The 2006 Malibu lasts only 150,000 miles with steering and suspension problems. At $4,025 – $5,125, it’s expensive for a sedan this old with a lot of reliability concerns.
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu a Good Used Car?
- No, 2006 is a bad year. Owners complain about expensive mechanical issues, being difficult to park, and a weak air conditioning system.
- Reliability ratings are below average. Avoid models from 2005-2006 and go with 2007–2009 models which have fewer complaints.
- Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder, but the largest V6 is relatively quick.
- The Malibu is a reasonably safe car getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Malibu?
- Consumer Reports finds the Malibu to be very outdated, with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Malibu a 4.3/5 liking the smooth ride, but disliking the cheap interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Malibu 4.3/5 as well and enjoy the comfortable seats, but find ownership costs high.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Have?
Problems with the 2006 Malibu are fairly serious including steering issues, brake sensor failures, and suspension noises.
Steering issues, including excessive noise, are the most common complaints showing up at around 50,000 miles. Excessive noise and play in the steering column happens and replacing the rack fixes the issue, costing over $1,400.
Brake sensor problems happen on a lot of Malibu’s at roughly 90,000 miles. Replacing the brake sensor solves the issue, but costs around $200.
Front suspension noises are widespread in the first 40,000 miles. Replacing the lower control arm will fix the problem, but prices are around $1,200.
There are 9 recalls with a lot of them being serious, including loss of power steering, and snapping transmission shift cables, which both increase the chance of an accident.
How Long Will the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Last?
A properly maintained 2006 Chevy Malibu will last about 150,000 miles, half as long as top competitors including the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are affordable according to Repair Pal, at $340 per year.
Malibu models from 2006 will likely have over 100,000 miles, so shoppers should be prepared to replace alternators costing $500, brake master cylinders for $350, and the powertrain control module which costs $550.
I do not think mine has any problems. My family members all drive the same thing and we all love our cars.
It is very reliable. All cars have problems but it took awhile before any problem occurred with the brakes.
I feel it is very reliable. Over the past year I have had it problems I have had were minor that any car would have.
I has no, mechanical problems. Basic wear and tear on breaks and such. The tires are bald but overall it's in great shape.
Under proper care and maintenance the car has run well and been reliable for over ten years. Although, there was a recall on electric steering components, but that has been the only problem.
It is a very reliable vehicle. I do not have any problems with it at this time. I would pick another Malibu to drive when I purchase another car.
It has been a very reliable car so far. After 120,000 miles, I have had minimal issues. I have had problems with the tires, and the gas gauge. The gas gauge does not read.
For having it for so long there are some issues. The coolant leaks, turn signals can sometimes not work, and the ac/heater does not function but it still transports fine.
How Much Is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,025 – $5,125, making the Malibu around $500 cheaper than a Nissan Altima or Mazda6. When new, the price range was $16,365 to $23,065. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Malibu?
There are four models of the Malibu available. Technology is very outdated with a complete redesign which adds a new infotainment system coming in 2008.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Power Windows & Locks
- AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 4 Speakers
LT adds some features including:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Remote Start System
- Improved 6-Speaker Stereo System
SS is the sport-focused model and has:
- 18-Inch Polished Alloy Wheels
- Cloth & Leather Seating
- Upgraded Sport Suspension
- Traction Control System
- Sport Seats
LTZ is the flagship luxury model featuring:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Sunroof
What Engines Come In the Malibu?
- The base engine is a very weak 2.2L 4-cylinder with only 144 horsepower, which gets up to 24 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more powerful 3.5L V6 which has 201 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG combined.
- The most powerful engine is the 3.9L V6 making 240 horsepower and getting up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking only 7.8 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Malibu Come In?
How Big Is the Malibu?
The 2006 Malibu is slightly larger than many other midsize sedans including the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion. Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin, with a lot of room for adults in the backseats.
Cargo space is great for a sedan, with 15.4 cubic feet of room in the trunk.
How Does the Malibu Compare to the Competition?
The Chevrolet Impala is a competitor from Chevy costing about $1,000 more. Where the Impala stands out is with more room and power, but the Malibu handles better. We don’t recommend either sedan since they both have a lot of mechanical issues.
The Toyota Camry is a top rated rival which costs about $1,200 more. Reliability ratings and interior materials are both nicer in the Camry, but the Malibu is roomier. We recommend the Camry since it will last longer.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Malibu?
Yes. It gets good gas mileage and it is a smooth ride. I love the way my car sits and how easy it is to figure out. I also love the steering wheel and the seats.
Yes, it drives good fast and smooth. I love the sound quality and the gas saver. I love how the seats adjust rather you want to be up high or sit very low and laid back. Very cool car.
Yes, I have had mine for over 1 year and I've had minor issues during the year. I feel safe with my daughter in this vehicle.
Yes it is a good strong reliable vehicle that has no issues, I love the features in, the car. The motor is strong, the parts are reliable, and fairly cheap the mechanics stand behind the work.
It is a decent vehicle. Gas mileage is okay, and it handles pretty well in nice conditions. The car is somewhat compact, so if you need to haul a lot of material that could be an issue.
I love it. It is a great vehicle. It is very reliable, gets good gas mileage. I would buy another one.
Excellent. It is reliable, fun to drive, big but not too big and has gotten me through a lot. I highly recommend it.
Yes. I've driven it since high school (8 years ago) and it is still functioning with no major repair issues. Some wear and tear but nothing of major concern and can easily be repaired.