Chevrolet Malibu vs Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is more fuel-efficient at 36 MPG combined, against 30 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. At EPA assumptions that is about $400 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Honda Civic | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,228 | 898 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Steering |
| Crashes and fires | 35 and 6 | 42 and 4 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 46,000 miles | 30,000 miles |
| Recalls | 6 | 6 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 30 MPG | 36 MPG |
| City and highway | 27 and 36 | 32 and 42 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,250 | $1,850 |
| NHTSA overall safety |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,228 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 898 for the Honda Civic. 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.
NHTSA's overall safety ratings: 5 stars for the Chevrolet Malibu, 5 stars for the Honda Civic.
Safety recalls on file: 6 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 6 for the Honda Civic.