Why is the Chevrolet Malibu being discontinued?
General Motors has announced that the Chevrolet Malibu, a mid-size sedan that has been in production since 1964, will be discontinued after the 2024 model year. This decision reflects the broader shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers, as well as the challenges faced by traditional sedans in the current automotive market.
Declining Sedan Sales
The Chevrolet Malibu, like many other mid-size sedans, has seen a significant decline in sales in recent years. According to industry data, sedan sales in the United States have dropped by over 50% since 2012, as consumers have increasingly opted for larger, more versatile vehicles such as SUVs and crossovers. 3 This shift in consumer preferences has put significant pressure on automakers to reevaluate their product lineups and focus on the segments that are driving the most demand.
Shift Towards SUVs and Crossovers
The rise in popularity of SUVs and crossovers has been a major factor in the decline of traditional sedans. These larger, more spacious vehicles offer consumers greater utility, increased cargo capacity, and a higher driving position, which many find more appealing than the lower-profile, more compact design of sedans. 3 As a result, automakers have been investing heavily in developing and marketing their SUV and crossover offerings, often at the expense of their sedan models.
Competitive Landscape
The mid-size sedan market has become increasingly competitive, with a wide range of options available to consumers. While the Chevrolet Malibu has been a long-standing player in this segment, it has faced stiff competition from other popular models such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. 3 As these competitors have continued to innovate and improve their offerings, the Malibu has struggled to maintain its market share, leading to the decision to discontinue the model.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Chevrolet Malibu is a reflection of the broader changes taking place in the automotive industry. As consumer preferences shift towards larger, more versatile vehicles, automakers like General Motors are being forced to reevaluate their product lineups and focus on the segments that are driving the most demand. While the Malibu has been a reliable and popular mid-size sedan for decades, its declining sales and the competitive landscape have ultimately led to the decision to discontinue the model after the 2024 model year.
Will there be a 2025 Malibu?
The price of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts at $26,995 and goes up to $32,695 depending on the trim and options. We recommend buying the LT trim, as it includes more standard features than the lowly LS.
What car replaced the Malibu?
Chevy Bolt EV
The future model replacing the Malibu production line in Kansas will be the next-gen Chevy Bolt EV that GM previously announced is coming in 2025 or 2026.
What is the issue with the Chevy Malibu?
Some Chevy Malibu models are known to have engine problems, like oil leaks, whistling, low idling, extreme vibration and even fires. Malibu engines in 2016 and 2018 models are known to experience a sudden loss of engine power from a defective accelerator position sensor.
What is Chevy replacing Malibu with?
2025 Chevy Bolt
The Detroit-based company is reviving the Bolt with a higher-performance model, which the Malibu factory will produce going forward when the final sedan is produced. The 2025 Chevy Bolt is hailed as the flagship vehicle for the next generation of GM cars.
Is it worth it to buy a Chevy Malibu?
Chevrolet Malibu Highlights
Compared to more expensive competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Malibu offers a more affordable yet still highly valuable alternative. The new Chevrolet Malibu has a reliability score of 80/100 from J.D. Power and the 2022 model year has 82/100.
Will there be a 2024 Malibu?
The 2024 Malibu is an exceptional mix of eye-catching exterior style and a comfortable, sculpted interior with refined touches throughout.
Why is Chevy getting rid of Malibu?
Emphasis on environmentally friendly vehicles and reduced carbon emissions have opened the door for powerful and versatile EVs. New tax incentives also encourage consumers to consider switching to an electric vehicle. This focus on EVs means we have to say goodbye to popular vehicles like the Chevy Malibu.
Is Chevy Malibu a good buy?
Compared to more expensive competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Malibu offers a more affordable yet still highly valuable alternative. The new Chevrolet Malibu has a reliability score of 80/100 from J.D. Power and the 2022 model year has 82/100.
What is the lawsuit on the Chevy Malibu?
In January 2022, Judge Paul W. Grimm approved a dismissal with prejudice in a class action lawsuit against General Motors that alleged the company hid a defect in its Chevy Malibu that can cause a sudden and dangerous loss of power.
What is the life expectancy of a Malibu?
What Is the Chevy Malibu Lifespan? Like any vehicle, the lifespan of the Malibu depends on a wide range of factors that we can't go into here. However, we can say that most Malibus make it past 100,000 miles and even up to 150,000 miles without experiencing significant problems.
