Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Taurus
The Chevrolet Malibu is more fuel-efficient at 25 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Ford Taurus. At EPA assumptions that is about $650 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Taurus | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,386 | 1,005 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Cruise control |
| Crashes and fires | 67 and 38 | 62 and 13 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 89,000 miles | 90,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 25 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City and highway | 21 and 32 | 18 and 25 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,700 | $3,350 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,386 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,005 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, 0 for the Ford Taurus.