Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Contour
The Ford Contour is more fuel-efficient at 25 MPG combined, against 24 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. At EPA assumptions that is about $100 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Contour | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,480 | 1,189 |
| Most reported problem | Brakes | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 53 and 6 | 56 and 23 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 70,000 miles | 81,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 9 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| City and highway | 20 and 30 | 21 and 32 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,800 | $2,700 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,480 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,189 for the Ford Contour. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 3 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 9 for the Ford Contour.