Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Taurus
The Chevrolet Malibu is more fuel-efficient at 21 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Ford Taurus. At EPA assumptions that is about $150 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Taurus | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,005 | 1,264 |
| Most reported problem | Electrical system | Suspension |
| Crashes and fires | 51 and 1 | 115 and 18 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 70,000 miles | 73,000 miles |
| Recalls | 2 | 9 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City and highway | 18 and 26 | 17 and 25 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $3,350 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,005 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,264 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: 2 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 9 for the Ford Taurus.