Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Taurus
The Chevrolet Malibu is more fuel-efficient at 24 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Ford Taurus. At EPA assumptions that is about $550 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Taurus | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,480 | 680 |
| Most reported problem | Brakes | Cruise control |
| Crashes and fires | 53 and 6 | 75 and 17 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 70,000 miles | 90,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 24 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City and highway | 20 and 30 | 17 and 24 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,800 | $3,350 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,480 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 680 for the Ford Taurus. 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, 2 for the Ford Taurus.