2011 Chevrolet Malibu

Base MSRP: $21,975 to $27,165

Reviewed

July 2011

Pros

Stylish exterior and interior
Good build quality and materials
Lengthy warranty
Good four-cylinder fuel economy

Cons

Base engine feels underpowered
V6 fuel economy is nothing special
Long-term reliability still slightly lags

Our Analysis

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu gets several nods from reviewers, but an underpowered base engine -- and so-so fuel economy from the step-up engine – relegate it to runner-up status behind leading family cars like the 2011 Hyundai Sonata (Base MSRP: $19,395 to $27,245). The Malibu hasn't changed much since its redesign a few years ago; see our detailed report on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (*Est. $21,605 to $26,880) for more information.

All trims get a six-speed automatic

The 2011 Malibu gets a six-speed automatic transmission standard on all trim levels. The base four-cylinder engine gets an estimated 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, and the V6 returns 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

Performs well in government and independent safety tests

The federal government strengthened its crash tests this year, and the 2011 Malibu now earns 4 stars out of 5 overall, with 5 stars for side crash protection and 4 stars in front crash and rollover avoidance tests. In separate crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Malibu still earns the highest rating of "good" in all tests, making it a Top Safety Pick there. Antilock brakes, traction and stability control and front, front-side and curtain airbags all come standard.

Base prices rise slightly this year. The base 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS starts at $21,975 (up $150 from last year), and the range-topping Malibu LTZ stickers for $27,165 (up $210).

expand

collapse

Our Sources

1. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com enumerates the minor changes the Mazda6 gets for 2011. Editors say it's a roomy, sportier alternative to other family sedans, although its fuel economy lags behind the class leaders.

Review: 2011 Mazda Mazda6, Editors of Edmunds.com

2. IIHS.org

In independent crash tests here, the Mazda6's scores lag behind its rivals'. It gets the highest rating of "good" in front and side crash tests, but its ratings drop to "acceptable" for rollover roof strength and "marginal" for rear crash protection.

Review: Mazda6, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

3. SaferCar.gov

The 2011 Mazda6 has not yet been fully crash-tested under the federal government's tougher new standards. The only rating available at the time of this update was for rollover resistance, for which the Mazda6 gets a perfect 5 stars.

Review: 2011 Mazda Mazda6 4DR FWD, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

4. FuelEconomy.gov

You'll find EPA fuel economy ratings here for most cars sold in the U.S. The 2011 Mazda6 delivers 21 to 25 mpg overall, depending on which powertrain you choose.

Review: 2011 Mazda6, U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency

5. ConsumerSearch.com

The Mazda6 has seen very minor alterations since its 2009 redesign. Our full analysis of the 2009 model has links to several expert reviews of the Mazda6.

Review: 2009 Mazda6, Editors of ConsumerSearch.com, April 2009

2012 Honda Accord Base MSRP: $21,380 to $29,630

9 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2013 Ford Taurus Base MSRP: $26,600 to $39,200

8 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2012 Dodge Charger Base MSRP: $25,495 to $45,795

7 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…

2012 Hyundai Sonata Base MSRP: $19,795 to $28,195

7 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2012 Volkswagen Passat Base MSRP: $19,995 to $32,950

6 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…

2012 Toyota Avalon Base MSRP: $33,195 to $36,435