Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Nissan Altima
$483
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Chevrolet Malibu
$532
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
4
Above Average
The Nissan Altima Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $483 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Altima.
4
Excellent
The Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $532 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Malibu is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
The Nissan Altima ranks highest in safety and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
86% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“Bought my 93 Altima 8/2001 had 89,000 miles at the time. Now 10 years later 303,000 miles and running strong. Dig this 5 speed with original clutch. Great car”
“Bought my 93 Altima 8/2001 had 89,000 miles at the time. Now 10 years later 303,000 miles and...”
The Chevrolet Malibu ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in comfort.
83% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“I have had this car for 6 years, bought it new with 88,000 miles on it. I can't say that all I ever changed was the oil, but for the most part, I guess the car has been reliable. Last year's...”
“I have had this car for 6 years, bought it new with 88,000 miles on it. I can't say that all I...”
The Chevrolet Malibu and the Nissan Altima are two midsize, four-door sedans. Both the Malibu and Altima come with front-wheel drive.
In both standard and optional engines, the Nissan Altima outdoes the Chevrolet Malibu. The Altima’s standard engine has 182 horsepower, more than the Malibu’s standard 160. In the optional engine department, the Altima’s 270 horsepower tops the Malibu’s 250-horsepower optional engine. The Malibu does offer an economical hybrid-powered version.
These two sedans are close in terms of interior space. The Malibu’s 102.9 cubic feet inside comes in just a bit ahead of the Altima’s 100.5 cubic feet. When you measure their trunks, the Malibu provides 15.8 cubic feet, a tiny bit more than the Altima’s 15.4. Both the Malibu and the Altima are spacious, with good-sized trunks.
The choice between the Chevrolet Malibu and the Nissan Altima boils down mostly to personal preference. The Altima does offer more power across the board, but the Malibu lets you have a hybrid if you wish. Drive them both and see which one you prefer.