That's where this solid, easygoing sedan excels. It also has simple controls, decent fuel economy and sound handling (although the Malibu is clearly no sports sedan). You'll probably come away disappointed, however, if you need a roomy rear seat. There are 11 recalls on this vehicle.

The redesigned 2013 Chevy Malibu is a solid choice for a family sedan, but we suggest considering the late-introduction 2.5-liter or turbo models instead of snapping up the Eco model that debuted first.

Malibu trims have been upgraded with Rear View Camera, Leatherette & Cloth, Turbo Charged Engine, and Pioneer Sound System as standard equipment this year. Memory Seat(s), Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning, Smart Key, Rear Spoiler, and Navigation System features are now available as options on select trims.

LS stands for “luxury sport” and is what is featured in the names of most of the base models in the Chevy lineup.

Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder engine An all-new, fuel-efficient and powerful Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed transmission combination leads Malibu's powertrain lineup. It's rated at 197 horsepower (147 kW) and 191 lb. -ft.

Got it! Highs Attractive design, comfortable ride, playful chassis. Lows Subpar interior materials, weak standard features list, middling powertrain. Verdict The Malibu remains a competent mid-size sedan, but it's nowhere near as well-rounded as its newer competition.

In the beginning, LS stood for “Luxury Sport,” but now it's often the name of the base Chevy trim level, which also means it's the most affordable. LT stands for “Luxury Touring,” and it's usually the next step up from the base level.

The most common one you'll hear is that the LS stands for Luxury Sport. This comes from the use of LS and LT in the context of car trim levels ('LT' meaning Luxury Touring). While this is true of cars, we don't think that is what they were going for when they came up with the LS1 designation.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance Most Malibu models are propelled by a dutiful 163-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a CVT.

As you can see, after a deep dive into the reliability of each era of Chevy Malibu, the 2016 model seems to be the most reliable year overall. The most reliable safety features, efficient performance, and extensive array of happy customer reviews make it a clear choice over earlier model years.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance Most Malibu models are propelled by a dutiful 163-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a CVT.