The Chevrolet Malibu has been around for quite some time. As one of GM's most consistent and predictable mainstay vehicles, it also has become quite forgettable and has sunk into the background. While most customers and drivers seem to be happy, content, and satisfied with their Malibus, others have had various problems with them, ranging from minor electrical issues to major engine issues.

Further, there have been a lack of distinguishable or exciting features with the Chevy Malibu to attract new drivers to buying one. Very little about the Chevy Malibu warrants a second glance, and several people have even made suggestions to GM to modify and update the Malibu to make it more contemporary, distinguishable, and attractive.

The Malibu had an interesting origin, as it was initially tied Chevy Chevelle. The Chevy Malibu was a range-topping trim level of the Chevelle from 1964 to 1977, with added luxury and the same powerful V-8 engines as the Chevelle.

The Chevy Malibu was once a more prominent model for GM, but now it has faded into the automotive background to become more forgettable and less prominent.

It Needed More Distinguishable Features

Burgundy 1998 Chevy Malibu
via Kenny Norman

Admittedly, the Chevy Malibu could have been more noticeable. It certainly lacked any features that would have made it stand out, both to prospective customers and among the competition. After all, the Malibu has sometimes been described as “a forgettable midsized sedan from the 80s” as well as “not worth a second glance.” That said, the Malibu was always intended to be a street car, not a racing car.

One instance was recorded where the driver modified his 1982 Chevy Malibu with a modern fuel-injected V8 under the hood, painted the bumpers body-colored, tinted the windows, and bolted on a set of Torque Thrust style wheels, all in an attempt to give it more attractive features.

GM had made the decision to overhaul the Malibu, three years after the previous model's debut. Chevy even decided to make their 2016 version of the Malibu larger and sportier in order to compete with the competition, most notably the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or the Ford Fusion. The goal was to make the Malibu both more upscale and a more efficient alternative to segment leaders from Toyota and Honda.

Related: 2020 And 1969 Chevy Camaros Up For Grabs In Dream Giveaway Raffle

It Was Considered Boring To Drive

Dark Blue 2001 Chevy Malibu
via Kenny Norman

Unfortunately, there was little appeal for drivers to actually drive a Malibu, and driving a Malibu came across as “boring.” After all, the Malibu is considered more forgettable than other cars because it fails to stand out in the mid-size class, necessitating a makeover that promises to bring more excitement to Chevy’s mid-sizer.

Critics have complained that both the driving experience and the appearance of the Malibu are boring because it lacks any lovable standout features. One critic, Jason Torchinsky, said, “While there’s nothing out-and-out horrible about this car, I just can’t imagine actually desiring one. You’d be delighted if someone up and gave you the Malibu Turbo, but if that same generous somebody gave you the cash, I really doubt this would be the car anyone in the Jaloposphere would pick.”

Some features critics note are boring are mediocre acceleration from the base 1.5-liter engine, low-speed lurches from the transmission, and distracting sun reflections from the interior trim. Thankfully, the Malibu has been modified twice since 2013, mainly involving the engine and other specifications under the hood.

Related: The Hidden Truth Behind The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

There Could Be More To It

White 2004 Chevy Malibu
via Kenny Norman

One thing about the Malibu is that it doesn't quite live up to its potential; it could offer more than it does. While the current, eighth-generation Chevy Malibu is an improvement over previous years' models, it can still have more modifications. The Malibu may have an attractive and tasteful design, but the competition features cars like the Kia Optima, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and even the new Chrysler 200 with even more of a modern, sporty design. Said competition also offers more extravagant, luxury, extensive interior features, such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear air vents, and a panoramic sunroof, not to mention more advanced and detailed safety technology. Speaking of the interior, space, especially in the back seat, has become quite the complaint with newer Malibus. Larger interior dimensions would make for a more pleasant passenger experience.

Engine, Transmission, and Electrical Problems Arise

Gray Chrome 2015 Chevy Malibu
via Kenny Norman

Sadly, there have been many complaints drivers have noted regarding the Malibu's engine, transmission, and electrical system. Malibus have lost power when driving or would be slow to accelerate, even going so far as to stall sometimes. The vehicle dashboard will show “reduced engine power” and the check engine light will appear, slowing the vehicle to almost a complete stop. Worst of all, drivers report that the above scenarios have each happened more than once.

The transmission has also had issues, resulting in the vehicle being unable to be placed in park. Many drivers find that getting the Malibu into Park can be a difficult task. When drivers can’t get the Malibu to recognize that it is in park, it’s also hard to turn it off. Drivers resulted to shifting in and out of park to get the car to shut off. With the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu in particular, having all the lights and electronics functioning seems to be an issue. Drivers have noted difficulty with the power windows, radio and the Passenger Presence System (PPS), which offers faulty airbag information.

Sources: topspeed.com, jalopnik.com, edmunds.com, gmauthority.com, lemberglaw.com,

Next: Chevy Announces 2021 Corvette Options, Features, And Updates