: 1
    We got lots of mid-size sedens in China including Passart, Camry, Accord, 508 and so on. That's a multiple choise in China, and Malibu really lagged behind its competitors :(
  • onefunkaronefunkar Member Posts: 113
    more and more cars do not have spare tires anymore because of weight savings fr epa mileage tests and lack of flat tires with tpms.
  • iask1iask1 Member Posts: 1
    I have read a number of reviews that say the rear visibility
    is a potential problem for some. Can anyone comment on this

    Thanks
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 18,979
    In Canada it seems the intro of the new Malibu was later than in the US, but yesterday on a dealer lot was the first 2013 I have seen in these parts. This was badged as an LT and I did not see any "Eco" or "Turbo" badging so I assume it had the new 2.5. Interestingly, it was parked next to a new Regal Turbo, which shares the same platform.

    The Regal is a much better-looking car inside and out. The Malibu looks blocky and rather unattractive in front. But where it seems to really fall down is inside. I could only peer though the windows but I was unimpressed with what I could see. This car was black inside and did not have the woodgrain everywhere that I saw in some of the photo galleries on the net. Instead it had what looked like silver-gray plastic pieces with a clearcoat-type finish that I did not find appealing. Add to that the ribbed section across the passenger side of the dash that looks like nothing more than a dust-catcher and it failed to impress. There also appeared to be very little rear seat legroom.

    I left feeling disappointed. I remember when I saw the 2008 Malibu upon introduction I was really impressed, and in fact almost bought one. No chance I would buy this car based on the one I saw.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    A reporter seeks to interview anyone who recently considered or bought a new Chevy Malibu. Please email [email protected] before Friday, September 14, 2012 if you are willing to share your thoughts on the car.
  • bryanbryan Member Posts: 198
    I bought my new 13 Malibu on Saturday, 9/15 at my favorite Chevy dealership in southern Delaware. It's 2LT with every option except nav; Atlantis Blue with Cocoa/Cashmere leather. Very pretty to my eyes.

    My driving experience back from DE to northern VA today was quiet and comfortable, getting used to the car. I've got some reading to do on some of the car's features. Amazing...
    I averaged 35.7 mpg for the 135 mile trip according to the DIC. I did use the cruise control a few times, as it is a little different from my '10 Malibu.
  • giff42giff42 Member Posts: 5
    I have been looking for replacement for my wife's 2004 Regal. Checked out Honda, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai and Nissan. Was not fussy with option selection as had to take packages and ending up with items not wanted. Ordered LTZ with all packages. 2.0 is the only engine available at this time on the LTZ. Checked out the Regal in stock with this engine and went ahead with order. After testing all the vehicles listed above came away with the seating and interior the most comfortable of them all. Found Regal and asian cars transmitted road noise and bumps more than Malibu. Not happy with premium fuel recommended but it looks like most manufactures going in that direction. Will see if this ups my fuel costs, maybe the regular will do at times as it is acceptable to GM.
  • dodgeman07dodgeman07 Member Posts: 574
    Congrats on your new car! An LTZ with the 2.0 Turbo should be a great car.

    How long until delivery?
  • giff42giff42 Member Posts: 5
    Shooting for Dec,01. Just in time for dirty weather. Ice Metalic should not show the salt as much as dark colours.
  • giff42giff42 Member Posts: 5
    I am going to need some substantial mats for the winter crude up here in Canada. My son lives in US so I can purchase them here or there. Any suggestions on were the best place to purchase and style or manufacturer. Looking at Husky or other similar types.
  • dodgeman07dodgeman07 Member Posts: 574
    Yes, dark colors are tougher to keep looking good.

    I have a set of WeatherTech mats. They ran me about $80 but are very heavy duty and really hold the snow/ice in the winter. Of course you'll need to dump them when melting finishes. I bet mine could hold a liter of water without spilling!

    WeatherTech Website
  • giff42giff42 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, hard to tell from pictures the capability of mats holding snow and sludge, Sounds like WeatherTech's do the job. Any word on the best site to order through and have them delivered to NC.
  • dodgeman07dodgeman07 Member Posts: 574
    They're also available on ebay. I bought mine direct from the website and did not get the custom fit "Floor Liner". I went with the "All Weather Floor Mats".
  • giff42giff42 Member Posts: 5
    Looking for the wheel specs for the 19" wheels such as width, offset and bolt pattern. Will need spare wheels for winter tires and information for possible smaller wheels that will need different tires to maintain same circumference.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    edited November 2012
    Motor Trend compared the most popular 2013 family sedans, and ranked them in this order, from first to last: Passat (best), Accord, Fusion, Altima, Camry, Malibu (last). The Malibu and Camry were particularly disappointing, for different reasons. The next four each had strong attributes, and were closer in rating than the last two.

    As you can easily see for yourself, Edmunds rated the '13 Malibu significantly better than Motor Trend did,

    It'll be interesting to see how consumers rate each of these family cars, and how well they sell.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 18,979
    Motor Trend seems to have a hate on for GM lately. Maybe they aren't buying enough advertising there.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    That's possible.
  • zeeboyzeeboy Member Posts: 25
    Is it safe to say the 13 Malibu has the quietest ride of all mid size sedans?
  • dodgeman07dodgeman07 Member Posts: 574
    No, it is not safe to say. The 2013 Malibu is a quiet car but so are many other mid-size offerings. A Lexus ES350 is likely quieter and the Toyota Camry has to be close.

    The Buick Lacrosse is a very quiet mid-size sedan too. Then there's the VW Passat that is pretty quiet and the Altima is not bad at all.

    You get the idea..... ;)
  • zeeboyzeeboy Member Posts: 25
    Yeah, guess I should have included some kind of $$$ parameter.

    I've read the new Camry isn't as quiet as previous generations and the new Altima suffers CVT whine.

    Not sure about the Passat.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    I read in Automotive News that sales of the '13 Malibu are getting off to a slow start and, as a result, GM will pull forward the changes that it would normally make in the third year of a new platform. According to the article, the Malibu will be updated in about 18 months.

    Honda did a similar thing with the latest Civic. However, despite being panned by Consumers Reports and some auto publications, the '12 Civic has sold very well. Nevertheless, Honda has tried to address the criticisms of the Civic for '13.

    One of the main criticisms of the '13 Malibu is that it has insufficient rear seat legroom for its class. It'll be interesting to see whether and how Chevy will address this shortcoming.
  • zeeboyzeeboy Member Posts: 25
    Malibu can't up size too much.

    The new Impala will be bigger and have a 4 cylinder version.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 18,979
    I believe the timeline is shorter than that. I read that it will be changed for the 2014 model year.

    Not sure what they can do to fix the rear legroom but they need to replace the upright, blocky front end, maybe the taillights also, and do something about that interior and dashboard, especially the fake wood.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • dodgeman07dodgeman07 Member Posts: 574
    They could trim the length (under-thigh support) on the rear bench and sculpt out a bit of the front seatbacks to get maybe an inch of rear legroom. The hip-points of the front seats could be slid forward a hair too.

    The 2013 turbo Malibu was just released in November. Problem with it is the mileage ratings; they are worse than most every V6 in the class excepting the Avenger/200. What's the advantage of a turbo 4 that's rated 21 mpg City?

    I hope Chevrolet can add a bit of rear seat legroom, freshen the front end, and find a few much needed mpgs. That and lower the price 10%. Then they'll sell.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    edited December 2012
    "I hope Chevrolet can add a bit of rear seat legroom, freshen the front end, and find a few much needed mpgs. That and lower the price 10%. Then they'll sell."

    That's a very tall order. Adding significant rear seat legroom while using the same platform is nearly impossible without increasing the wheelbase.

    My guess is that we'll see heavy incentives on the '13 Malibu before too long, as inventory piles up. Of course that'll hurt profits. The new Malibu is probably not a bad car, but it's competing in a segment with a very low tolerance for shortcomings. Somebody should be held accountable at GM.
  • dodgeman07dodgeman07 Member Posts: 574
    Yeah, you won't be seeing a lot more rear legroom but you could get an additional inch back there. And even one inch of legroom would likely require additional safety testing (both internal & gov't).

    The Malibu seems smaller inside than it really is. The high beltline, large console, and dark materials offer an impression of "compactness" that hurts it. That and it is near the bottom of the class in actual interior volume.

    Bob Lutz is primarily responsible for this car. Ed Whitacre pushed hard to get this model into dealerships asap. Both are gone.

    Despite some short-comings, this car would sell much better at a lower price point. Every 2013 Malibu I've seen appears to be 10% overpriced (to my eyes of course). That 10% can likely be negotiated down by a savvy consumer. Problem is most consumers will simply buy an Accord, Fusion, Camry, or Sonata rather than fight to get a better price.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    Since the family sedan segment is the most competitive in the industry, wouldn't you agree that a savvy consumer can usually get a "better price" on any of the Malibu's competitors?

    The real test of how competitive the '13 Malibu is, in addition to its market share, is how its residual value holds up. While it will take some time to know this, I would bet it will be well below the median for its class. If I'm right, the best deal on a '13 Malibu will be a used one. That could interest me because I rather like the car.
  • dispencer2dispencer2 Member Posts: 299
    As soon as I read that the wheelbase was being changed on the 2013 Malibu I bought a new 2011. There is plenty of room in the back seat ,the trunk is good sized, and the car gets as much as 38 MPG on the road with the 4. So far I have 18,000 miles on an LT1 with the red tintcoat package and have had no warranty related problems. If I were going to buy a Malibu now I would buy a left over 2012. Even Motor Trend has panned the 2013.
  • dodgeman07dodgeman07 Member Posts: 574
    edited December 2012
    At this time, I would think so. Particularly if that buyer is interested in the "twins" from Hyundai/Kia or Chrysler/Dodge. Great deals are available right now for people looking at a Sonata, Optima, 200, or Avenger. It's a bit tougher with a Honda, Toyota, Ford, or Chevrolet. Some dismiss the 200 and Avenger as inferior. I don't because these cars represent good value, just not cutting edge technology or styling.

    Certainly a low mileage, used 2013 Malibu could be a good value. Resale value should be average for the class. That's taking it down 25% off sticker price after one year/12,000 miles. A 2.5L LT model that stickers for around $24,000 would be about $18,000 next year. That does sound much better to me too!
  • bryanbryan Member Posts: 198
    I have a 2013 Malibu, 2LT. Atlantis Blue with the cocoa/cashmere leather interior.

    My partner and I have four Malibus now; an '07 LS, an '08 2LT, an '10 2LT. Here's my take on each one:

    '07: Currently 60K miles on the clock. 4cyl with 4speed auto. Noisiest of the bunch to drive; no sunroof. Has routinely gotten the best mileage of them all, 37-38 highway. Rated at 30 IIRC. Cheapest interior, by far. Intermediate steering staff and both key fobs replaced under the extended warranty at 59K. Loosest steering feel of them all. Visually meh, inside and out.

    '08: Has 42K miles; 4 cyl with 4speed auto. Quietest (is that a word?) of the bunch; no sunroof. Routinely gets 33-34 MPG highway. Rated at 30. Tighter fitting interior than the '10. Very nice interior finish; not much similarity to the '07. Just much improved with ergonomics and quality. Intermediate steering staff replaced at 39K under extended warranty. When they are parked together in the driveway, you can really see how much GM/Chevy improved the styling. Car drives like it did new. Much improved from the '07. Very attractive car.

    '10: Has 23K miles; 4 cyl with 6speed auto. Almost as quiet as the '08; has a sunroof. Routinely get 34-36 mpg mighway. Rated at 33. Interior slightly tweaked from '08. Had the computer reflashed due to shifting issues. Made improvements but still hunts for gears at times. NO other issues. Car drives better than new due to computer reflash. Very attractive car.

    I think the '08/'10 were vast improvements over the '07; now the '13 takes the Malibu to another level.

    I had an '08 CTS for 15 months (took over a pre-paid lease). That was an absolutely awesome car to drive; it had the 3.6 6 speed auto AWD. By far the best drivetrain of any car I have owned; lousiest stereo of any car I've had in many years. Would have purchased the car but the negotiated residual was way too high at lease end.

    '13: is stunning to my eyes, both inside and out. The driving dynamics are the closest to the CTS. I don't care about rear seat legroom, but do understand its importance to others.

    I believe GM/Chevy made a huge mistake with the launch of this car. The ECO version completely turned me off, since the new 2.5 4 cyl is 34 highway EPA rated versus 37 for the ECO. Plus, the ECO "stuff" took up way too much of the trunk. However, once I drove the non-ECO version, I ordered one to my color/equipment specs.

    I just retured from a 2400 miles road trip. I averaged almost 33 MPG at 70-74 MPH. Feels like a more expensive car; sounds like one too with the door "thunk". Controls are very different from the '08/'10, but very intuitive. I really like the MyLink touch screen; back-up camera; lane-departure warning device. Much more safety equipment. Love the hands-free phone usage. Better sound system than the CTS. Interior quality is enhanced; I like the self-rising trunk too. I would buy this car again.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    bryan,

    We always love to hear happy owner stories - thank you for your continued enthusiasm for the Malibu! We wish you many more happy miles!

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 18,979
    Interior quality is enhanced

    Bryan,

    Can you expand on this? To me, both in pictures and in person, the '08-'12 interior seems more attractive than the '13. The overuse of fake woodgrain and the mishmash of different materials and textures turn me off the '13, along with the squared-off instrument binnacles and the round-top center stack. The earlier generation just seems far more integrated to my eye. But I would be interested in your perspective.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • bryanbryan Member Posts: 198
    edited January 2013
    I agree that the 08-12 interior was done quite well. I think the '13 is different yet similar in some regards, if that makes sense.

    The interior design is like the Camaro with its squared-off instrument binnacles, etc. I don't mind that at all. The woodgrain? Doesn't bother me; I've seen much worse on more expensive cars.

    I really like the improved look/feel of the dash and other materials. I like the light/dark contrast with the light-colored seats. The center stack makes sense to me given all the new goodies that come with the MyLink system.

    I like the feel of the new steering wheel and the shifter. The DIC is far improved and I like being able to scroll through and digitally display the speed, like the CTS did.

    The MyLink is intuitive; you can do so much through that screen or use the other controls for the stereo, climate control, etc. The hands-free phone linkage works very well.

    Better trunk ingress/egress. Quieter interior; improved door "thunk". I think the 08-12 is very attractive; the '13 even more so. Side profile especially.

    Is the car perfect? No. A couple of minor "complaints"--why no express up on the power windows? Can't seem to find the speed control volume option like I have on the other Malibus.

    I believe the '08 was such a vast improvement over the previous generation that some might be disappointed that the '13 may not seem to be such a leap compared to the outgoing model.

    I would suggest people drive this car before it is summarily dismissed. I know I'm glad I did. Hope this helps.
  • dispencer2dispencer2 Member Posts: 299
    They did all that. It is called the 2008-12 Malibu. As soon as I read that GM was shortening the wheelbase 5" I immediately bought a 2011 which has plenty of rear seat leg room. The reason GM cheapened the Malibu -which is exactly what they did - was to allow the 2014 Impala to be the "big" Chevrolet. The Malibu actually was bigger inside than the 2006-13 Impala. Anyway the reaction from buyers at the local Chevy dealer is that buyers are unhappy with the car. I'm perfectly happy with my 2011 and it is far better than the new one. It was a good decision. If you can find a left over 12 buy it instead of the 13.
  • bryanbryan Member Posts: 198
    I disagree with "cheapening" the '13. It is clearly superior in quality to my 08 and 10, especially in interior quality and driving dynamics.

    Making the car "smaller" than the incoming new Impala makes some sense to me. Since I don't buy a car for rear seat room, that's just a non-issue to me. However, I can understand those for whom it is.

    There is no comparison in how the 08 and 10 drive versus the 13. The 13 is far superior in so many areas.
  • 9392393923 Member Posts: 1
    I could not agree more w/ the driving dynamics of this car. I have a basic model as a company car for a car w/ a msrp of 23K I could not believe how well this car handles and the quality of ride. I own a 2009 porsche 911 so I feel I have a good benchmark for quality. The Malibu is no 911 but the handling and ride of this car is very impressive. I would recommend having a test drive of this car and take it though the paces especially if you can take it on winding road to see just how well this car corners . I also own a 2007 Chevy Avalance w/ 217k miles w/ only a starter replacement and throttle body replacement @ $700 total costs. Still runs great w/ no rattles flexing or squeaks. . That being said I think Chevy has come a long way in quality and deserves a look.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Glad to hear we are able to meet you expectations:-). I would love to hear more about your vehicle story:-) Can you send me a private message at [email protected] "attn Crystal" in the subject line please? Thank You for being a GM customer!

    Sincerely,
    Crystal L. GM Customer
  • kz8901kz8901 Member Posts: 3
    :lemon: :mad: :sick:

    2013 Malibu, 7800 miles, Base Unit

    I just had my car returned to me after 3 and a half weeks at the dealer for them to tell me that the issue was the battery.
    They stated that every 28 minutes for the entire time they had the car is would draw 4 amps of power FROM the battery until it dies(This occurs when the car is off.), then has to be jumped. How could the battery be the issue when it dies because something else is drawing the power?!
    When this first occurred, I tried to turn the key in the ignition and "check engine" light illuminated and the Windshield wipers slowly wiped across the window (They were in the OFF position). They key also became stuck in the ignition cylinder. I could only move the key to ACC, ON, and CRANK. I could not get the key to the OFF to remove it.
    Today after getting the car back today I locked it with the FOB and the lights activated but the horn made no sound. I contacted the dealer back, having just left there two hours prior, and they advised me to pull the fuses. I found the fuses had popped so I had replaced them.
    The horn no longer sounds the same. It only sounds the high tone and not the dual tone.

    I pay $460 dollars a month for a car that is NOT in my possession. Clearly I should have bought a FORD!

    I am planning to contact my lawyer to initiate the lemon law.

    Anyone having similar issues/comments/concerns can contact me direct @ [email protected]

    Thank you for taking the time to read!
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Hi kz8901,

    I've reached out to you through the email you've provided.

    Amber N.
    GM Customer Care
  • kz8901kz8901 Member Posts: 3
    I am sry , the email has not come through. Could you try to resend or post here.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    Hi all:
    Update on my vehicle purchase! ---- I decided NOT to trade my 2007 XLE Toyota Camry for a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. ----- I now have two vehicles. ---- My Camry and my 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu now has 44,000 miles, and I still service both vehicles every 2,500 miles. My Camry, (now off warranty), now has about 83,000 + miles. (It is now my "back up vehicle" for my business.) The Malibu is the primary vehicle. Both vehicles are outstanding in terms of operation & MPG. ----- I am NOT going to trade my Camry until it has at least 100,000 miles. ----- I was looking at the four cylinder Equinox, but GM is having a lot of problems with the four cylinder direct injection engine in the Equinox. (Engine Noise, Engine Stalling, Engine oil burning, Rough Idle). It is a different engine than the one in the Malibu! ---- Too bad for GM, because it is a nice vehicle, but GM dropped the ball big time on this engine! ---- The dealers do not seem to know how to solve the engine problems, and GM does not seem to care about the customer! ---- With this attitude on the part of GM, they are just giving the sales over to Toyota. ------ Just read the postings on this site! :shades: :sick: :confuse: :lemon: :)
  • ckdriggersckdriggers Member Posts: 1
    We just purchased this car a few days ago and I must say I am not disappointed. I Love it. We traded in our Lincoln Navigator due to gas prices. Thought I would have a hard time going to a mid size car but it drives like a much more expensive car. So quiet and for a four cylinder I was pleasantly surprised at the power.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    ckdriggers,

    I am happy to hear that you love your new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. If you ever have a question or concern about your GM vehicle, feel free to email us at [email protected].

    Jennifer T.
    GM Customer Care
  • kz8901kz8901 Member Posts: 3
    I truely need someone to take a look at this vehicle,,, I have had multiple electrical errors ranging from faulty wiring to popping fuses. At one point my car was out of service for more than 3 weeks! It has been issue free for over a month, THANK GOD but a resolution had never been supplied, no explanation...
    :lemon:
    '13 Malibu LS , bought new 6 months ago, 15,000 miles.
    :lemon:
    [email protected]
    :lemon:
Sign In or Register to comment.