What colors did the Chevy Malibu come in?
The Malibu’s exterior color options have varied across decades, reflecting changing design trends and paint technology. Buyers could choose a broad spectrum—from neutrals and metallics to bold blues and reds—though exact shade names and availability shifted by model year and trim. This article highlights the general color families Malibu customers could expect in its major production eras and notes where specifics depended on year-by-year options.
1964-1983 Malibu: The classic era
Two-tone schemes and era-specific palettes
During the classic era, many models offered two-tone paint schemes in addition to solid colors, with Chevrolet rotating through a wide set of shades as the lineup evolved.
Common color families included:
- White
- Black
- Blue
- Green
- Red
- Gold/Beige
- Silver/Gray
- Brown/Tan
Availability and shade names varied by year and region; for precise options, consult year-specific brochures or dealer archives.
1997-2003 Malibu
Palette highlights for late-1990s to early-2000s
In this period, Malibu color selections leaned toward soft neutrals and metallics, with both lighter and darker shades offered across trims.
Common color families:
- White
- Black
- Gray/Silver
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Gold/Tan
- Beige/Brown
Exact shade names and availability varied by year and trim; year-specific brochures are the best reference for precise options.
2004-2007 Malibu
Mid-2000s color offerings
The mid-2000s brought refreshed styling and a mix of neutrals, metallics, and brighter tones across Malibu trims.
Common color families:
- White
- Black
- Gray/Silver
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Gold/Bronze
- Beige/Tan
- Brown
As always, exact shade names and availability depended on the model year and trim package.
2008-2012 Malibu
Continued evolution with metallics
By the late 2000s, metallic paints and a broader spectrum of hues were common, expanding the palette alongside standard neutrals.
Common color families:
- White
- Black
- Gray/Silver
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Gold/Bronze
- Beige/Tan
Two-tone options were less common in this era, though some trims offered special editions with unique color combinations.
2013-2015 Malibu
Modern palette with metallics and jewel tones
This period featured a sleeker palette with metallic finishes and richer tones designed to match a sharper design language.
Common color families:
- White
- Black
- Gray/Silver
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Gold/Beige
Shade names varied by year, with some metallics and specialty finishes offered on select trims.
2016-2023 Malibu
Broad metallic palette with refreshed hues
In the final production run, Chevrolet offered a wide range of exterior colors, including many metallics and brighter tones, alongside standard neutrals.
Common color families:
- White
- Black
- Gray/Silver
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Gold/Bronze
- Beige/Tan
Note: The Malibu was discontinued after the 2023 model year; there are no 2024 or newer Malibu models in the U.S. lineup.
Summary
The Chevy Malibu’s color options reflect decades of automotive design trends, from classic two-tone schemes to modern metallics and bold hues. Across generations, buyers could choose from a broad mix of White, Black, Gray/Silver, Blue, Red, Green, Gold/Bronze, and Beige/Tan, with exact shade names and popularity shifting by year and trim. For precise color availability, consult year-specific Chevrolet brochures or dealer archives, especially for older generations and discontinued models.
What colors do Chevy Malibu come in?
Paint Color Options
Exterior color options include Mosaic Black Metallic, Dark Ash Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Northsky Blue Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat. Few midsize sedans are as good-looking as the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu.
Why is Chevy discontinuing Malibu?
Chevy is discontinuing the Malibu primarily because of a company-wide shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and the declining popularity of sedans in favor of SUVs and trucks. The production plant where the Malibu is built will be retooled to produce more EVs, like the next version of the Bolt.
- Shift to EVs: Chevrolet's and other sources indicate a strategic move to focus on electric vehicles. The Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas is being retooled to prepare for the return of the Bolt EV.
- Declining sedan demand: There has been a significant decline in consumer demand for sedans as many buyers have moved toward larger, more profitable vehicles like SUVs and trucks.
- Increased focus on trucks and SUVs: As consumer preferences have changed, Chevy has prioritized the production of SUVs and trucks, which have become more profitable and popular.
What colors does the 2025 Malibu come in?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers a sophisticated palette of exterior color options to suit various preferences. The lineup includes striking choices such as Summit White, Mineral Gray, Mosaic Black, and Sterling Gray. For drivers seeking bolder options, Radiant Red and Lakeshore Blue make powerful statements.
What year Malibu to stay away from?
You should stay away from the 1998-2003 fifth-generation Chevrolet Malibus and the 2014 model due to a high number of reliability issues, including cooling system leaks, electrical problems, and transmission issues. Other models to be cautious of are the 2010-2016 models, which are frequently cited for transmission problems like hard shifting and hesitation, and the 2016-2017 models with 1.5L engines due to performance issues.
Models to avoid
- 1998-2003 (Fifth generation): This generation is frequently mentioned for its high number of complaints, especially related to the cooling system, but also has issues with the electrical system, immobilizer, steering, and suspension.
- 2014: This model year received "Much Worse" reliability scores across the board from Consumer Reports.
- 2010-2016: Many owners report transmission problems, such as hard shifting, hesitation, and slipping, often linked to a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM) or other internal issues.
- 2016-2017 (1.5L engine): These models experienced sluggish performance and hesitation, which was often caused by a displaced high-pressure fuel pump rollover pin.
Other years and issues to note
- 2004-2005: These models had similar problems to the earlier fifth generation, though 2006 and 2007 showed improvements.
- 2008: While better than previous years, this redesign still received average or below-average reliability ratings.
- 2016-2019: These models can experience water leaks from a loose third brake light, leading to headliner stains and trunk water.
- 2022-2023: These years have been subject to recalls for a structural issue with the front impact bar not being properly welded.
